Mike Peterson
Apple is reportedly readying a new Mac Pro desktop that could include a new faster Apple Silicon chip with up to 40 processing cores and 128 graphics cores for launch in 2022.
The Cupertino company is preparing to launch updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon chips as soon as the summer. Alongside those portable professional notebooks, Apple is also preparing to launch new desktop models in 2022.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a new Mac Pro model that will sport a processor that's either twice or four times as powerful as the high-end MacBook Pro chips.
Codenamed Jade 2C-Die and Jade 4C-Die, the Mac Pro chips will come in either 20 or 40 computing core versions. The chips will contain 16 high-performance cores or 32-high performance cores along with four or eight high-efficiency cores. For graphics, Jade 2C-Die and Jade 4C-Die will be available in either 64-core or 128-core options.
The new Mac Pro chips will top the 28 core maximum offered by current Intel models. Apple's graphics will replace components currently made by AMD.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has been developing the new Mac Pro for several months. It's expected to feature a smaller design compared to the current model.
The publication previously reported that a redesigned Mac Pro was in the works in November 2020. In February, prolific leaker Jon Prosser shared renders based on leaked images and descriptions of the device.
In addition to the Mac Pro, Apple is reportedly also working on other Apple Silicon desktops, such as a larger iMac and a refreshed Mac mini.
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William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
36 Comments
Ok, so how much will this $40k MacPro cost?
I wonder if it will be cute like the cylinder Mac or a beast(big) like the new one.
Most likely it will be tiny bit powerful.
I hope that the new Mac Pro is still modular. We don't need another cylinder Mac Pro or G4 Cube. I could argue for a larger version of the current Mac Pro for more expandability.
I really hope Apple leverages PCI Express 6.0 to tackle bottlenecks. PCI Express 5.0 has CLX and CCIX but PCI Express 6.0 will go beyond that.
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/293451-pci-express-6-0-with-256gb-s-coming-in-2022
If it's using the same GPU cores as the M1, clocked at the same speed, a 64-core GPU could do 20.8 TFLOPS, while a 128-core GPU could do 41.6 TFLOPS. For comparison, a GeForce RTX 3090 (the top consumer card from Nvidia) does up to 35.6 TFLOPS, and a Radeon RX 6900 XT (the top consumer card from AMD) does up to 23 TFLOPS.
Considering the RTX 3090 and RX 6900 XT still universally sell for more than double their MSRP, I wonder if Apple will have scalping problems. Their system of allowing backorders mitigates scalping, but doesn't eliminate it. With the added demand from blockbros, it may be difficult to get one for a year or so.