Apple has launched the Mac Studio, a powerful computing solution featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Designed for professionals, it boasts impressive performance with up to 128 GB unified memory and enhanced connectivity through Thunderbolt 5. The M4 Max chip claims to outperform its predecessors significantly, while the M3 Ultra excels in handling demanding tasks. With a compact design, the Mac Studio is offered at €2,499 and €4,999 for the M4 Max and M3 Ultra versions, respectively, with pre-orders starting March 5, 2025.
Introducing the New Mac Studio: A Powerhouse for Professionals
Apple has just unveiled its latest innovation in computing, the Mac Studio, following the releases of the iPhone 16, iPad Air, and iPad 11. This new Mac is designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, delivering unparalleled power in a compact design, thanks to the cutting-edge M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.
Equipped with the most advanced Apple Silicon chips available, the Mac Studio also features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, enabling lightning-fast data transfer and connectivity options.
Unleashing the M4 Max Chip’s Potential
The Mac Studio powered by the M4 Max chip boasts an impressive setup of 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, with the ability to support up to 128 GB of unified memory. Apple claims that this powerhouse outperforms the Mac Studio with the M1 Max by a staggering 3.5 times and surpasses older Intel iMacs by 6.1 times. Additionally, the Neural Engine, which is dedicated to artificial intelligence tasks, is now three times faster, making it ideal for handling complex models effortlessly. Videographers will appreciate the Media Engine’s capability to work smoothly with ProRes 4K footage, enhancing the editing experience.
Next, we have the M3 Ultra, a truly formidable chip that takes performance to new heights. With the option of up to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores, along with a massive unified memory of 512 GB and a whopping 16 TB SSD, this chip is engineered for heavy-duty tasks. Apple boasts that it delivers performance 2.6 times better than the M1 Ultra and 6.4 times that of an Intel Mac Pro. This makes it an ideal choice for demanding applications such as 3D rendering and training AI models with immense data sets.
Apple’s Promises Awaiting Independent Testing
While we await independent benchmark results, Apple is eager to showcase the capabilities of the M4 Max chip. For instance, image retouching in Adobe Photoshop is claimed to be up to 1.6 times faster compared to the M1 Max-equipped Mac Studio, which was already a robust machine. Furthermore, when compared to a 27-inch iMac with a Core i9 processor, the M4 Max shows off its prowess with speeds reaching 2.9 times higher. Developers can also expect a smoother experience, with Xcode compiling tasks reported to be 2.1 times faster than the M1 Max and 3.1 times faster than the Core i9 iMac.
When it comes to the M3 Ultra, it pushes the envelope even further for professionals managing large-scale projects. Rendering 8K video in Final Cut Pro is said to be up to 1.4 times quicker than its M1 Ultra counterpart. Against a 16-core Intel Mac Pro with a Radeon Pro W5700X, the M3 Ultra claims to be up to four times faster. For those involved in 3D design, rendering in Maxon Redshift is reported to be 2.6 times faster than with the M1 Ultra and an incredible 6.4 times quicker than the Intel Mac Pro, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance for creatives.
Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity: A Leap Forward
Let’s take a moment to discuss Thunderbolt 5, which offers remarkable speeds of 120 Gb/s, making it three times faster than its predecessor, Thunderbolt 4. This significant upgrade enables the use of ultra-fast external storage solutions, powerful hubs, and even PCIe extensions for expanded capabilities.
However, to fully utilize this advanced technology, users will need to invest in compatible accessories, which are still emerging in the market as of March 2025 and may come at a premium price.
Compact Design with a Premium Price Tag
The Mac Studio maintains its compact and silent design, a notable advantage compared to bulky PC towers. It is available in two main configurations: the M4 Max model priced at €2,499 and the high-end M3 Ultra model at €4,999. The €2,500 price difference reflects the significant enhancements offered by the M3 Ultra.
The M4 Max configuration includes 14 CPU cores, 32 GPU cores, 16 Neural Engine cores, 36 GB of unified memory, and 512 GB of SSD storage. On the other hand, the M3 Ultra model features 28 CPU cores, 60 GPU cores, 32 Neural Engine cores, 96 GB of unified memory, and 1 TB of SSD storage, justifying its higher price point. If users opt for the maximum customization options, including the most powerful processor, memory, and storage, the total cost can soar to an astonishing €17,624.
Pre-orders for the new Mac Studio open today, March 5, 2025, with availability in stores starting March 12.