Mac Pro: Internal code confirms work on the M4 Ultra chip

The Mac Pro is about to get an upgrade—and it won't be an ordinary one. A new report suggests that Apple is working on a model equipped with its most powerful chip yet: the M4 Ultra. After a long period of silence surrounding the Mac Pro, there are finally concrete clues about what Apple is planning in the high-end segment.

At the beginning of the year, Apple was already expected to launch two new pro devices: an update to the Mac Studio and a new generation of the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio was introduced in March, equipped with M3 and M4 series chips. There has been no sign of the Mac Pro. Since then, speculation has swirled as to whether Apple is even continuing to develop the Mac Pro. A report from Macworld now provides new information—including details about a yet-to-be-released chip: the M4 Ultra.

M4 Ultra as reason for the delay

According to Macworld , the M4 Ultra is the key to the next generation of Mac Pros. The report cites internal Apple code that contains references to a previously unknown model with the internal designation "t8152." This chip fits into the familiar Ultra scheme of the M series and is also codenamed "Hidra" internally. According to the report, the existence of this chip also explains why the Mac Pro hasn't been released yet: Apple is waiting for the M4 Ultra, which is still in development.

M4 Max and M3 Ultra: Two generations in one product

With the launch of the current Mac Studio, Apple presented an unusual setup. The configurations ranged from the M3 Max to the M3 Ultra – but an M4 Max was also offered at the same time. However, an M4 Ultra was completely missing. This was the first time that an Apple device was equipped with chips from two different generations. For many, this was an indication that Apple might no longer be planning an Ultra chip for the M4 series. Current developments, however, paint a different picture: the Ultra variant has not been canceled; it's simply taking longer. So the M4 Ultra is not only expected, but is already deeply embedded in Apple's internal processes. This suggests that Apple is deliberately taking its time to position the new Mac Pro with a clear performance advantage.

Why the M4 Ultra is crucial for the Mac Pro

The M4 Ultra could be a decisive factor in the future of the Mac Pro. In recent generations, the difference between the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro was often only marginal – at least in terms of pure performance. With the new chip, the Mac Pro would once again have a clear unique selling point within the lineup. This would not only strengthen its positioning within the product family but also appeal to the target audience that relies on maximum performance and scalability.

Possible plans for the Mac Studio

Although the current focus is on the Mac Pro, it's entirely conceivable that Apple will also equip the Mac Studio with the M4 Ultra at a later date. If that happens, it will be exciting to see how the two devices differ—whether in thermal design, expansion options, or storage architecture, for example. For now, however, one thing is clear: the M4 Ultra belongs to the Mac Pro first.

Mac Pro returns to the spotlight with M4 Ultra

Apple is actively working on a new Mac Pro with the M4 Ultra, according to internal code. The release delay is due to the development of this new high-end chip, which is expected to deliver a significant performance leap. This will restore the Mac Pro to a defined role in the lineup—as a work machine for the highest demands. Once the M4 Ultra is ready, the new Mac Pro shouldn't be far behind. (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)