85%
Highly Likely
Apple’s M5 release will be followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max launches in early 2026, but according to the latest report, the company is also preparing a higher-end M5 Ultra that will be found in an updated Mac Studio. Previously, the Cupertino firm developed its ‘Ultra’ class of in-house chipsets by leveraging the ‘Max’ version’s UltraFusion connector, so it remains to be seen if Apple will adopt the same approach as last time or switch to an entirely different design.
Specifications of the M5 Ultra are currently under wraps, but like the M5 Pro and M5 Max, the new SoC could offer separate CPU and GPU blocks - here is why this matters
Details mentioned by Bloomberg state that the M5 Ultra will launch next year, along with the launch timeline of Apple’s low-cost MacBook, which is slated to arrive in the first half of 2026. Looking at previous announcements, the M5 Pro and M5 Max are expected to be unveiled first, after which, we will have our first official look at the M5 Ultra. Unfortunately, the report does not specify when we can expect to see the workstation-class chipset in action, nor does it mention the number of CPU or GPU cores.
What we do know is that Apple will skip the M4 Ultra in favor of the M5 Ultra, and given that the M4 Max lacks an UltraFusion connector, we can speculate that the M4 Ultra would sport a single-die design, which is also known as a monolithic design. The existence of the UltraFusion connector would have allowed two M4 Max units to be joined together to create the M4 Ultra, as Apple has done with the M1 Ultra, M2 Ultra, and M3 Ultra; however, that was not the case.
Assuming the M5 Max also lacks an UltraFusion connector, the M5 Ultra could feature a monolithic design. According to YouTuber Max Tech, the M5 Pro and M5 Max may offer separate CPU and GPU blocks, allowing for unique configurations based on what users require for their daily workflow. For instance, users could configure their M5 Ultra to feature a lower CPU count while increasing the GPU cores.
As for the Mac Studio, the design will likely remain the same, with Apple focusing more on internal upgrades rather than introducing an aesthetic revamp. For the time being, we recommend treating this report with a pinch of salt, and we will return with more updates.
News Source: Bloomberg
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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