Apple has discontinued its Mac Pro desktop workstation computer. The decision was confirmed to the 9to5Mac website.
History of the Mac Pro
Apple launched the Mac Pro in August 2006. The first model was an Intel-based replacement for the Power Mac line and featured two dual-core Xeon processors. It also came with a rectangular tower case. However, in December 2013, Apple launched a new Mac Pro model in a cylindrical case. This became affectionately known as the “trash can” Mac Pro. By 2019, the Mac Pro was back to a more traditional tower design, but still powered by Intel CPUs. Finally, in 2023 the Mac Pro relaunched with an Apple silicon chip inside, the M2 Ultra. It now seems this was to be the last iteration of the Mac Pro.
What has been announced?
At the time of writing, Apple hasn’t released an official statement on the fate of the Mac Pro. However, the company has confirmed to the 9to5Mac website that the Mac Pro is being discontinued. In addition, the Apple has removed the Mac Pro page on its website. If you follow a Mac Pro link from a search engine, you are redirected to the general Mac landing page.
Apple told 9to5Mac that it doesn’t have any plans to sell Mac Pro models again in the future.
What next?
Apple still has a strong range of computers in the Mac line. There are three models in the laptop series: the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, and the new MacBook Neo. If you want a desktop model, then your choices are Mac mini or flagship Mac Studio. Alternatively, you can opt for the all-in-one iMac.
What we think
There will be some users who are saddened by the ending of the Mac Pro line. However, the last incarnation was still running on the M2 Ultra chip. Compared to the M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio models, this was beginning to look very dated. While the Mac Pro offered PCIe slots and better cooling, you also couldn’t upgrade the memory or the GPU. In addition, the Mac Pro cost significantly more than Mac Studio models which delivered similar, or better performance. Ultimately the Mac Pro was just outgrown and over shadowed by the Mac Studio range. Despite losing the Mac Pro however, Apple’s desktop offer is now simpler, and arguably stronger, than it has ever been.
