Apple has unveiled its latest Mac Studio, adding to its lineup of premium computers. This new model is powered by advanced chips that elevate its performance, while other aspects remain unchanged. Notably, the new Mac Studio will come in two variations: one featuring the M4 Max chip and another equipped with the newly introduced M3 Ultra chip.
The M3 Ultra is a significant addition, specifically designed for artificial intelligence tasks. Apple claims it can deliver performance levels up to 2.5 times greater than that of the M1 Ultra, although it remains unclear how its speed compares with the M2 Ultra. The M3 Ultra architecture supports a maximum of 512GB of unified memory, a record for personal computers, according to Apple.
The standard configuration of the new Mac Studio begins at 96GB of memory, with the option to upgrade to an impressive 512GB, making it ideal for creators managing heavy workloads. Apple suggests that the Mac Studio is capable of handling large language models (LLMs) with over 600 billion parameters all within memory—an assertion that seems quite plausible at the highest memory capacity.
Apple typically offers a variety of configurations for its products, and this instance is no different. The premium setup with the M4 Max chip includes a powerful 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, while the M3 Ultra variant features a massive 32-core CPU and an 80-core GPU, alongside the option of up to 16TB of SSD storage.
Delving deeper into the M3 Ultra’s details, this chip is constructed from two 3nm M3 Max dies integrated with Apple’s UltraFusion packaging technology, totaling a staggering 184 billion transistors. It boasts Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, incorporating custom-designed controllers for each port, allowing for dedicated bandwidth and impressive transfer speeds of up to 120Gb/s.
Apple claims substantial performance enhancement with the M3 Ultra in the Mac Studio. Key improvements include up to 16.9 times faster token generation for LLMs, 2.6 times faster scene rendering, and 1.4 times faster 8K video rendering—all comparisons are made with the M1 Ultra.
Pre-orders for the new Mac Studio have begun, with official availability set for March 12. The entry-level model is priced at $1,999 (or $1,799 for educational purchases), with costs escalating significantly for higher chip configurations, memory, and storage options; the top-tier model could reach as much as $14,099.
Interestingly, this announcement follows Apple’s release of a new iPad Air featuring the M3 chip, a development teased by CEO Tim Cook. In contrast, the reveal of the Mac Studio came without prior hints, making the announcement a surprise for many. While a new Mac Studio was anticipated, earlier rumors suggested it might not arrive until mid-year.
Now, creative professionals will have access to an updated Mac Studio tailored to meet demanding requirements. Those seeking even greater power may want to wait for the redesigned Mac Pro, which is expected to feature new chips in 2025. Additionally, Apple has launched a new MacBook Air starting at $999.
