At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), predominantly a software-focused event, Apple surprised attendees with the announcement of the second-generation Mac Studio. The desktop computer, designed for professional users, received its first hardware update. The Mac Studio now comes with the M2 Max chip and the new M2 Ultra chip, marking an exciting development in the device’s capabilities.
The first Mac Studio was launched in 2021 as an alternative to the Intel processor-based Mac Pro, sporting Apple’s Silicon chips. Initially available with the M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips, the Mac Studio has now been upgraded to feature the M2 Max and a brand new, more powerful M2 Ultra.
The M2 Max comes with a 12-core CPU and a 30-core GPU, and supports up to 96 GB of RAM. The new M2 Ultra doubles all these specifications, boasting a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, and support for up to 192GB of RAM. A higher-end version of the M2 Ultra with a 76-core GPU is also available.
Primarily targeted at professional users who engage in demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering, the new Mac Studio boasts a variety of advanced features. It has an enhanced HDMI port offering up to 8K resolution and 240Hz frame rates, and with the M2 Ultra, the Mac Studio can support up to six Pro Display XDRs, providing an enormous amount of screen space for professional workflows.
Furthermore, the new Mac Studio incorporates advanced built-in wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers download speeds that are up to twice as fast as the previous generation, and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity with the latest Bluetooth accessories.
The Mac Studio’s rear houses four Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 10Gb Ethernet port, an enhanced HDMI port, and two USB-A ports. On the front, it features two USB-C ports and an SD card slot for easy importing of photos and videos.
Starting at $1,999, the second-generation Mac Studio is now available. More information about its pricing and availability can be found on Apple’s official website.
