Apple may sideline the Mac Pro as M5 Ultra shifts to Mac Studio

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says Apple has dropped work on an M4 Ultra chip and is instead focusing its high‑end efforts on the M5 Ultra — but only for the Mac Studio. That shift suggests a refreshed Mac Pro is unlikely to appear in 2026, leaving the Mac Pro’s future uncertain.

The Mac Pro has long been Apple’s flagship desktop for professionals, but demand and Apple’s product priorities have changed. Recent Apple silicon Mac Studio models (and the M4 Ultra roadmap) appear to be absorbing the high‑end desktop role, which may push the Mac Pro into product purgatory or a longer lifecycle between updates.

What Gurman reports

• Apple reportedly stopped development on an M4 Ultra intended for a Mac Pro refresh.
• The M5 Ultra is now planned as the company’s high‑end desktop chip and will debut on Mac Studio models.
• Apple is said to be prioritizing the Mac Studio as its professional desktop platform going forward.

Why it matters

If Apple consolidates pro desktop power into the Mac Studio line, creative professionals may face fewer official upgrade paths for a traditional tower Mac Pro. That could affect workflows that rely on modular expandability, high core counts, and internal upgrade options — areas where the Mac Pro historically stood apart.

Implications for buyers

• Pros shopping for maximum on‑device performance should evaluate the latest Mac Studio configurations and M4/M5 Ultra options.
• Users who value modularity and expandability may have fewer choices if Apple continues to deprioritize the Mac Pro.
• Apple’s product strategy could push professional users toward external expansion (fast storage, eGPUs via Thunderbolt alternatives) or toward Apple‑certified solutions.

For more context on the report, see coverage by major tech outlets and Gurman’s Power On newsletter. For Apple’s current desktop lineup and specs, visit Apple’s site (opens in a new tab): apple.com/mac-studio/.

Discussion: If Apple phases out a regularly refreshed Mac Pro, would you move to a Mac Studio, or wait for alternative pro desktop options? What matters most to you in a professional Mac — raw performance, expandability, or longevity?