According to MacRumors, Apple is planning to debut an M5 Ultra chip in 2026 specifically for the Mac Studio, with a potential Mac Pro update also likely. The M5 Ultra will follow the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are expected to arrive in early 2026. This means we’re looking at a June or September 2026 timeframe for the Ultra variant. Apple confirmed earlier this year that there would be no M4 Ultra chip, making the M5 Ultra a significant return to high-end performance. The company has made it clear that Ultra chips won’t come with every M-series generation. Apple is also rumored to be developing new displays that could launch alongside the updated Mac Studio.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
Why Skip M4 Ultra?
Here’s the thing that’s really interesting about this report – Apple deliberately skipped an M4 Ultra. The company’s updated Mac Studio earlier this year came with M4 Max and M3 Ultra options, which basically confirmed there was no M4 Ultra in the cards. And there’s a technical reason for that: Ultra chips are essentially two Max chips fused together using Apple’s “UltraFusion” technology, but the M4 Max apparently doesn’t have the necessary connector to create an Ultra variant.
So what does this tell us? Apple seems to be settling into a pattern where not every chip generation gets the Ultra treatment. They’re being strategic about when to deploy their highest-end silicon. Basically, they’re saving the big performance leaps for when they really matter.
Market Implications
This staggered release schedule creates an interesting dynamic in the pro workstation market. Apple’s main competitors – companies like Dell, HP, and workstation specialists – have been pushing their own high-performance systems. But Apple’s unified architecture approach with Ultra chips gives them a unique advantage in certain workflows.
The timing here is crucial. By 2026, we’ll be deep into whatever comes after Intel’s current Xeon lineup and AMD’s Threadripper Pro series. Apple needs the M5 Ultra to be competitive not just with today’s workstations, but with whatever comes two years from now. That’s a tall order.
What to Expect
Given that there aren’t rumors about major Mac Studio redesigns, the M5 Ultra update will probably focus on internal improvements rather than external changes. We’re likely looking at significant performance bumps in CPU, GPU, and neural engine capabilities. The real question is whether Apple will push core counts even higher or focus on efficiency and specialized acceleration.
And those rumored displays? They could be the real story here. Apple hasn’t updated its Pro Display XDR in years, and pro users have been waiting for something new. Launching a cutting-edge display alongside a powerhouse Mac Studio would create a compelling package for creative professionals and developers.
So while 2026 feels like a long way off, this M5 Ultra roadmap suggests Apple is playing the long game in the pro market. They’re not trying to win every quarter – they’re building towards strategic performance milestones that keep their most demanding users loyal.
