Overview
- Bloomberg reporting reconfirmed on July 19 that Apple developed but cancelled two 'Extreme' processors, reported internally as M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme.
- Those 'Extreme' chips were designed to pack about twice the CPU and GPU cores of Apple's 'Ultra' silicon, aiming to top the Mac Studio's performance.
- Apple discontinued the Mac Pro in March 2026 after roughly 20 years on the market, citing overlap with the more cost-effective Mac Studio and limited buyer demand.
- Internal plans included two unreleased Mac Pro models codenamed J170 and J190, with J170 described as an Intel-based design intended to support PCIe expansion for niche pro workflows.
- Apple is now concentrating on Mac Studio refreshes, with reporting that an M5 Ultra Studio is expected by the end of 2026 and a broader M7 Ultra overhaul targeted for 2028, a shift that leaves some expansion-dependent users without a clear new Apple tower option.