(Image Source: Apple) 

BY CHARLIE MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A new report from Apple Insider released Monday says Apple is considering discontinuing its Mac Pro line.

Now don’t be confused – the Mac Pro is apple’s desktop – not laptop.  Apple Insider cites a decline in sales and increased performance of Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air lines as possible reasons.

“Despite the coming availability of a new generation of Sandy Bridge desktop CPUs suitable for advancing Apple's Mac Pro line, the company has reportedly been evaluating whether to continue to invest in furthering its full-sized workstation line beyond this year in the face of limited sales.”

And the potential move might not be much of a shock with those familiar with Apple and the Mac Pro.  Upgrades have been slow – and with Apple making changes to its software – a writer for Macgasm says it’s probably a good move.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mac Pro ended up being discontinued. I own one currently, and love it, but it’s cumbersome and gives off enough heat to heat my entire office in the dead of a Canadian winter.”

Ultimately it could save space – and maybe some energy. But is this all a sign of things to come?  Mac Rumors reports desktops sales have fallen across the board including for Apple - as consumers are hot for speedy laptops and notebooks.

“Combined with a continuing shift towards notebooks that has seen the desktop share of Apple's Mac business fall from 70% ten years ago to under 30% today, the increasing power of Apple's other Macs has resulted in the Mac Pro becoming only a minor portion of Apple’s product lineup.”

So it could be a changing of the guard. But is that necessarily good for Apple and professionals?  A writer for CNET says if Apple goes through with it – the company is taking another big leap.

“If Apple were to shelve its Mac Pro line it would further bring into question Apple's involvement in the professional market … that shift can be seen with the company's transition from Final Cut Pro 7 to Final Cut Pro X, a jump that left a number of video professionals dissatisfied after Apple omitted key workflow features.”