Apple M3 and the State of CPUs | Digits to Dollars

Commentary on the state of the CPU market, reflecting on Apple's recent launch of the M3. Many were impressed by the fact they launched three versions all at once, but I hadn't considered the costs of doing that.

This is somewhat staggering, as we have to assume that tape out costs alone for the three has to be close to $1 billion. Very few companies can afford this large an undertaking.

The assessment is less technical and more market focused, and highlights how Apple has successfully moved into a space all of their own.

Which leads to our broader view of the market. As we detailed in our earlier notes there are really two different sides of the PC market – Apple and everyone else.

To me, Apple in the CPU market seems very similar to Tesla in the auto market. Just playing a different game, and gaining ground while everyone else is still playing the old game.