# Apple’s Mac Pro and iMac Innovations: Embracing USB-C and Future Prospects for the Mac Range
Apple has been stirring excitement with its latest Mac announcements, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation. With the debut of the new **M4 iMac**, Apple has also introduced a discreet yet impactful modification to its top-tier desktop, the **M2 Ultra Mac Pro**. Although the internal specifications stay the same, Apple has made a significant transition in its accessories, switching from the Lightning connector to **USB-C**.
## USB-C Accessories for the M2 Ultra Mac Pro
A major change for the M2 Ultra Mac Pro is the transition from **Lightning** to **USB-C** for its accessories. This update comes over a year post the initial introduction of the M2 Ultra Mac Pro. When it launched, many speculated that Apple would provide its **Magic Keyboard**, **Magic Mouse**, and **Magic Trackpad** with USB-C connectors, but the company maintained its Lightning standard.
Now, with the arrival of the new M4 iMac, Apple has finally completed the transition to USB-C for its accessories. This update impacts not only the vibrant peripherals bundled with the iMac but also the black and white editions of the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, which are available separately. This transition coincides with Apple’s wider move towards USB-C throughout its product range, including the recent iPhone 15 series.
### Importance of the Shift to USB-C
The move to USB-C is more than just a cosmetic connector change. USB-C provides numerous advantages over Lightning, such as quicker data transfer rates, enhanced power delivery, and broader compatibility with various devices. This adjustment also aligns Apple’s Mac accessories with its other offerings, like the iPad Pro and MacBook, which have already embraced USB-C as the standard.
For users, this means simplified cable management and more cohesive connectivity across their devices. It also illustrates Apple’s dedication to phasing out proprietary standards in favor of widely accepted technologies.
## M2 Ultra Mac Pro: Core Specs Unaffected
While the transition to USB-C is a positive enhancement, the core specs of the **M2 Ultra Mac Pro** remain unchanged. The machine still features formidable hardware, including:
– **Up to a 24-core CPU**
– **76-core GPU**
– **32-core Neural Engine**
– **Up to 192GB of unified memory**
– **Up to 8TB of storage**
These specifications position the M2 Ultra Mac Pro as one of the most formidable desktop computers available, capable of managing demanding tasks such as video production, 3D modeling, and machine learning.
However, despite its immense capabilities, the M2 Ultra Mac Pro has encountered some backlash regarding its limited modularity. Unlike its Intel-based forerunner, which allowed users to upgrade components like RAM and storage easily, the M2 Ultra Mac Pro is more restrictive in terms of user modifications. This limitation has prompted concerns among professionals, especially in sectors like film and animation, about whether the M2 Ultra Mac Pro truly succeeds the highly modular Intel Mac Pro revealed at **WWDC 2019**.
## Future of the Mac Pro
As the M2 Ultra Mac Pro remains a robust option, many are already anticipating its next iteration. Apple is projected to launch a new **Mac Pro** and **Mac Studio** in the upcoming years, with speculation hinting at a release around **WWDC 2025**.
According to **Mark Gurman** of Bloomberg, Apple is developing **M4 Max** and **M4 Ultra** versions of the Mac Studio, which may be announced concurrently with the new Mac Pro. The forthcoming Mac Pro is believed to have a redesigned look, which might address some criticisms related to the current model’s lack of modularity.
### Will Modular Design Return with the New Mac Pro?
A significant question regarding the next Mac Pro is whether Apple will revert to a more modular design. The Intel-based Mac Pro unveiled in 2019 received acclaim for its modularity, enabling users to upgrade components like memory, storage, and graphics cards seamlessly. In contrast, the M2 Ultra Mac Pro has adopted a different philosophy, with most parts soldered directly to the motherboard, complicating upgrades.
Should Apple opt to make the next Mac Pro more modular, it could regain favor among professionals who depend on the flexibility to upgrade their systems over time. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Apple will focus on modularity or continue developing tightly integrated systems that emphasize performance and efficiency at the expense of user upgrades.
## Conclusion: A Bright Future for Apple’s Mac Lineup
Apple’s recent enhancements to the **M2 Ultra Mac Pro** and the rollout of the **M4 iMac** underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing desktop computing technology. The shift to
