Apple readies Mac Pro with M4 Ultra chip

A Macworld report suggests Apple is preparing a Mac Pro powered by an unreleased M4 Ultra chip, signaling a major step for its pro lineup.

Apple readies Mac Pro with M4 Ultra chip

Apple has long been expected to refresh its pro line. A Macworld report points to internal identifiers and a codename that hint at a high end Mac Pro powered by the unreleased M4 Ultra chip. The findings come as Apple already rolled out a new Mac Studio, including multiple generations of chips, and has delayed a new Mac Pro update alongside the broader pro hardware schedule.

The report notes internal references such as the identifier t8152 and the Hidra codename, suggesting Apple is still testing an M4 Ultra option. If accurate, the move would give the Mac Pro a clear edge over the Mac Studio and help differentiate the two devices in a crowded market. It also opens the possibility that Apple could later introduce an M4 Ultra Mac Studio, further complicating the product lineup for buyers and reviewers alike.

This leak highlights Apple’s strategy of expanding the pro family with stronger chips rather than quicker, smaller updates. The risk is balancing price with performance in a market that already questions whether pro hardware justifies premium costs. A successful M4 Ultra Mac Pro could reframe expectations for workstation power, but it will depend on how Apple prices and markets the device.

The broader implication is a shift in how Apple positions its Mac lineup. If the M4 Ultra powers both a flagship Mac Pro and later a variant of the Mac Studio, Apple could reduce the perceived gap between the two machines while increasing the pressure on rivals. In the end, real world performance and total cost of ownership will decide how this strategy lands with pros.

Highlights

The Mac Pro story is still evolving as Apple tests demand against cost in a fast moving market.