Apple Explains Why the New Mac Studio Doesn't Have an M4 Ultra Chip

Apple has updated the Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options, leading to questions about why an M4 Ultra chip was not used. Apple explained to Ars Technica that not every generation of M-series chips will include an "Ultra" tier. This raises the possibility that an M4 Ultra chip may never be released. The explanation also leads to speculation about the chip that will be used in the next Mac Pro desktop tower. The Mac Pro and Mac Studio were previously updated with the M2 Ultra chip, but the Mac Pro costs thousands of dollars more, leading to concerns about differentiation between the two computers. The update to the Mac Studio with an M3 Ultra chip had led to hopes that the Mac Pro would eventually get an M4 Ultra chip, but Apple's explanation does not support this. Instead, the next Mac Pro may simply get the M3 Ultra chip, maintaining the lack of differentiation with the Mac Studio. The M3 Ultra chip is effectively two M3 Max chips combined. Apple's decision may impact the buying decisions of those considering the Mac Studio or Mac Pro. The update has sparked interest in the differences between the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with the latter being a more expensive option.