Apple Mac Pro M4: Rumors About the M4 Ultra are Heating Up – More Power Than Ever Before?
Will the Mac Pro M4 Have an M4 Ultra Chip? New Code Discoveries Fuel Speculation
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Apple Mac Pro M4: Rumors About the M4 Ultra are Heating Up - More Power Than Ever Before? · Source: Ryhor Bruyeu / Alamy
The Mac Pro M4 is back in the Apple community spotlight thanks to new clues. The code name “Hidra” appears in internal code lines analyzed by Macworld. This suggests an unreleased M4 Ultra chip. It is reportedly intended exclusively for the Mac Pro and could replace the current M2 Ultra. Interestingly, according to the information found, the M4 Ultra could be significantly more powerful than all previous models. However, more detailed technical specifications have not yet been confirmed. Based on the current M4 architecture and 3-nm manufacturing, it is realistic to expect an expanded Neural Engine area and CPU and GPU capacities significantly above the level of the M3 Ultra. That sounds like a lot of power!
Mac Pro M4 Leak: Codename “Hidra” Causes a Stir
Historically, the Mac Pro, formerly known as the Power Mac, was significant in the home sector. Today, however, it no longer plays a role for most users, as even Apple’s less expensive MacBooks offer more than enough performance for everyday tasks. Additionally, the launch of the Mac Studio in 2022 has replaced the Mac Pro in many scenarios. It’s been more than two years since the last update. While the Mac Studio is available with the M4 Max or M3 Ultra, the Mac Pro features the M2 Ultra from 2023.
The M4 Ultra, however, could appeal to a new target group, especially for demanding AI and machine learning applications — as well as high-end video. Industry reports suggest that Apple is developing these high-end chips not only for Macs but also for its own server infrastructure. These chips are said to have a significantly higher number of CPU, GPU, and neural engine cores, enabling them to handle specialized workloads much more efficiently. For the Mac Pro M4, this could mean it would be the only model in Apple’s portfolio offering this level of performance, setting it apart from the Mac Studio.
Is a Mac Pro M4 Ultra the Best Choice for Recording Music?
For music producers, the Mac Pro M4 is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it delivers almost unlimited performance for extremely demanding projects in DAWs such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. It would not come close to reaching its limits even with extreme sample libraries, dozens of virtual instruments, and complex effect routings.
However, one must ask whether this level of performance is relevant to most producers. As mentioned above, most modern MacBook Pro or Mac Studio models with M3 or M4 chips offer more than enough performance for studio tasks. Additionally, the Mac Pro M4 is likely to be worth its high purchase price primarily for professional post-production, film, and 3D applications. For pure music production, however, it could quickly be considered oversized and economically unattractive.
The Professional Flagship Returns – But When?
However, it remains unclear whether and when the Mac Pro M4 will be released. Rumor has it that the first M5 Macs could hit the market as early as the beginning of 2026, which would delay the release of an M4 Ultra variant. A launch before the first M5 devices would make sense in order to position the model properly in the product portfolio.
It is equally possible, however, that Apple will never release the M4 Ultra for the Mac Pro and will switch directly to the M5. What is certain is that the Mac Pro M4 has the potential to be a unique selling point in the Apple ecosystem again — if the new “cheese grater” makes the leap from testing to production.
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One response to “Apple Mac Pro M4: Rumors About the M4 Ultra are Heating Up – More Power Than Ever Before?”
There will always be a market for people who this most expensive solution is the best…