An apparatus and method for separation of tubes produced continuously on a row of mandrels, continuously coupled to one another, by the mandrels being advanced in a conveying direction (X) and by material layers being applied to the mandrels. A material difference exists from the mandrel material at a connection point of successive mandrels. A measuring device detects the connection point of the successive mandrels, and a separating device, arranged downstream of the measuring device in the conveying direction (X), provides for the separation of the tubes. The separating device is controlled by the measuring device in order to align the separating device with the connection point. The separating device has a cutting head rotatable about the connection point, and advances in the conveying direction (X) synchronously with the mandrels during the separating operation.