Mac Pro: Apple was thinking of a new model and two ChiExtreme chips

Apple has reportedly considered introducing a new model of its high-end Mac Pro workstation, with plans for two specialized “Extreme” chips designed to power the company’s most powerful desktop computers. However, these ambitious projects were ultimately abandoned, according to reports from financial news agency Bloomberg. The decision came after Apple had already decided earlier this year to discontinue the Mac Pro lineup entirely, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy for its professional computing segment. The Mac Pro, which has long been targeted at professionals requiring substantial memory and processing power, was last updated in early 2023 and continued to be sold unchanged despite the introduction of newer Apple Silicon processors. Internal documents suggest Apple explored multiple avenues for upgrading the Mac Pro, including the development of two ultra-high-performance chips, initially referred to as “M2 Extreme” and later “M3 Extreme”, each with Ultra variants. These chips were intended to double the number of graphics and processor cores compared to existing models, offering unprecedented performance for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. Despite these efforts, Apple opted to cancel both chip projects due to cost concerns and uncertainty over market demand. The company had also planned to introduce new configurations of the Mac Pro under codenames J170 and J190, though none of these prototypes ever reached production. Additionally, internal discussions hinted at the possibility of reintroducing an Intel-based version of the Mac Pro, which would have allowed users to install additional GPU cards, an option that had become increasingly rare in recent years. The discontinuation of the Mac Pro has shifted the focus toward Apple’s more compact Mac Studio, which now holds the title of the fastest desktop computer in Apple’s lineup. Following the end of the Mac Pro line, Apple released versions of the Mac Studio equipped with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips in early 2025. However, several large configurations were removed from sale due to a memory shortage affecting supply chains. While the Mac Studio lacks direct expansion options, it offers a streamlined design and improved performance, making it a compelling alternative for many users previously reliant on the Mac Pro. Throughout its history, the Mac Pro has been a polarizing product, often criticized for its complex form factor and limited availability. Early iterations, such as the infamous “cheese grater” design, drew praise for their expandability but also faced challenges in manufacturing and user accessibility. Over time, Apple simplified the design with the “trash can” model and eventually introduced the current Mac Studio variant, which sacrifices some customization for a more compact footprint. Despite these changes, the Mac Pro remained a symbol of Apple’s commitment to high-performance computing for creative professionals. Looking ahead, Bloomberg suggests Apple is now focusing on developing an M5 Ultra chip for the next generation of the Mac Studio, potentially launching it later this year or early next. This chip could pave the way for even more advanced capabilities, including up to 1.5 terabytes of RAM and enhanced AI features. If successful, this move might signal a renewed interest in expanding Apple’s offerings for professional users, though it remains unclear whether the Mac Pro will return in a future iteration. For now, the Mac Studio stands as Apple’s fastest desktop, and the company continues to refine its approach to high-end computing.