Apple's Scrapped 'Extreme' Mac Chips: M2 and M3 Versions Revealed

Apple Inc. explored the development of two highly powerful, unreleased processors codenamed "M2 Extreme" and "M3 Extreme" that would have offered substantially more processing power for its Mac Pro desktop computer. These chips, which were designed to feature twice the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) cores found in Apple's existing "Ultra" series chips, were ultimately deemed too costly to produce and too niche for the market, according to reports citing Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. This decision comes as Apple recently discontinued the Mac Pro line itself after a 20-year presence in its product lineup.

Gurman, a well-informed source on Apple's internal projects, first hinted at the existence of these "Extreme" chips in 2022 and provided further details in a recent newsletter. He explained that the concept behind the "Extreme" processors was to double the graphical and main processing capabilities of the "Ultra" chips, which currently represent the highest tier of Apple's silicon for Macs. "The idea was to offer twice as many graphics and main processing cores as that chip," Gurman stated. "In the past, I've called this proposed processor the 'Extreme' chip, which to me is the most sensible Apple marketing name for something above Ultra."

The decision to abandon the "Extreme" chips was reportedly driven by a confluence of factors. High production costs associated with such advanced silicon, coupled with projections of limited demand, led Apple executives to conclude that the business case for the processors was not strong enough. The Mac Pro, a machine designed for professional users with intensive computing needs, has always occupied a smaller market segment compared to Apple's mainstream offerings. Developing processors with such extreme specifications for a limited audience, especially given the manufacturing challenges and expenses, proved to be an unviable proposition for the company.

Projected Power and Market Viability

Had these "Extreme" chips made it to market, they would have represented a significant leap in performance for the Mac Pro. For instance, the M2 Ultra chip features a 24-core CPU and a 60-core GPU. An M2 Extreme version, following the reported specifications, could have boasted a 48-core CPU and a 120-core GPU. Similarly, the M3 Ultra's architecture would have been doubled. Such configurations are designed for the most demanding tasks, including complex 3D rendering, high-end video editing, and large-scale scientific simulations. However, the cost of developing and manufacturing these chips, along with the anticipated demand from a specialized user base, led Apple to prioritize other hardware and silicon development paths.

The discontinuation of the Mac Pro itself this year, after two decades, further underscores Apple's strategic shifts in its professional computing division. While the company continues to cater to professional users with powerful Apple silicon-based Macs like the Mac Studio and high-end MacBook Pros, the distinct modularity and upgradeability that defined the Mac Pro for years are no longer central to Apple's strategy. The decision to scrap the "Extreme" chips appears to be aligned with this broader reassessment of the high-end desktop market and the kind of processing power that offers the best balance of performance, cost, and market appeal for Apple's current product ecosystem.

Apple's internal development processes are known for exploring ambitious projects that do not always reach consumers. The "Extreme" chips represent one such instance where the company's engineering capabilities may have outpaced its immediate commercial strategy. While users will not see these specific processors, the technology and insights gained from their development could potentially influence future Apple products. The focus remains on delivering powerful, efficient, and cost-effective silicon solutions that cater to the evolving needs of their user base.