Mac Pro: Apple developed “extreme chips” that never came – and even new Intel version | News

The most powerful version of M chips has the suffix “Ultra” – previously such versions have appeared for the M1, M2 and M3. An M5 Ultra is reportedly scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027 and is likely to go into the next Mac Studio (see article). A few years ago, numerous reports circulated that Apple was also planning an Extreme version, which would consist of two Ultra chips and thus effectively four Max versions. According to Mark Gurman, it was not just an idea, but a concrete, completed project.

Price too high, target group too small
Both an M2 Extreme and an M3 Extreme were largely ready for the market. The goal was to use it in the Mac Pro in order to clearly position it as the top model. Although technically nothing stood in the way of the introduction, Apple decided not to release the high-end chips. Two reasons led the company to decide not to compete with the Extreme variants: high production costs and very low demand for corresponding configurations. As we now know, the decision was even more far-reaching, because Apple completely decided not to develop a new Mac Pro and instead completely discontinued the model series.

…and another Mac Pro with Intel processors
But another part of Gurman’s report is even more curious. Apple not only wanted to introduce a Mac Pro with M3 Ultra/Extreme, but also developed another Intel-based version at the same time. This would have been aimed at users who continue to rely on hardware/software functions that are not available on ARM Macs. Apparently the target group was considered to be just as manageable as in the case of the Extreme chips – and no further Mac Pro with Intel was brought onto the market. Apple originally planned the M3-equipped variant for early 2025, i.e. together with the Mac Studio.