Apple created more advanced editions of its M2 and M3 series processors yet ultimately chose not to launch them. A veteran reporter notes that the firm explored M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme designs during 2022, chips meant to exceed the existing Ultra models. These processors were expected to deliver twice the CPU and GPU cores found in the Ultra silicon. Apple abandoned the projects because of steep production expenses and limited interest.

Apple's M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme Chips Were Reportedly Cancelled

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman revealed that Apple had built internal Extreme versions of its M-series chips. The designs aimed to provide double the CPU and GPU cores of the Ultra chips, positioning them as the most capable processors the company had considered for any Mac at that stage.

The journalist explained that the Extreme label would have continued Apple's established Mac chip naming pattern of Pro, Max, and Ultra. The M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme chips targeted professionals handling intensive tasks such as high-end 3D rendering, scientific computing, and advanced video production.

The newsletter supports Gurman's earlier 2022 reporting that Apple tested a Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip while also developing a still more powerful M2 Extreme processor. The M2 Ultra Mac Pro was described with up to 24 CPU cores, 76 GPU cores, and 192 GB of unified memory, whereas the cancelled M2 Extreme version was expected to reach 48 CPU cores and 152 GPU cores.

Gurman noted at the time that an M2 Extreme Mac Pro would have started at a price of at least $10,000 before upgrades. The project was dropped due to high manufacturing costs, production challenges, and a small customer base. Apple reached a similar conclusion regarding the M3 Extreme chip.

The decision follows Apple's quiet removal of the Mac Pro from its lineup earlier this year. The model had remained part of the Mac family for nearly two decades after its debut in August 2006.