Apple has reportedly placed its high-end Mac Pro desktop on the “back burner” and “largely written off” the product line, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company now views Mac Studio as the future of pro desktop computing, potentially ending the Mac Pro’s legendary run after years of struggles.
Mac Pro vs Mac Studio Comparison
| Feature | Mac Pro (M2 Ultra) | Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $6,999 | $3,999 |
| Key Advantage | PCIe expansion slots | Compact design |
| Last Update | June 2023 | June 2023 |
| 2026 Update | Unlikely | M5 Ultra confirmed |
Why Apple Is Abandoning Mac Pro
Apple is developing a high-end M5 Ultra chip but currently focuses only on a new Mac Studio with that processor, suggesting the Mac Pro won’t see significant updates in 2026. The sentiment inside Apple indicates Mac Studio now represents both present and future professional desktop strategy.
The shift makes business sense. Mac Pro has become redundant for many customers as it’s essentially a larger, more expensive Mac Studio with PCIe expansion slots. With Apple Silicon’s introduction, the performance gap between models narrowed dramatically, making the Mac Pro’s premium less justifiable.
Professional users have already adapted. Pro audio facilities that once filled 60 workstations with Mac Pros now use Mac Studios or even Mac Minis, as the need for powerful PCIe expansion has declined with Thunderbolt connectivity handling most peripheral needs.
Mac Pro’s Troubled History
This isn’t the first crisis for Mac Pro. The 2013 “trash can” redesign was a spectacular failure that Apple eventually apologized for. The cylindrical design backed Apple into a thermal corner, preventing upgrades with more powerful chips without dangerous overheating—a critical flaw for high-performance workstations.
Apple bounced back with the 2019 “cheese grater” redesign, but the arrival of Apple Silicon in 2020 changed everything. Mac Pro became the last Mac to transition to Apple Silicon, receiving minimal attention since its M2 Ultra update in June 2023.
The Mac Studio offers compelling value: maxed configurations with M2 Ultra, 192GB RAM, and 8TB storage cost $11,800 versus $14,100 for comparable Mac Studio specs with even more RAM and storage options.
For professional desktop specifications, visit Apple’s Mac Studio page.
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FAQs
Will Apple release a Mac Pro with M5 Ultra?
Unlikely—Apple is reportedly only focused on Mac Studio with M5 Ultra, with no Mac Pro plans for 2026.
What advantage does Mac Pro have over Mac Studio?
Only PCIe expansion slots, which fewer professionals need now that Thunderbolt handles most connectivity requirements.
