Apple Halts Launch of M4 ‘Extreme’ Chip: 64-Core CPU and 160-Core GPU Plans Canceled

Apple’s innovative spirit has led to the development of the ‘Extreme’ M series chip, initially anticipated for a 2024 announcement. However, recent information has emerged indicating that the tech giant has decided to abandon the M4 Extreme chip. This high-performance chip was designed to combine four chips into one, promising significantly enhanced capabilities, particularly for Mac users. Consequently, Apple is reallocating its engineering efforts toward an AI server chip.

Apple’s Strategic Shift: Cancellation of the M4 Extreme Chip

According to a report by The Information, Apple has officially canceled its aspirations for the M4 ‘Extreme’ chip. While it is not definitively confirmed that this is the same chip referenced earlier, the specifications linked to it imply a shift in focus. Previous discussions had hinted at a next-generation, formidable variant of the M series, but the company quickly retracted its plans.

The latest updates suggest that Apple has definitively shelved the M4 Extreme chip concept. Originally, the ‘Extreme’ series was aimed at the Mac Pro tower, which would have represented Apple’s pinnacle in chip technology. Currently, the Mac Pro utilizes the ‘Ultra’ series chips, the same processing units found in the Mac Studio, which may not suffice for the demanding applications users expect from the Pro line.

On a more optimistic note, the M4 Ultra chip is projected to make its debut in the latter half of next year, designed to power both the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Had the M4 Extreme chip launched, it was poised to deliver remarkable performance improvements over existing models. Preliminary specifications suggested it could feature a combination of four M4 Max chips, boasting up to 64 CPU cores and 160 GPU cores, thereby creating an unparalleled computing giant.

Although Apple has shown interest in the ‘Extreme’ concept for some time, the likelihood of reawakening this ambitious project remains uncertain. For now, however, it is prudent to assume that the M4 Extreme chip has been officially canceled. We will continue to monitor and report on any developments regarding Apple’s custom chip initiatives as more information becomes available.

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