Apple has not updated the Mac Pro since 2023 and is unlikely to do so in 2026, favoring the Mac Studio with its newer M3 Ultra chip and expanded capabilities. The Mac Studio is increasingly replacing the Mac Pro for most users, with only high-end professionals needing the expansion slots offered by the Mac Pro. Apple seems to be shifting focus away from the Mac Pro line, possibly discontinuing it in the future, while continuing to sell the current M2 Ultra version.
2026 is expected to be a landmark year for Apple’s Mac lineup, featuring major updates including new M5 chips across MacBook Air and Pro models, a low-cost MacBook possibly using an iPhone chip, refreshed Mac Studio and displays, a preview of macOS 27, and a significant redesign of the MacBook Pro with a touchscreen and OLED display, marking the biggest change since 1984.
Apple is expected to release new M5 Mac mini and Mac Studio models in the middle of 2024, with the Mac mini likely not delayed by hardware issues and the Mac Studio possibly waiting for the M5 Ultra chip. The timing seems to be independent of upcoming display launches, and earlier releases are possible.
Apple is expected to release the M5 MacBook Air in spring 2026, with the M5 Mac Studio and Mac Mini also in development, indicating upcoming updates to their line of personal computers.
Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, addressing a critical installation bug affecting Mac Studio with M3 Ultra and including various security updates and bug fixes to improve stability and performance.
Amazon offers a deal on the older M2 Max Mac Studio and the new M4 Mac mini at $899, with the Mac Studio providing better GPU performance, more ports, and support for more displays, making it the more compelling choice despite the Mac mini's smaller size and lower starting price.
Apple's upcoming Mac Pro is expected to feature the new M4 Ultra chip, which is still in development, potentially offering a significant upgrade over current models and differentiating it from the Mac Studio. The delay in its release is linked to the chip's development process.
Amazon Renewed Premium is offering the 32GB M2 Max Mac Studio at $899, a rare deal that has returned after selling out quickly, providing a significant discount from its original price and other retail options, making it a powerful yet affordable option for professional workflows.
A rare deal offers the 1TB M4 Max Mac Studio for $1,999 at B&H, $200 off the regular price, effectively giving the upgraded model at the price of the 512GB version, targeting professional users needing high performance.
Apple is developing multiple new Mac models featuring the upcoming M5 and M6 chips, with releases expected from late 2025 through 2026, including updates to the MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and MacBook Air, along with a potential redesign of the MacBook Pro in 2026.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the M4 Ultra chipset to power its Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with one of the models expected to debut in mid-2025. While there are conflicting reports about the launch of the M3 Ultra, it is speculated that the M4 Ultra will feature significant improvements in CPU and GPU core count to support AI-related functions and features. The exact launch timeline for the M3 Ultra remains uncertain, with predictions ranging from the end of 2024 to mid-2024.
Apple is set to release its first M4-powered Macs later this year, with a focus on artificial intelligence. The M4 family of chips will include an entry-level variant and at least two higher-performance versions, with plans to update every Mac model. The transition to M4 will start with a new iMac, a lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, and a refreshed Mac mini. Apple also plans to follow up with more M4 Macs throughout 2025, including updates to the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. The M4 chips are designed to highlight AI processing capabilities and their integration with the next version of macOS.
Apple has increased the trade-in values for some Macs, coinciding with the launch of new M3 MacBook Air models. The trade-in values range from $120 to $1315, with the Mac Studio seeing the most significant increase. Trade-in values vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of the Mac being traded in. The increased values can be used towards the purchase of a new device or added to an Apple Gift Card. Additionally, Apple plans to announce new products this week, including rumors of new iPads, Macs, and accessories.
Satechi has unveiled upgraded versions of its Stand & Hub for Mac mini and Mac Studio, featuring an SSD enclosure for expanded connectivity options, as well as a new Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro that supports up to 8K @ 60Hz and daisy chaining up to six devices. The Stand & Hub is available for $99.99, with a 20% off promo using code "CES20," while the Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro is priced at $199.99, reduced to $159.99 with the launch promo code. These releases follow Satechi's recent launch of a mechanical keyboard and upcoming Qi2 accessories.
Apple is preparing to launch upgraded Mac Pro and Mac Studio models with a new, unannounced variant of the M3 chip at WWDC 2024, potentially featuring up to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. The company is also expected to upgrade the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip, aiming to boost sales for the larger variant. Analysts believe the design of the new machines will likely remain the same, and the M3 Ultra chip is anticipated to bring significant improvements over the M3 Max.
