New high-end Macs with M2 Max and Ultra chips could debut at WWDC23 [Updated]

Apple could launch two new high-end desktop Macs at WWDC23 next week. Labeled internally as Mac 14,13 and Mac 14,14, the two machines could be Apple’s most powerful Macs yet.

Likely aimed at professionals, the new desktop Macs — likely updated versions of the Mac Studio — reportedly will feature M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. The rumored specs point to big performance boosts.

Powerful new Macs incoming?

The M2 Max-powered Mac in testing features a 12-core CPU, a 30-core GPU and 96GB of system memory, according to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday. Apple already offers the same chip in its 2023 MacBook Pro lineup. In testing, the second Mac utilizes the yet-to-be-announced M2 Ultra chip featuring a 24-core CPU and a 60-core CPU.

Apple also reportedly plans to produce a more-powerful M2 Ultra configuration with a 76-core GPU. For comparison, the M1 Ultra has a 48-core GPU, with the high-end variant topping out at 60 cores. You can apparently pair the next-gen chip with 64GB, 128GB or 192GB of system memory. All these Macs are running macOS 13.4, hinting they are ready for release.

Given the massive boost in the CPU and GPU core count, the M2 Max/Ultra Mac Studio should provide a double-digit boost in performance over its predecessor.

On Thursday, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman added to the speculation that a new Mac Studio will arrive in the very near future.

“Can confirm Apple is nearing the introduction of a new Mac codenamed J475,” he wrote on Twitter. “What’s the codename of the current Mac Studio? J375.”

Wait for an Apple silicon Mac Pro continues for now

Sadly, if you were hoping this high-end Mac is the long-delayed Mac Pro, that’s seemingly not the case. Apple has internally labeled the Apple silicon Mac Pro as 14,8.

The new powerful desktop Macs likely would replace the M1 Max/Ultra-powered Mac Studio, which Apple unveiled in March 2022.

While not mentioned specifically in Bloomberg’s report, Apple could announce the new Macs during its WWDC23 keynote next Monday. The event reportedly will bring other hardware unveilings, including a 15-inch MacBook Air and Apple’s long-rumored mixed-reality headset.

The company also will start accepting the 2022 Mac Studio, 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro for trade-in starting next week, yet another hint at the impending launch of the new Macs.

Note: We originally published this story on May 31. We updated it with additional info on the rumored new Macs.

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