Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has apparently canceled plans for its M2 Extreme system-on-a-chip (SoC). The processor was originally planned for the new Mac Pro desktops, while the current model still feature Intel CPUs.
In his latest newsletter, Gurman noted that Apple has missed its original plan of transitioning all Mac models to Apple Silicon. Apple announced this plan in 2020. Two years later, Apple still hasn’t transitioned the professional-grade desktop computer to its Apple Silicon chip. Even the high-end Mac mini still features an Intel CPU.
Gurman also noted that Apple has been continuously testing a new Mac Pro units with an M2 Ultra chip. Although Apple’s new desktop has been some time in development, there are several reasons for tis, including multiple changes to its features, a significant shift in the company’s plans for high-end processors and the potential relocation of its manufacturing. Gurman also pointed out that Apple is expected to start manufacturing the new Mac in Vietnam. So, potential buyers should not expect to see the familiar “Made in USA” markings, as on the 2019 model.
The new Mac Pro is thought to retain the expandability options where RAM, storage, and other peripherals are concerned. The M2 Ultra chip inside it is expected to feature up to 24 CPU cores, 76 GPU cores, and up to 192 GB of storage. It should be noted that the 192GB storage is a significant decrease from the current 1.5 TB of RAM supported by the 2019 model.
It’s thought that the new M2 Ultra Mac Pro and M2 Pro Mac mini desktops will arrive in 2023. It’s also predicted that the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models with 14-inch and 16-inch displays are expected to launch next year. Other products expected to launch next year include a new Pro Display XDR, a second-generation Studio Display, and a new M3-powered iMac.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer and Bloomberg