The ripple effects of Apple’s M5 chip launch are already being felt, and industry observers are turning their attention to what comes next. Beyond the initial wave of iPads, MacBook Pros, and Vision Pros, whispers suggest an even more formidable version is on the horizon: the M5 Ultra.
Current projections point towards a Mac Studio as the first vessel for this powerhouse chip, potentially arriving sometime in 2026. This prediction stems from insights into Apple’s broader Mac roadmap, outlining updates across the entire product line, from the compact Mac mini to the professional-grade Mac Studio.
The anticipation surrounding the M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra is particularly keen, as Apple has, until now, only released the base M5 chip. While a pattern of releasing Pro, Max, and Ultra variants followed the initial M-series chips, recent developments have thrown this expectation into question.
Notably, the M4 cycle has progressed without an M4 Ultra, leaving many to wonder if this high-end variant will even materialize. Despite the possibility of a late release – mirroring the M3 Ultra’s arrival well after the M4’s debut – the likelihood of an M4 Ultra seems to be diminishing.
The M5 Ultra, however, appears firmly on track, initially slated for the Mac Studio. But its influence may not stop there. There’s a strong possibility it will eventually find its way into an updated Mac Pro, a machine currently powered by the comparatively outdated M2 Ultra despite its substantial price.
The current Mac Pro’s high cost has fueled speculation that the next iteration would leapfrog to the M4 Ultra. However, with the M4 Ultra now appearing less certain, Apple may opt for a more significant upgrade, waiting to equip the Mac Pro with the future-proof M5 Ultra.
Pinpointing the exact timeline remains challenging. The immediate focus is on the standard M5, with the M5 Pro and Max expected to appear in MacBook Pro models before the Ultra. A spring 2026 release for the Pro and Max variants seems plausible, potentially paving the way for the M5 Ultra’s debut in the summer or fall.
