Apple is developing an updated version of the Mac Studio, expected to launch in 2026. No redesign is anticipated, as the current model maintains its rounded squiggle design and compact size, measuring 3.7 inches tall and 7.7 inches wide, without changes to port configurations.
The new Mac Studio will likely feature the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The M5 Max, already seen in recent MacBook Pro models, boasts up to 18 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, while the M5 Ultra is expected to offer even greater performance with up to 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. Current models use a combination of M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, but the next iteration will unify these under the upcoming M5 generation.
Updates to SSD speed are likely, following the trend seen in the M5 MacBook Pro, which offers SSDs up to twice as fast as the M4 models. However, a worldwide RAM shortage led to the discontinuation of the 512GB Mac Studio configuration, restricting maximum RAM to 256GB for the new models.
In terms of pricing, there’s no anticipated increase for the Mac Studio, which currently starts at $1,999, despite Apple raising prices on other Macs. The maximum configurations have faced supply challenges but are not indicative of an imminent release of new devices.
Apple has ceased orders for several Mac Studio configurations due to supply constraints, specifically relating to RAM and NAND flash memory. Although the next Mac Studio could potentially be announced at WWDC in June 2026, it might also be delayed until later in the year, likely in October or November.
Overall, the Mac Studio stands as Apple’s sole pro desktop option after the discontinuation of the Mac Pro, with future updates expected to enhance performance and storage capabilities without a significant redesign.
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