Apple unveils new Mac Studio: High-performance desktop with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips

Apple has introduced the new Mac Studio model with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options. Despite its compact design, this new model offers high performance and features tailored for professional users. The new Mac Studio supports Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, up to 512 GB of unified memory, and up to 16 TB of SSD storage.

Mac Studio price and specs

Mac Studio, available with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options, takes desktop performance to a new level. The M4 Max chip features a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. Compared to the M1 Max-powered Mac Studio, it offers up to 3.5 times faster performance and is up to 6.1 times faster than the Intel-based 27-inch iMac.

With Neural Engine support, AI-driven tasks are accelerated, while advanced graphics architecture enhances content creation and gaming performance. The M4 Max-powered Mac Studio comes with at least 36 GB of unified memory and can be expanded up to 128 GB. Additionally, its powerful media engine enables seamless processing of multiple 4K ProRes video streams.

The M3 Ultra-powered Mac Studio is optimized for maximum performance. Featuring a 32-core CPU and an 80-core GPU, this model delivers 50% more processing power than previous Ultra chips. The ability to run large language models (LLMs) directly in memory gives it a significant advantage in AI-based workloads.

Starting with 96 GB of unified memory, configurations can go up to 512 GB. The memory bandwidth exceeds 800 GBps, ensuring high-speed processing for large datasets. Compared to the M1 Ultra-powered Mac Studio, this model delivers up to 2.6 times faster graphics-based workloads.

The new Mac Studio is also designed to meet professional users’ connectivity needs. Thunderbolt 5 technology offers up to three times faster data transfer speeds than previous generations. With a data transfer capacity of up to 120 Gbps, it is ideal for external storage solutions and expansion enclosures.

It supports up to eight Pro Display XDR screens, allowing for expansive workstation configurations. Additionally, it features a 10 Gb Ethernet port, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.

Apple Intelligence integration makes the new Mac Studio even more powerful for productivity and AI-driven workflows. Writing Tools accelerate text editing and summarization, while the new Siri improves user experience with deeper macOS integration. Private Cloud Compute ensures secure execution of large AI models.

With macOS Sequoia, Mac Studio users can mirror their iPhone applications directly on their Mac. Features such as improved window management and the new Passwords app enhance the overall user experience. Gaming performance improvements allow smoother gameplay in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Mac Studio embraces Apple’s environmentally friendly design philosophy. Over 30% of the materials used in production are recycled, including an aluminum chassis and rare-earth magnets. Fully fiber-based packaging aligns with Apple’s goal of making all products carbon-neutral by 2030.

The new Mac Studio is available for pre-order today and will be officially released on March 12. The base price starts at $1,999. However, the fully loaded version with an M3 Ultra chip, 512 GB RAM, and 16 TB SSD exceeds $14,000.