Apple to Launch M4 Max and M4 Ultra Mac Studio This Year: Everything You Need to Know

Apple to Launch M4 Max and M4 Ultra Mac Studio This Year: Everything You Need to Know

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Written By Eric Sandler

Apple is gearing up to refresh its Mac Studio lineup, and expectations are high for a device that’s been due for an upgrade since its M2 Max and M2 Ultra debut.

With the recent introduction of the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, Apple’s next Mac Studio promises to deliver unprecedented power and speed. Here’s what we can expect from this highly anticipated update.

Lightning-Fast Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7

The new Mac Studio is likely to follow in the footsteps of the latest MacBook Pro and Mac mini by incorporating Thunderbolt 5. This next-gen technology offers up to 120 Gb/s transfer speeds, three times faster than Thunderbolt 4, and makes it a game-changer for professionals handling massive data loads.

Thunderbolt 5 also enables seamless connections to external storage, docking hubs, and even full-fledged production studios. As Apple puts it:

“Pros like music producers can now light up their entire studio by connecting just a single cable.”

Apple may also include Wi-Fi 7 in the Mac Studio, though its absence in the first wave of M4 Macs leaves this as a question mark. If included, Wi-Fi 7 would bring speeds of up to 46 Gbps, more than five times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, while minimizing interference on the 6 GHz band.

M4 Max and M4 Ultra Chips: A Leap in Performance

The M4 Max chip, already available in the latest MacBook Pro, has set a high standard with its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU. This makes it one of the fastest chips currently available, ideal for handling demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and machine learning.

The Mac Studio, however, is expected to take things a step further with the M4 Ultra chip. Thanks to Apple’s UltraFusion technology, the M4 Ultra could feature a 32-core CPU and an 80-core GPU, essentially doubling the power of the M4 Max. This upgrade would make the Mac Studio a top choice for professionals requiring extreme performance, dethroning the Mac mini as Apple’s fastest desktop computer.

Expected Release Date

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is targeting a spring 2025 launch, possibly around WWDC25, to unveil the new Mac Studio. This timing aligns with Apple’s goal to restore the Mac Studio’s place as a high-performance desktop in its lineup.

Gurman notes:

“The Mac mini recently got an M4 Pro chip that bests the Mac Studio’s M2 Ultra processor in some scenarios and benchmarks. So Apple needs to get the higher-end Studio model back on track with the speedier M4 Max and M4 Ultra chips.”

Why the Mac Studio Update Matters

The Mac Studio has carved out a unique niche as a mid-tier, headless desktop designed for professionals. However, the current M2 models have started to show their age, especially as the M4 Pro Mac mini now outpaces them in several benchmarks. The new Mac Studio will not only restore balance to Apple’s desktop lineup but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in a compact, powerful machine.

Final Thoughts

With Thunderbolt 5, the potential for Wi-Fi 7, and the raw power of M4 Max and M4 Ultra chips, the upcoming Mac Studio promises to be Apple’s most formidable desktop yet. Whether you’re a creative professional, a data scientist, or simply someone who needs cutting-edge performance, the 2025 Mac Studio could be the desktop to beat.

Stay tuned for more updates as Apple prepares to unveil this next-level powerhouse.

Check out some of the latest Mac Accessories on my shopping list!

Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh 3-Port 250W Portable Charger
A powerful portable charger with a 27,650mAh capacity, supporting high-speed USB-C charging for your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook when you’re on the go.

Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Stand
A sleek charging stand that powers your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, with support for fast MagSafe charging.

Twelve South Curve Flex MacBook Stand
A height-adjustable stand designed for MacBooks, offering an ergonomic setup and compatibility with external monitors—ideal for a dual-display workspace with your Mac Studio.

Satechi Aluminum Desktop Stand and Hub for Mac mini
Although designed for the Mac mini, this versatile stand adds extra USB-C, USB-A, and SD card slots to your workspace, seamlessly integrating with the Mac Studio’s Thunderbolt ports.

Eric Sandler

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