The latest Apple M3 Pro chip shows a measurable improvement over last year’s M2 Pro in preliminary impressions from Geekbench 6 tests, as reported by MacRumors based on early benchmarking data.
One of the first M3 Pro–based MacBooks logged scores in Geekbench 6 that highlight a clear advantage in single‑core performance. The processor attained 3035 points in single‑core tests, representing roughly a 14% uplift compared with the M2 Pro. In multi‑core testing, the M3 Pro reached 15173 points, with MacRumors noting a more modest increase of about 6% over its predecessor. These figures illustrate how architectural refinements and a newer manufacturing process can translate into practical gains, even when the core count remains similar in some product lines. The results come from early hands‑on reporting circulating within the benchmarking community, as summarized by MacRumors.
In terms of core architecture, both chips share a 12‑core configuration, but the distribution differs: the M3 Pro pairs six high‑performance cores with six efficiency cores, whereas the M2 Pro combines eight high‑performance cores with four efficiency cores. This structural shift helps explain the observed performance dynamics. Although the M3 Pro is built on a 3‑nanometer process node, the reduction in performance cores appears to temper some of the expected gains, especially in multi‑threaded workloads where peak core count has a larger impact. Analysts and enthusiasts will watch how these core‑level decisions affect real‑world tasks such as compiling code, running virtual machines, and heavy creative workloads.
MacRumors adds that the M3 Pro also provides about 25% less memory bandwidth and ships with one graphics processing unit fewer than the M2 Pro. These factors can influence sustained performance in memory‑intensive applications and certain graphics‑heavy scenarios, even as increases in efficiency cores contribute to overall efficiency. The takeaway for prospective buyers is to consider the balance between core performance, memory bandwidth, and GPU headroom when selecting a MacBook Pro configuration for demanding tasks.
On a related note, Apple has previously communicated efforts to tackle battery discharge concerns seen in some Apple Watch models, signaling a broader push to optimize power management across its device lineup. Industry observers will be watching how these strategic adjustments translate into longer battery life under typical usage, as well as how they affect the perceived value of the M3 Pro family in practical workflows.
Overall, early Geekbench 6 data suggest the M3 Pro delivers meaningful improvements over the M2 Pro in single‑thread performance and solid gains in multi‑thread throughput, while architectural changes and a tighter core count nuance the extent of those advantages. For professionals evaluating a move to the M3 Pro, the real‑world impact will hinge on workloads, thermals, memory configuration, and the software ecosystem that can exploit the newer architecture. As more independent tests roll in, the comparative picture will become clearer, helping users in Canada, the United States, and beyond decide which Apple Silicon configuration best matches their creative and productivity needs.
In summary, while the M3 Pro does not simply outpace the M2 Pro in every metric, it demonstrates a meaningful leap in single‑core responsiveness and a respectable improvement across multi‑core performance, tempered by core count distribution and memory bandwidth considerations. The practical effect is that many tasks may feel snappier, especially those that rely on sustained CPU efficiency and optimized single‑thread performance, making the M3 Pro a compelling option for power users who rely on macOS for demanding workloads.
Sources note that the current data reflects early test results and that real‑world performance will vary with system configuration, cooling, and the specific workloads used in benchmarks. Readers should await broader independent testing to form a comprehensive view of how the M3 Pro stacks up against not only the M2 Pro but also competing high‑end laptop CPUs.