Apple’s Mac Pro Reportedly Paused as Focus Shifts to Mac Studio

Apple’s high-end Mac Pro desktop is now on the back burner. This news comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company has reportedly written off the professional workstation.

This shift signals a major change in Apple’s desktop strategy. The Mac Studio is now seen as the future for pro users. An update for the Mac Pro appears unlikely in the near term.

M5 Ultra Chip Development Excludes Mac Pro

Apple is actively developing a high-end M5 Ultra chip. According to Gurman, this chip is currently destined only for a new Mac Studio. This focus suggests no significant Mac Pro update is planned for 2026.

This leaves the Mac Pro in a difficult position. It was last updated with the M2 Ultra chip in June 2023. For many customers, the Mac Studio now offers a more compelling package.

Mac Studio Emerges as the Clear Winner

The Mac Pro has become redundant for a large segment of the pro market. It is essentially a larger and more expensive version of the Mac Studio. The main differentiator is its PCIe expansion slots.

Most professional users find the Mac Studio’s power and form factor sufficient. This shift reflects a broader industry move toward all-in-one computing solutions. Apple appears to be aligning its resources with this market reality.

The future of the Mac Pro now looks uncertain as Apple bets its pro desktop future on the more popular Mac Studio. This strategic pivot could mark the end of an era for the company’s most expansive computer.

Info at your fingertips

Is Apple discontinuing the Mac Pro?

Apple has not officially discontinued the Mac Pro. However, reports indicate development is on hold. The company’s focus has shifted to the Mac Studio.

What is the difference between a Mac Pro and a Mac Studio?

The Mac Pro is larger and offers PCIe expansion slots for added hardware. The Mac Studio has a much smaller footprint but offers similar core performance for most tasks.

When was the Mac Pro last updated?

Apple last updated the Mac Pro in June 2023. It was equipped with the company’s M2 Ultra chip. No further updates have been announced since.

Will there be an M5 Ultra Mac Pro?

Current reporting suggests Apple is not developing a Mac Pro with the M5 Ultra chip. The company is focusing its M5 Ultra efforts on the Mac Studio instead.

Why is Apple prioritizing the Mac Studio?

The Mac Studio meets the needs of most pro users in a more compact design. Its sales and market appeal likely outweigh the niche demand for the larger Mac Pro system.