Apple debuts Mac Studio desktop with M1 Ultra processor

The Mac Pro is dead, and Apple murdered it.

By Fergus Halliday

Digital Content Editor

March 09, 2022

2 min read

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A new iPhone SE isn't the only big news of the week for Apple fans. The company is adding M1-based desktop computer into the mix, with the Mac Studio announced alongside the new Studio Display.

Available in models that use either the company's M1 Max or the newly-announced M1 Ultra processor, the new Mac Studio is essentially a souped up Mac Mini built for creative professionals.

Apple claims that the new Mac Studio pairs up an unprecedented level of performance that eclipses even what the Mac Pro offers within an compellingly compact form-factor.

The company says that those who opt for the M1 Max model should expect CPU performance that's 2.5 times faster than the fastest iMac and 50% faster than a Mac Pro outfitted with a 16-core Xeon processor.

Creatives who can afford to go for the M1 Ultra option see even bigger gains. Apple say this version of the Mac Studio delivers a 3.8-fold increase on the CPU performance offered by the fastest iMac and a 90% increase on what a 16-core Mac Pro can do.

As part of the Mac Studio unveiling, Apple mentioned that a new Mac Pro was on the way during their latest hardware showcase. Given that confirmation and the considerable performance offered by the Mac Studio, the case for buying Apple's gaudy-yet-iconic grater-shaped computer for creatives has become even more tenuous than it already was.

Beyond the processor, the new Mac Studio comes armed with up to six Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, a single HDMI port, a 10Gb Ethernet port and a 3.5-mm headphone jack.

As standard, the M1 Max version of the Mac Studio boasts 32GB of unified RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Meanwhile, the M1 Ultra model starts at 64GB of unified RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The former can be upgraded to 64GB of unified RAM while the latter caps out at 128GB. Both machines support up to 8TB of SSD storage.

In Australia, pricing for the M1 Max version of the Mac Studio starts at $3,099 while the M1 Ultra Mac Studio starts at $6,099.

“Mac Studio ushers in a new era for the desktop with unbelievable performance powered by M1 Max and M1 Ultra, an array of connectivity and a compact design that puts everything users need within easy reach," said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

"One more thing"

A computer this powerful deserves an equally potent screen, and Apple's new Mac Studio desktops are designed to be paired up with the company's new Studio Display.

This 27-inch monitor with 5K Retina resolution boasts a "studio-quality" three-microphone array, plus a six-speaker audio system and a 12-megapixel webcam with support for the Center Stage auto-framing tech found in Apple's iPads.

As standard, the Surface Display adds another three Thunderbolt ports into the mix for those who need it. These can even be used to charge a connected Macbook.

Apple also offer a number of optional extras for the monitor, including a height-adjustable stand and nano-texture glass.

In Australia, pricing for the Studio Display starts at $2,499.

The Mac Studio and Studio Display are both available from this week.

Written by

Fergus Halliday

Fergus Halliday is a Digital Content Editor for Reviews.org who specialises in technology, entertainment, gaming and pop culture. His work has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, Press Start Australia, The AU Review, Screen Rant, Superjump and more. You can follow him on Twitter.