Apple M2 SoC is in production -- product launches in July?

A report from Asia Nikkei reveals a higher-end version of Apple's in-house Silicon has entered production. The news source claims TSMC is now manufacturing higher-performance chips for Apple, using the 5nm Plus (N5P) process. These chips are known among enthusiasts as the M2 -- although it's still unknown if that's the name Apple will use.

M2 ready for July launch

With the chip in mass production, Apple is one step closer to firing the next salvo of its switch to ARM. Half a year ago, the company introduced new laptops and a Mac mini with the M1 SoC. Last week, Apple followed up with a 24-inch iMac, the first computer in Apple's lineup with both the M1 SoC and a new design. While the M1 is basically an entry-level offering in Apple's product lineup, it performs surprisingly well and spelled trouble for AMD and Intel.

With the M2, Apple will be able to launch faster MacBook Pro laptops. Nikkei Asia claims the M2 could start shipping by July 2021. This points to a possible announcement at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 7, 2021.

We could see higher-performance 13" MacBook Pro laptops, as well as the first 14" and/or 16" MacBook Pro laptops with Apple Silicon. The chip could also be used by larger iMac computers. The Mac Pro will likely have to wait for an even faster version of Apple Silicon.

It will be interesting to see what Apple can achieve with the M2.