According to 9to5Mac, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple will release M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips for Mac Studio next year in 2025. The company will also introduce new M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models during the same timeframe. This represents a significant shift from Apple’s current strategy where the M4 generation never received an Ultra version. When Apple updated the Mac Studio earlier, it offered an M3 Ultra alongside the newer M4 Max, creating a confusing choice for professional users. The mixed-generation approach forced buyers to decide between the most powerful overall chip or the newer architecture with potentially better performance in specific workflows. Now Apple appears to be returning to a more straightforward product lineup with both high-end options from the same chip generation.
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Why this matters
Here’s the thing: that whole M3 Ultra vs M4 Max situation was messy for pro users. You had to make this weird calculation about whether raw power or newer architecture mattered more for your specific workflow. And honestly, it felt like Apple was clearing inventory rather than offering a coherent product strategy.
Now we’re getting back to something that makes sense. Both the Max and Ultra versions in the same generation means clearer performance tiers and better value comparisons. For video editors, 3D artists, and developers who rely on these machines, this is actually pretty significant. You won’t be second-guessing whether you’re buying outdated technology when you opt for the top-tier option.
What about Mac Pro?
So where does this leave the Mac Pro? Gurman previously expected a new Mac Pro in 2025, but that hasn’t been mentioned in recent rumors. If it’s still happening, a 2026 release with M5 Ultra would make perfect sense. But honestly, the Mac Pro’s future seems increasingly uncertain given how powerful the Mac Studio has become.
I mean, think about it – the current M3 Ultra already demolishes most professional workloads. Do we really need a Mac Pro anymore, or has the Studio essentially replaced it for all but the most extreme use cases? The fact that Apple hasn’t mentioned the Pro in ages while focusing on Studio updates tells you something.
Broader implications
This move suggests Apple is settling into a more predictable chip release cadence. We’re looking at what appears to be an annual update cycle, but with clearer segmentation between consumer and pro lines. The M4 generation skipping Ultra entirely might have been a one-time supply chain or production issue rather than a permanent strategy shift.
For developers and creative professionals, this predictability matters. When you’re planning hardware purchases for your studio or company, you want to know whether waiting six months will get you a significantly better machine. With Apple apparently returning to consistent Ultra variants, that planning becomes easier.
What do you think about Apple’s chip strategy? Are you glad to see the Ultra version returning, or was the mixed-generation approach actually giving users more choice? Let us know on Twitter or YouTube – we’re curious whether this clarity helps or if some of you actually preferred having options across generations.
