Apple alters Ultra chip strategy, skipping M4 Ultra
Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 9:18AM 
Photo: Apple
Apple has confirmed it will not release an M4 Ultra chip, deviating from its previous pattern of sequential Ultra chip upgrades. This decision, revealed after the launch of the M3 Ultra alongside the new M4 chip in the Mac Studio, signals a strategic shift in Apple's approach to high-performance computing. The company clarified that Ultra-tier chips will not be released for every Apple Silicon generation.
The M3 Ultra, built using Apple's UltraFusion architecture to connect two M3 Max chips, delivers significant performance gains over its predecessors. However, reports indicate the M4 Max lacks the necessary UltraFusion connectors, making an M4 Ultra impossible without a substantial redesign. Apple prioritized upgrading the Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra while simultaneously advancing its M4 lineup, suggesting a focus on strategic performance enhancements rather than automatic annual updates.
