Apple had internally developed two Mac Pro models that were ultimately never released to the public, according to recent reports. These projects, codenamed J170 and J190, were discontinued as the company shifted its focus away from the Mac Pro lineup.
The J170 model was an Intel-based Mac Pro, developed even after Apple had transitioned its Mac lineup to its own Apple silicon. This suggests that Apple considered maintaining an Intel option for specific professional applications that might have required x86 architecture compatibility.
The J190 model was designed to feature Apple’s M3 Ultra chip and was intended to launch alongside the M3 Ultra Mac Studio in early 2025. This version would have combined the advanced processing capabilities of the M3 Ultra with the Mac Pro’s unique PCIe expansion slots, offering enhanced performance and expandability for professional users.
Despite these developments, neither model reached the market. In March 2026, Apple officially discontinued the Mac Pro, ending its 20-year run. The decision was influenced by the Mac Pro’s reliance on the M2 Ultra chip from 2023, while the Mac Studio continued to receive updates with newer Apple silicon. Additionally, the Mac Pro’s higher price point, approximately double that of a similarly configured Mac Studio, made it less appealing to consumers seeking comparable performance at a more accessible price.
These cancellations add to a series of shelved Mac Pro plans. Apple had also explored developing “Extreme” chip variants, which would have featured double the CPU and GPU cores of the existing Ultra chips. However, these projects were abandoned due to concerns over cost and limited demand.
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to refresh the Mac Studio with M5 Ultra chips as early as this fall, further solidifying the Mac Studio’s position as the company’s premier desktop solution for professional users.
The discontinuation of the Mac Pro and the shelving of these models highlight Apple’s strategic shift towards more compact and integrated systems like the Mac Studio. This move reflects the company’s focus on delivering high performance and expandability in a form factor that aligns with current market demands and technological advancements.
