2028 Could Bring the Most Mind-Bendingly Expensive Apple Product of All Time (gizmodo.com)

Apple is reportedly set to revolutionize its product lineup by introducing the M7 Ultra chip in 2028, skipping expected M6 variants altogether. This decision reflects a significant shift in Apple's approach, with AI now taking precedence in product design and manufacturing timelines, overshadowing traditional metrics like processing speed and battery life. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg indicates that while M6 products are anticipated later this year, the M7's development accelerated quickly, leading to a confusing product release schedule that may impact consumer expectations and purchasing decisions. The M7 Ultra is expected to support up to 1.5 terabytes of memory, potentially doubling what was available in its predecessor, with pricing implications that could see high-end desktops exceeding $50,000, especially in light of rising memory costs. The M7 Ultra's capabilities are intended to match or surpass dedicated AI accelerators, such as Nvidia’s Blackwell. If the current inflation and memory shortages persist, consumers should prepare for an unprecedented price point in 2028, making ownership of this next-gen technology a luxury far beyond typical consumer electronics.