apple Reportedly Delays Mac Pro Updates, Focuses on Wider Silicon Refresh
Apple has reportedly postponed further progress of a new Mac Pro, according to recent details, signaling a continued shift away from the high-end, expandable desktop as apple Silicon matures. This decision comes as the company prepares a broader refresh of its Mac lineup in 2026.
The appeal of previous Mac Pro models-particularly those from the early 2010s and 2019-centered on their internal expandability for components like storage,graphics cards,and RAM. Though, the current Apple Silicon Mac Pro offers limited upgrade options, featuring six internal PCI Express slots but lacking support for RAM upgrades or third-party GPUs from Nvidia, AMD, or Intel. The increasing speed of Thunderbolt 5, with transfer rates of 120 Gbps, also diminishes the need for internal expansion with high-performance external storage readily available.
This shift in focus allows Apple to prioritize updates across its other Mac lines. Every laptop except the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to receive an upgrade to Apple’s M5 chip in 2026, with Pro and Max variants planned for the higher-end models. The M5, alongside the M5 Ultra, will also enable refreshes to the iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio.
Furthermore, rumors suggest Apple is developing a new, more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip. this device is anticipated to succeed the 2020 M1 macbook Air, which Apple continues to sell through retailers like Walmart for between $600 and $650. It remains unclear whether this new model will be a Walmart exclusive or available through other channels, including Apple’s own stores.
