Dream for pros: 1TB user-replaceable RAM, 152-Core GPU & 48-core CPU in M2 Extreme.
The last piece in the puzzle is yet to be released in the Apple Silicon transition of the Macs. The audience for the Mac Pro is not huge, but many creators are waiting for it to shift their workflow. We have some convincing leaks that Apple will release it at a Keynote at the end of this month.
Different speculations around its specifications exist, but we will discuss those that make the most sense. It will come with M2 Ultra or M2 Extreme with up to 1TB of expandable RAM. M2 Ultra will feature a similar design to M1 Ultra we have seen in Mac Studio. The M2 Ultra chip is expected to support a 24-core CPU, 76-core GPU, and a minimum of 192GB of RAM. The new model is also anticipated to retain its expandable design, allowing for user-replaceable memory, storage, and other components, similar to the current Mac Pro. On the other hand, M2 Extreme will be the real show-stopper.
According to Gurman, it was initially speculated that the M2 Extreme chip would be paired with a 48-core CPU and 152-core GPU in the higher-end model. However, the project is now believed to be shelved due to cost and production challenges. Nonetheless, if the M2 Extreme chip does enter production, the Mac Pro model with it is expected to start at a minimum of $10,000. This pricing strategy aligns with previous Mac Pro models that cater to high-end professionals with a significant budget.
Another idea circulating is the debut of a replaceable “Brain” of the Mac Pro. It will be a complete package housing CPU, GPU, unified memory, and motherboard as a module. This module will be upgradable in the future as a whole. This might open up the gates to a fully modular Mac Pro.
There is a possibility that Apple may discontinue the Apple Silicon Mac Pro in favor of the Mac Studio, which has already become the go-to choice for many professionals. The Mac Studio has the potential to offer performance that surpasses even the highest-end 2019 Mac Pro but at a fraction of the cost. As a result, the Mac Studio has become a more practical and cost-effective option for current professionals. However, it is important to note that this is still speculation, and Apple has not made any official announcements regarding the future of the Apple Silicon Mac Pro.
