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The Mac Pro has established itself as Apple's most powerful desktop computer and is aimed primarily at professional users. A lot has happened since the switch to Apple Silicon: In 2023, the Mac Pro was equipped with the M2 Ultra chip, marking Apple's final departure from Intel processors. Now the next major upgrade is imminent. Apple is reportedly planning to equip the Mac Pro with the M4 Ultra chip in summer 2025. But what does this mean for the performance, design, and future of this model series?
Apple has a clear target audience for its high-end computers: professionals who require the highest computing power for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or machine learning. The Mac Pro has long been the first choice for these users, but with the introduction of the Mac Studio, the landscape has changed. The switch to Apple Silicon not only brought a huge leap in performance but also a realignment of the entire product portfolio. While the 2019 Mac Pro still scored points with Intel processors and expandable hardware, the question today is what added value the model with Apple Silicon still offers—especially given the high price.
Mac Pro with M4 Ultra: What to expect?
Apple apparently plans to update the Mac Pro with a new processor in summer 2025. The M4 Ultra, internally codenamed "Hidra," is said to be the most powerful Apple Silicon upgrade yet. It is expected to feature up to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores—doubling the capacity of the M4 Max. There are also major advances in memory: The M4 Ultra could support up to 512 GB of RAM, while the current model with the M2 Ultra allows a maximum of 192 GB. These specifications suggest that the new Mac Pro will offer a huge performance boost. The difference should be particularly noticeable in areas such as 3D rendering, AI-assisted image processing, and high-resolution video editing.
Design: Will the case change?
The current Mac Pro has used the same design since 2019, which is characterized primarily by its high level of modularity and efficient cooling. However, even before the introduction of the Apple Silicon model, there was speculation that Apple was working on a more compact version. Rumors suggest that a smaller Mac Pro "about half the size" could be in the works. If Apple does indeed develop a new chassis for the Mac Pro, this could enable improved space utilization and cooling. So far, Apple has proven with the Mac Studio that even smaller devices can deliver extreme performance. A more compact version could be aimed primarily at users who need a powerful desktop but are not dependent on the modular design of the current Mac Pro.
Expandability: Are there new MPX modules?
A major criticism of current Apple Silicon Macs is the lack of support for external GPUs and additional expansion cards. While the Intel-based Mac Pro still supported MPX modules and third-party GPUs, this is no longer possible with Apple Silicon. This change has sparked controversy, as many users turned to the Mac Pro precisely because of its expandability. It is possible that Apple will present new MPX modules developed specifically for Apple Silicon with the introduction of the M4 Ultra. For example, an updated Afterburner card for video acceleration or other specialized hardware expansions would be conceivable. If Apple does not take this step, the question could arise as to whether the Mac Pro still has any reason to exist or whether the Mac Studio will be sufficient in the long term.
Will the Mac Pro become a niche product again?
Another issue is pricing. As early as 2022, there were rumors of an M2 Extreme chip, which would have been twice as powerful as the M2 Ultra. However, Apple scrapped these plans because a Mac Pro with this chip would have cost at least $10,000. This would have been a huge investment even for professional users and would have made the device an absolute niche product. With the M4 Ultra, the question arises again as to whether Apple will make the Mac Pro line more exclusive again or adjust the price to remain attractive to more professionals. Given the strong competition from the Mac Studio, it is conceivable that Apple will equip the Mac Pro with special features to more clearly differentiate it from other models.
The future of the Mac Pro
The M4 Ultra Mac Pro is a significant upgrade. The new chip will surpass all previous models in terms of performance, and there may be design changes or new expansion options. However, some questions remain. Will Apple actually improve expandability, or will the Mac Pro remain a closed platform? Will the chassis be redesigned, or will Apple continue to rely on the tried-and-tested design? And most importantly, will the Mac Pro continue to differentiate itself from other high-end Macs in the long run, or will the product line eventually merge with the Mac Studio? One thing is certain: with the M4 Ultra Mac Pro, Apple is once again delivering a device for absolute power users.
Whether it's truly worth it, however, depends on the specific innovations and the price-performance ratio. Anyone needing a high-end Mac should keep a close eye on what details Apple reveals in the coming months. On the hunt for high-quality accessories? Our Amazon storefront has everything you need—even HomeKit-compatible! (Photo by Unsplash / Nana Dua)
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