Apple has transitioned all of its computers to custom silicon, except for the Mac Pro, a powerful and expensive desktop computer. However, the company has announced that it will soon launch an Apple Silicon Mac Pro, but has kept information about the model under wraps.
Recently, 9to5Mac found a new device class in the iOS 16.4 developer disk image in Xcode 16.4 beta, called the “ComputeModule,” which could be the “missing piece to Apple’s modular Mac Pro plans.”
The Compute Module is a new device class that can run iOS or its variant and has two Compute Modules: ComputeModule13,1 and ComputeModule13,3. It is expected that the discovered component will open the door for future graphics expandability. Instead of a traditional GPU, when it is time to upgrade, users could install a new Compute Module, or another name designated by Apple, inside the modular Mac Pro. These modules could be exclusively tied to graphics performance.
The new component could also be an entire system on a package (SOP) that can be easily replaced or upgraded when new chips like M3 Apple Silicon are launched. Instead of purchasing a new Mac Pro, customers could buy a new M3 Ultra Compute Module in the future. They could then swap out the old module for the new one, giving them access to the latest and greatest performance instantly.
Apple recently released the iOS 16.4 beta 1 to developers and beta testers. The update includes new features and improvements such as Safari web push notifications, emojis, HomeKit Architecture, Focus mode, and more.
However, there is no news yet on the release date for the new Compute Module or the Apple Silicon Mac Pro.
