Apple M5 Pro chipset to feature separate CPU and GPU for server-grade performance

Unlike past SoCs, Apple is reportedly planning to separate the CPU and GPU in its upcoming M-series chips to take advantage of TSMC's latest chip-packaging technology, known as SoIC-mH.

In Short

• Apple might step away from its fully integrated SoC design
• There could be a major change to the SoC design of Apple’s M5 Pro chipset
• This change is reportedly being made for better performance and improved production yields

Apple is known for its system-on-a-chip (SoC) design, a core feature of its A-series and M-series chips. This design integrates key components like the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) into a single chip. Apple has improved performance and power efficiency across its devices by combining these components and tuning them in tandem. However, a recent report by well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests a major shift with the upcoming M5 Pro chip. Apple might step away from its fully integrated SoC design and instead adopt a new approach that separates the CPU and GPU.

This change is reportedly being made for two key reasons — better performance and improved production yields. By separating the CPU and GPU, Apple can take advantage of TSMC’s latest chip-packaging technology, known as SoIC-mH (System-on-Integrated-Chips-Molding-Horizontal). This advanced method of packaging chipsets is said to significantly improve thermal performance, which means the chip can run at full power for longer periods without overheating. Additionally, the SoIC-mH process reportedly reduces manufacturing defects, resulting in higher-quality chips and fewer production losses.

According to Kuo, this new design will not only be used in the M5 Pro but also the M5 Max and M5 Ultra variants. These high-end chips will be built on TSMC’s N3P node, an advanced chip-manufacturing process. Mass production timelines suggest the base M5 chip will roll out in the first half of 2025, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max later that year, and the M5 Ultra in 2026.

Interestingly, the report also ties this development to Apple’s plans for artificial intelligence (AI). The M5 Pro chip is expected to power Apple Intelligence servers, part of the company’s Private Cloud Compute (PCC) infrastructure. These servers are designed for AI inferencing, a critical function for processing AI-driven tasks. Once these high-end chips are ready, Apple plans to ramp up its AI infrastructure, furthering its ambitions in the AI space.

This potential shift in design is a significant departure from Apple’s usual approach. While Apple hasn’t confirmed these plans, the rumoured changes show that the company wants to adapt and innovate with time. It also highlights the growing complexity of balancing performance, efficiency, and production challenges in the tech industry.