Apple has released updated versions of its Mac Studio desktop system, featuring the highly anticipated M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips at its annual Doveloper conference. While the design remains unchanged from last year’s M1-powered model, the new Mac Studio offers significantly more processing power, providing users with enhanced performance for their computing needs. The upgraded Mac Studio will be available for purchase starting at $1,999 and is expected to begin shipping on June 13th.
The highlight of the update is undoubtedly the M2 Ultra chip, which Apple describes as “a monster of a chip.” It is essentially composed of two M2 Max dies connected using Apple’s ultra fusion technology. The M2 Ultra boasts a formidable 24-core CPU and an impressive GPU with up to 76 cores, delivering a remarkable 30 percent increase in performance compared to the M1 Ultra. Apple proudly claims that the GPU on a single system equipped with the M2 Ultra can handle machine learning workloads that would typically pose memory constraints for discrete GPUs.
One of the key advantages of the M2 Ultra is its support for up to 192GB of unified memory, a notable 50 percent increase over its predecessor, the M1 Ultra. The new chip also offers a substantial memory bandwidth of 800GB/s, in addition to a 32-core neural engine and a staggering 134 billion transistors. These impressive specifications make the M2 Ultra a true powerhouse in the realm of computing.
The M2 Ultra effectively replaces the M1 Ultra, which supported a maximum memory capacity of 128GB. The M1 Ultra featured a 20-core GPU with 16 high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, representing a significant leap forward in performance compared to the original M1 chip.
The Mac Studio has long served as a bridge for creative professionals who require robust computing power but may not necessarily require the full capabilities of the Mac Pro hardware. While Apple updated the Mac Pro in 2019, the company has now introduced a new Mac Pro model, powered by its in-house Apple Silicon, further expanding its product lineup to cater to the specific needs of professional users.
With the introduction of the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips in the updated Mac Studio, Apple reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and empowering users with enhanced computing capabilities. The Mac Studio, equipped with these powerful chips, is poised to be a compelling choice for creative professionals seeking a balance between performance, functionality, and the renowned Apple ecosystem.
