The whispers are growing louder: 2026 could be the year Apple unleashes the “Ultra” branding. It’s a provocative name, sparking debate about what truly qualifies a product for such a designation. But Apple writes its own rules, and the implications are far-reaching, especially when considering a glaring omission in the rumored lineup – a desktop Mac.
While speculation swirls around an iPad Ultra – a project reportedly championed by future leader John Ternus – the absence of a Mac Ultra feels like a missed opportunity. Of all Apple’s creations, the desktop Mac is uniquely positioned to embody the “Ultra” spirit, a machine unburdened by the constraints of portability and ready to deliver uncompromising power.
The Mac Pro once seemed the natural heir to an “Ultra” title. Its tower design offered the space to house a monstrous M-series Ultra chip, vast amounts of RAM, blazing-fast storage, and the latest connectivity. Imagine a reimagined tower, stripped of unnecessary expansion slots, focused purely on raw, unadulterated performance.
However, Apple has already signaled its departure from the tower form factor, discontinuing the Mac Pro for a reason. The market for these machines simply isn’t large enough to justify continued investment, even with a sleek redesign. Apple’s focus has shifted, and a “hot rod” Mac doesn’t align with their current product strategy.
This leaves the iMac as the most plausible candidate for an Ultra designation. It wouldn’t necessarily be the fastest Mac overall, but “Ultra” doesn’t always equate to sheer speed. It signifies a product that pushes boundaries within its category, like a folding iPhone or a MacBook with a revolutionary display.
An iMac Ultra could address a persistent demand for a larger, more immersive all-in-one experience. Reviews of the M1, M3, and M4 iMacs consistently reveal a desire for a display exceeding 24 inches. Many users simply won’t consider anything smaller than 30 inches, a clear indication of an unmet need.
A 32-inch display, perhaps even 6K resolution, would be a compelling starting point. Apple could even repurpose the stunning panel from the Pro Display XDR, creating a seamless visual experience. The design language of the XDR, with its elegant simplicity, would be a perfect fit for an iMac Ultra.
Under the hood, a Pro or Max chip could differentiate the Ultra model from the standard iMac, while preserving the Mac Studio’s position as the ultimate desktop machine. Even this upgrade would represent a substantial leap in performance over the base iMac configuration.
Beyond the display and chip, the iMac Ultra could inherit the best features of its predecessors: upgraded Thunderbolt 5 ports, Ethernet connectivity through the power adapter, and a striking Space Black finish – a nod to the beloved iMac Pro of the past, complete with matching accessories.
The market for an iMac Ultra might be niche, even smaller than the current iMac’s audience. Yet, it could prove surprisingly robust, potentially exceeding demand for the forthcoming iPhone Ultra. The key to success lies in pricing.
Considering the current iMac’s $1,499 price tag, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro’s $2,199 starting point, and the Pro Display XDR’s original $4,999 cost (which has likely decreased over time), a starting price around $2,799 for the iMac Ultra seems reasonable. At that price, it would be an incredibly attractive proposition – one that many, including myself, would eagerly embrace.
