Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports Apple considered an Intel-based Mac Pro (J170) and M3 Ultra model (J190) before discontinuing the entire product line in March.
- These unreleased models could have addressed compatibility issues with specialized software and third-party graphics cards that Apple Silicon currently limits.
- The Mac Pro’s uncertain future highlights Apple’s struggle balancing professional user needs with its silicon transition strategy.
The very first Macs based on Apple Silicon debuted in November 2020. However, the Mac Pro, Apple’s high-end tower Mac, didn’t get its Apple Silicon upgrade until almost three years later. When it finally made its debut at WWDC 2023, it featured an M2 Ultra chip.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now reports that things could’ve been very different for the Mac Pro, in a way that would’ve left more casual Mac fans scratching their heads. According to Gurman, Apple worked on a Mac with an Intel CPU alongside the Apple Silicon model. Code-named J170, would be available to “address certain uses.”
Gurman doesn’t specify what those certain uses were, nor does he state what Intel chips Apple could’ve used. However, it wasn’t uncommon for specialized, custom software to be used on a Mac Pro–software that was written for Intel processors. While that software could’ve operated under the emulation Apple offered during the chip transition, it’s not ideal.
The main reason many Mac Pro users were resistant to Apple Silicon is the limitations it has in working with expansion cards–more specifically, third-party graphics cards. Apple Silicon has its graphics processors integrated into the chip, and discrete graphics cards couldn’t be used, which discouraged many customers with “certain uses” from the Mac Pro. So this Intel model could have solved that problem for certain demanding users.
Gurman reports that Apple also had an M3 Ultra Mac Pro in development, alongside the Intel Mac Pro. Code-named J190, it was slated to ship at the same time as the M3 Ultra Mac Studio, back in March 2025. It’s unclear why that model was never released.
Instead, Apple never updated the Mac Pro again, and eventually discontinued the line this past March. Don’t expect a Mac Pro comeback: “I don’t anticipate Apple bringing back the Mac Pro anytime soon–if ever,” said Gurman.
