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Towards the end of the "Peek Performance" event, Apple hinted at a Mac Pro refresh. But what about the iMac Pro?
Yesterday, Apple unveiled a new Mac Studio device that packs its powerful M1 Ultra chip into a smaller and relatively affordable form factor. At the end of the keynote, John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, said that with the launch of the Mac Studio, only one product remains that makes the transition to Apple Silicon - the Mac Pro. The Mac Pro is currently the only Mac Apple still sells with an Intel processor. Ternus confirmed that Apple is working on a successor to that device, but said an unveiling will come at a different time. Apple's comments suggest that the new Mac Pro will feature an M-series chip and likely not Intel chips as some rumors have suggested.
Does Apple have an even more powerful M-series chip?
Of course, Apple could offer both an Apple Silicon and an Intel Mac Pro, but Tuesday's hint strongly suggests the former is more likely. Previous rumors of a Mac Pro chip have suggested it could have as many as 40 processing cores and 128 graphics cores. While the M1 Ultra is the most powerful chip in Apple's current lineup, it only has 20 processing cores and 64 graphics cores. In other words, the Mac Pro will feature an even more powerful M-series chip than any other Mac. Realistically, such a powerful Mac would negate the need to launch an even more powerful Intel-based Mac. An Apple Silicon Mac Pro would also complete the two-year transition to first-party chips.
What about the iMac Pro?
Apple's indication that there is only one more Intel Mac to make the jump to Apple Silicon doesn't leave much room for the iMac Pro. Recent rumors suggest that Apple is working on a 27-inch iMac successor with an Apple Silicon chipset. Based on current information, it is likely that the device will replace both the 27-inch iMac and the iMac Pro, both of which are currently discontinued. However, Ternus' statement that there is only one more Mac in the Apple Silicon transition phase does not rule out the 27-inch iMac being refreshed.
iMac Pro could be released in 2023
Apple sold currently doesn't have an iMac in that form factor, so a larger iMac with Apple Silicon would fit into a currently unfilled gap in Apple's lineup. It's debatable whether the device will be more of a successor to the iMac Pro or the 27-inch iMac. Apple could go the iMac route and launch a colorful but powerful iMac that eliminates the need for a Pro-focused all-in-one. Or it could use the Pro name and launch the 27-inch iMac as a standalone device. Either way, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the new iMac to arrive sometime in 2023. (Image: Apple)
