- Research suggests IBM’s 53-qubit quantum computer, launched in 2019, was one of the most powerful commercially available at that time.
- More advanced quantum computers with higher qubit counts have surpassed it, but it was significant for its era.
- The evidence leans toward its importance in early quantum research, especially for cloud accessibility and applications like material simulation.
IBM’s 53-qubit quantum computer, introduced in 2019, marked a notable advancement in quantum computing, particularly for being one of the most powerful machines available for commercial use at that time.
This machine was accessible via the cloud, allowing researchers and companies to run applications, which was a pioneering move.
Still, its historical role in pushing forward quantum research, especially in areas like simulating quantum materials, remains significant.
Historical Context
In 2019, IBM’s 53-qubit quantum computer was a leap forward, offering more than twice the qubits of its predecessor (20 qubits) and enabling complex computations that were previously challenging.
It was part of IBM’s strategy to move quantum computing from isolated labs to widespread use, with a new Quantum Computation Center in New York State housing multiple systems, including this one.
Current Relevance
As of April 2025, research indicates that IBM and other companies have developed quantum computers with over 100 qubits, and plans are in place for systems exceeding 1,000 qubits.
This suggests that the 53-qubit machine is no longer among the most powerful, but its early contributions to the field, such as enabling research into quantum materials and optimization problems, are still recognized.
The 53-Qubit Machine: A Milestone in 2019
IBM’s 53-qubit quantum computer was a significant upgrade from its previous 20-qubit model, doubling the computational capacity.
Each additional qubit exponentially increases the potential states a quantum computer can handle, with 53 qubits theoretically managing over 9 quadrillion states simultaneously.
This capability stems from the quantum property of superposition, where qubits can exist in multiple states (0 and 1) at once, unlike classical bits.
The machine was not just about raw power; it introduced new techniques to reduce interference and error rates, crucial for maintaining quantum computations’ integrity.
Accessibility was another key feature, with IBM making it available via the cloud, a move that began in 2016 and was expanded with a new Quantum Computation Center in New York State.
This center, announced alongside the 53-qubit system, was designed to house 14 quantum computers, including five 20-qubit systems and the new 53-qubit model, with a promised 95% service availability.
Applications and Early Impact
The 53-qubit quantum computer was instrumental in early quantum research, particularly in areas where classical computers struggled.
Researchers utilized it for simulating quantum materials, a process that could lead to breakthroughs in superconductivity and other quantum phenomena.
For instance, a study highlighted its use in modeling quantum systems, demonstrating the benefits of early quantum devices for scientific exploration (Researchers Make Quantum Material Using 53-Qubit IBM Quantum Processor and Qiskit).
Other applications included solving optimization problems, relevant for logistics and finance, and exploring quantum machine learning algorithms.
These efforts, while still experimental, showcased the potential for quantum computing to tackle problems intractable for classical systems, such as simulating complex molecules for drug discovery or optimizing financial portfolios.
Quality Over Quantity
A common assumption in 2019 was that more qubits automatically meant a better quantum computer.
However, this view oversimplifies the technology. While the 53-qubit machine was powerful, its effectiveness was limited by factors like coherence time (how long qubits maintain their quantum state) and error rates.
Even with 53 qubits, the system was noisy, meaning errors could accumulate, reducing usable computational power.
This nuance is critical, as quantum error correction techniques were still in their infancy, and the actual performance depended on more than just qubit count.
Evidence from the time, such as IBM’s introduction of a “quantum volume” formula, underscored this point.
Quantum volume considers both the number of qubits and error rates, providing a more holistic measure of a quantum computer’s capability.
For example, the 53-qubit system, while impressive, was part of a field where achieving practical, fault-tolerant quantum computing remained a distant goal, highlighting that raw qubit count was not the sole determinant of success.
The Race for Quantum Supremacy
In 2019, the quantum computing landscape was marked by a race for “quantum supremacy,” the point where a quantum computer could outperform the best classical computers on specific tasks.
Google claimed this milestone with its 53-qubit Sycamore processor, asserting it completed a task in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer 10,000 years.
IBM, however, challenged this, arguing that with optimized algorithms, the task could be done on a classical system in 2.5 days, sparking a debate about what constitutes quantum supremacy (IBM casts doubt on Google’s claims of quantum supremacy).
This controversy underscored the experimental nature of the field in 2019, with IBM’s 53-qubit machine playing a role in pushing boundaries, even if it didn’t immediately achieve supremacy.
It was a step toward broader utility, with Dario Gil, Director of IBM Research, emphasizing the goal of moving quantum computing “beyond isolated lab experiments conducted by a handful of organizations, into the hands of tens of thousands of users” (IBM Opens Quantum Computation Center in New York).
Progress by 2025: A New Era
By April 2025, the quantum computing landscape has evolved significantly. IBM has introduced systems with over 100 qubits, such as the “Heron” processor, and is planning for even larger systems, with announcements of aiming for 1,121 qubits with the Condor processor and future goals of 100,000 qubits by 2033 (An IBM Quantum Computer Will Soon Pass the 1,000-Qubit Mark, IBM will release the largest ever quantum computer in 2025).
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, reflecting the field’s maturation (2025 is the year of quantum science; what that’s all about).
These advancements suggest that the 53-qubit machine, while groundbreaking in 2019, is no longer among the most powerful commercially available in 2025.
However, its role in early research, particularly in enabling cloud-based quantum experiments and fostering academic partnerships, remains a foundational contribution.
For example, researchers relied on the Qiskit software community for support, highlighting the ecosystem’s growth around such systems (Researchers Make Quantum Material Using 53-Qubit IBM Quantum Processor and Qiskit).
Detailed Comparison: Then and Now
To illustrate the evolution, consider the following table comparing IBM’s 53-qubit system from 2019 with current offerings in 2025:
| Feature | 2019 (53-Qubit) | 2025 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Qubit Count | 53 | Over 100 (e.g., Heron processor) |
| Accessibility | Cloud-based, 95% availability | Cloud-based, expanded network |
| Error Reduction | New techniques introduced | Significant improvements, e.g., 5x better in Heron |
| Applications | Early research, material simulation | Advanced research, machine learning, optimization |
| Future Plans | Part of 14-system fleet | Aiming for 1,121+ qubits, 100,000 by 2033 |
This table highlights how the field has scaled, with current systems building on the foundation laid by the 53-qubit machine.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
IBM’s 53-qubit quantum computer was a pivotal moment in 2019, representing not just an increase in computational power but also a commitment to accessibility and collaboration.
While it may not hold the title of the most powerful in 2025, its contributions to early quantum research, particularly in simulating quantum materials and solving optimization problems, are undeniable.
As the field continues to advance, with goals of fault-tolerant quantum computing and practical applications on the horizon, the legacy of this machine serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and the potential yet to be unlocked.
References
- IBM’s new 53-qubit quantum computer is the most powerful machine you can use (MIT Technology Review)
- IBM’s biggest-yet 53-qubit quantum computer will come online in October (CNET)
- IBM will soon launch a 53-qubit quantum computer (TechCrunch)
- IBM Announces New and Improved 53-Qubit Quantum Computer (Tom’s Hardware)
- IBM aims to scale quantum computing with new center, 53-qubit system (ZDNET)
