The M4 Max could be coming!
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman broke the news on March 4, 2025, hinting at an “imminent” reveal for the desktop workhorse, codenamed J575. If it lands, it’ll shake up the Mac lineup—currently stuck on M2 Max ($1,999) and M2 Ultra ($3,999)—with a blend of fresh and unexpected power.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The M4 Max, already flexing in MacBook Pros since late 2024, is a known beast—think single-threaded tasks like video editing or code compiling on steroids. But the M3 Ultra? That’s new.
Apple’s skipped it so far, leaving the M3 family at Pro and Max tiers. Gurman suggests this Ultra could debut here, possibly outmuscling the M4 Max in multi-core grunt—perfect for 3D rendering or data crunching. Historically, Ultra chips (like the M2 Ultra) fuse two Max chips, but with no M3 Ultra precedent, it’s anyone’s guess how Apple’s spinning this one. Posts on X are buzzing with confusion and curiosity—why mix M4 and M3 now?
The Mac Studio’s been a sleeper hit since its 2022 debut with M1 Max and Ultra options, bridging the gap between Mac mini and Mac Pro. Its last refresh, June 2023’s M2 update, feels ancient next to the M4 wave sweeping iMacs and MacBooks. Gurman’s scoop, backed by his track record, pegs this as a chance to keep it relevant. The M4 Max brings Thunderbolt 5 and ray tracing—tech already wowing laptop users—while an M3 Ultra could flex more cores for pros who max out their rigs. No word on design changes, but the current sleek box still holds up. Availability could start soon after an announcement, mirroring Apple’s quick-turn launches.
This isn’t just a spec bump—it’s Apple untangling its desktop story. Right now, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro share M2 Ultra guts, blurring their lines. Gurman posits the M3 Ultra could slot the Studio below a future M4 Ultra-powered Mac Pro, giving each a clearer lane. For users, it’s a win: the M4 Max tackles everyday speed, while an M3 Ultra could chew through heavier loads—think 8K video or AI training. With TSMC’s U.S. fabs ramping up, per Bloomberg, supply might dodge past hiccups. X chatter wonders if this odd pairing signals a bigger M4 Ultra delay, but for now, it’s a practical power boost at potentially familiar prices.
Apple’s playing chess while we’re all guessing checkers. Dropping an M3 Ultra now—after skipping it in 2023’s M3 rollout—feels like a curveball, but it keeps the Studio in the game as M4 rolls out. The timing, synced with MacBook Air buzz, screams strategy: hit creatives and casuals alike. No official word from Cupertino yet, but Gurman’s tip, paired with CEO Tim Cook’s cryptic “something in the air” tease this week, fuels the fire. Will it stick the landing? For tech fans craving a desktop refresh, this could be the week to watch—confusion and all.
