# Apple Introduces Updated Mac Studio: A Robust Desktop Revamp
Apple has officially revealed its first upgrade to the **Mac Studio** in almost two years, launching a combination of **M4 Max** and **M3 Ultra** configurations. This update comes shortly after the company released the **M4 and M4 Pro chips** in the Mac mini, representing a crucial advancement for Apple’s premium desktop offerings.
## **Mac Studio Configurations: M4 Max and M3 Ultra**
Apple continues to provide two variants of the **Mac Studio**, addressing varying performance demands:
### **1. M4 Max Mac Studio**
The **M4 Max** model is fundamentally a refined version of the **high-end MacBook Pro** introduced last year. It boasts:
– **Up to 16 CPU cores** (10 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)
– **Up to 40 GPU cores**
– **16-core Neural Engine**
– **Base model ($1,999)**: 14 CPU cores, 32 GPU cores, 36GB RAM, and 512GB storage
– **Expandable RAM**: 48GB ($300 additional), with options for **64GB or 128GB**
### **2. M3 Ultra Mac Studio**
The **M3 Ultra** model comes as a bit of a surprise, as Apple has yet to present an **M4 Ultra**. Instead, the **M3 Ultra** effectively combines **two M3 Max chips**, providing:
– **Up to 32 CPU cores** (24 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores)
– **Up to 80 GPU cores**
– **32-core Neural Engine**
– **Base model ($3,999)**: 96GB RAM, which can be upgraded to **512GB**
– **Storage options**: Up to **16TB**
This strategy positions the **M3 Ultra Mac Studio** interestingly—while it possesses greater processing power than the **M4 Max**, it remains built on an earlier architecture.
## **Design and Connectivity**
Visually, the **new Mac Studio** models are identical to the previous generation, yet they include **high-speed connectivity features**:
– **Four Thunderbolt 5 ports (120 Gbps)**
– **10 Gbps Ethernet port**
– **Two USB-A ports (5 Gbps)**
– **HDMI port**
– **Audio jack**
– **Front-facing ports**:
– **M4 Max version**: Two **USB-C (10 Gbps)**
– **M3 Ultra version**: Two **Thunderbolt 5 (120 Gbps)**
– **SD card reader**
The **M3 Ultra version** is also **two pounds heavier** than the **M4 Max model**, likely due to a sturdier cooling system.
## **Pricing and Availability**
The **new Mac Studio models** are up for **preorder today** and will officially become available on **March 12**, alongside the **M4 MacBook Air**. However, Apple has not made updates to the **Mac Pro**, which continues to operate on the **M2 Ultra** and starts at **$6,999**.
## **Final Thoughts**
Apple’s **Mac Studio refresh** presents an attractive combination of **state-of-the-art performance** and **premium configurations**. While the **M4 Max model** features the latest chip technology, the **M3 Ultra version** remains a formidable option for professionals seeking **maximum computing capabilities**.
For users in search of a **desktop more powerful than the Mac mini** but more affordable than the **Mac Pro**, the **Mac Studio is a strong contender**.
Would you think about upgrading to the new **Mac Studio**? Share your opinions with us! 🚀
