Apple’s supply chain is readying for the launch of new iPhone and Mac models later this year, says a preview of an upcoming DigiTimes report.
“Semiconductor backend houses, such as leading OSAT ASE Technology Holdings (ASEH) and test interface specialist CHPT, are expected to see sales growths in the third quarter of 2023, as Apple’s supply chain gears up preparations for the upcoming launch of new iPhones and Mac devices, according to industry sources,” the preview reads.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman earlier this month said Apple’s first M3-powered Macs could debut as early as October. So, it would make sense for Apple’s supply chain to be gearing up for the devices in the third quarter.
Gurman said his sources tell him an October event will follow Apple’s iPhone 15 series announcement in September. He says that the state of Apple’s current product lineup indicates Apple will focus on new Macs with M3 chips.
Gurman said the first M3-powered Macs will likely be the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac. He also said the Mac mini and 15-inch MacBook Air should also eventually receive an M3 update.
The M3 chip is expected to be fabricated using chipmaking partner TSMC’s 3nm process, which will result in significant performance and power efficiency improvements over the 5nm-based M2 chip Apple currently uses. TSMC kicked off mass production of 3nm chips in late December 2022.