Apple has updated the Mac Studio, introducing a unique configuration: the base model features the M4 Max, while the higher-end version boasts the M3 Ultra. Pre-orders are live on Apple’s site, with prices at $1,999 (M4 Max) and $3,999 (M3 Ultra), and availability on March 12th.
Read: Apple announces new MacBook Air M4 with surprise price drop
The M4 Max Mac Studio promises “up to 3.5x faster” performance compared to the original M1 Max model, offering a 14- to 16-core CPU and a 32- to 40-core GPU. It starts with 36GB of RAM, expandable to 128GB, and 512GB of SSD storage, configurable up to 8TB.
The M3 Ultra Mac Studio is designed for extreme performance. Its 32-core CPU, with 24 performance cores, surpasses any previous Ultra chip by 50%. The GPU starts with 60 cores and can be configured with 80, and the system includes a 32-core Neural Engine for AI workloads.
The M3 Ultra model begins with 96GB of RAM, expandable to a massive 512GB, catering to demanding AI models. Storage options range from 1TB to 16TB.
Apple highlights the Mac Studios’ GPUs, featuring dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading, both firsts for Apple’s graphics. A second-generation ray-tracing engine enhances content creation and gaming.
Externally, the new Mac Studio retains its familiar design. The front features two USB-C ports and an SD card slot. The rear offers four more USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, Ethernet, power, and audio connections. Both CPU configurations include Thunderbolt 5, but only the rear four USB-C ports on the M4 Max model support it. The M3 Ultra provides Thunderbolt 5 across all six USB-C ports.
