The Mac Pro is one of the few computers with an Intel chip that are still in Apple’s commercial offer. The company, when announcing the transition to its own processors in 2020, estimated a period of about two years to complete it. Therefore, before the end of this year, the process should have been completed. However, everything indicates that it will take a little longer. However, the reward will be an even better machine than anticipated.
Apple, specifically, would be working on a new Mac Pro with M2 Ultra processors, and will be available in configurations between 24 CPU cores, 76 graphics cores, and at least 192 GB of RAM. This, according to Mark Gurman of Bloombergwho has an impeccable reputation when it comes to advancing new plans and products from the Cupertino company.
Also they were working on an M2 Extreme chip for the Mac Pro, with configurations of 48 CPU cores and 152 graphics cores. But the plans were put on hold by Apple. According to the report of Bloombergthe reasons are related to the high production costs and the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Another factor that would have influenced the decision is the high prices that professional teams would reach with that theoretical M2 Extreme. Currently the cheapest version of the Mac Studio with M1 Ultra processor is 4,000 dollars or 4,629 euros. A Mac Pro with theoretical configurations of the M2 Extreme would probably “be in excess of $10,000 dollars or euros,” according to Gurman. It would make it an overpriced niche product with development costs and engineering resources so high that it wouldn’t be worth it to Apple.
New Mac Minis, new monitors, new MacBook Pros, and even a new iMac Pro
In addition to revamping the Mac Pro with Apple’s M2 Ultra chips, the company is working on a new Mac Mini with M2 processor and M2 Pro. According to Gurman, also on new external monitors, including an upgrade to the Pro Display XDR, which is priced at least $5,000 or €5,500. But this could come after the Mac Pro, since its development phase is not as advanced.
Apple would also be working on a new iMac Pro, although delays are expected. This professional equipment, in its version with Intel processors, was discontinued in March 2021.
Finally, Apple is working on new professional laptops. Specifically, it refers to an update to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips that many expected by the end of this 2022 but that would finally see the light of day sometime next year.