Apple is set to release an updated version of the Mac Studio sometime in 2026. With current supplies dwindling, we thought it would be a good idea to outline what’s next for Apple’s top-tier desktop machine.
Design
It seems unlikely that Apple will introduce a new design for the Mac Studio, as no rumors suggest any redesign efforts. The upcoming model is expected to retain a design similar to the Apple TV or Mac mini, featuring rounded corners.
M5 Max and M5 Ultra Chips
We anticipate the Mac Studio will incorporate the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The M5 Max, which Apple showcased with the March release of the MacBook Pro models, features up to an 18-core CPU and 40-core GPU, promising up to 30% faster CPU performance compared to the M4 Max. The M5 Ultra remains under wraps, but it may offer up to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU, linking two Max chips together as has been the practice with Apple’s Ultra chips.
Enhanced SSD
The new M5 MacBook Pro models come equipped with a faster SSD, which the Mac Studio is likely to adopt as well. Apple claims that the SSD in the M5 models is up to twice as fast compared to that of the M4 MacBook Pro models.
RAM Availability
A global RAM shortage led Apple to discontinue the 512GB version of the Mac Studio earlier this year. Currently, the machine maxes out at 256GB RAM, a limitation that may persist in the next Mac Studio. The M5 Max MacBook Pro supports up to 128GB of RAM, which will likely be the maximum for its Mac Studio counterpart, while the M5 Ultra could handle up to 256GB.
Mac Studio Stock Issues
In early April, Apple halted orders for certain Mac Studio configurations due to stock shortages. Models with 128GB or 256GB of RAM are now unavailable for orders, but this may not necessarily indicate an imminent release of a new model.
Pricing and Release Timing
Current rumors suggest no price increases for the Mac Studio, meaning it could still start at $1,999, even though other Macs have seen price hikes recently. If a new model is announced, we could see an entry-level machine starting with a 1TB SSD instead of a 512GB SSD. The best guess for the unveiling of the new Mac Studio is at WWDC on June 8, 2026, where Apple has historically revealed new Macs. If not at WWDC, a launch may occur later in the year, with October or November being the most likely months.
