- Apple may launch a new Mac Pro with an M4 Ultra chip in late 2025
- M4 Ultra rumored to feature 32-core CPU and 80-core GPU
- Current Mac mini with M4 Pro already beats M2 Ultra in some CPU tasks
- Possible that Apple could skip M4 Ultra and wait for M5 series
Apple could be gearing up to launch its fastest-ever Mac Pro later this year, and the star of the show might be the yet-to-be-announced M4 Ultra chip.
New findings from Apple’s own internal code suggest the high-end desktop is in testing, giving weight to speculation that a major refresh is on the horizon.
Industry watchers believe the M4 Ultra could deliver a huge leap in performance compared to the current M2 Ultra-powered model, which debuted in 2023.
If rumors prove accurate, the new chip might feature an incredible 32-core CPU and an 80-core GPU — numbers that would cement the Mac Pro’s place as a powerhouse for professional workflows.
Rumors Point to “Hidra” Codenamed Processor
The chatter began after identifiers buried in Apple’s software code were spotted, one of which — “t8152” — is believed to refer to the M4 Ultra.
Internally, the chip is codenamed “Hidra,” a name that has previously surfaced in other leaks. While Apple has not confirmed these details, the consistency of reports from multiple sources has started to paint a clearer picture of the company’s plans.
For professional users, the Mac Pro’s appeal has always been about far more than just raw power. The workstation offers enormous memory capacity and PCIe expansion capabilities that allow for highly specialized setups.
However, with the performance of newer, smaller Macs like the Mac mini with M4 Pro already surpassing the M2 Ultra in CPU benchmarks, the flagship desktop’s performance edge is starting to look a little dull.
Why Now Could Be the Perfect Time for a Refresh
It’s been almost two years since the Mac Pro was last updated, making 2025 a logical moment for Apple to roll out a major upgrade.
Apple typically keeps its professional-grade machines in line with its latest chip developments, and the M4 Ultra would restore the Mac Pro’s position at the top of the Mac lineup.
There’s also a practical marketing reason to move quickly. Right now, the fact that a compact Mac mini can outperform the Mac Pro in certain tasks is an awkward message for Apple.
While these two machines serve very different markets, the optics of a cheaper, smaller model outpacing the company’s most expensive Mac are far from ideal.
Could Apple Skip Straight to M5?
Not all analysts are convinced that an M4 Ultra Mac Pro is inevitable. Some believe technical challenges could delay or derail the project.
The “Ultra” chips are created by pairing two “Max” chips together, and it’s possible Apple has encountered complications in scaling the M4 architecture in this way.
If those challenges are significant, the company might decide to bypass the M4 Ultra altogether and instead introduce an M5 Ultra model sometime later. That would extend the gap between Mac Pro updates, but could give Apple more time to refine the architecture for even bigger gains.
What Happens Next
If the leaks are accurate and development is proceeding smoothly, the new Mac Pro could be unveiled before the end of 2025.
Observers will be watching closely over the next few months: if more details emerge, it likely means the launch is on track. If rumors dry up, it could signal that Apple has shifted direction.
Either way, the stakes are high for Apple’s most premium desktop. With its reputation as the ultimate professional Mac, the next Mac Pro will need to deliver performance that justifies its price and reinforces its status as the flagship of the lineup.
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