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With M1 Ultra power, tiny Apple Mac Studio targets pros

Alex Blake
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Apple has launched a new Mac, dubbed the Mac Studio, at its Peek Performance spring event. It marks a new line for the Mac and comes with either the brand-new M1 Ultra or the M1 Max, which is Apple’s most powerful desktop chip.

It takes the form of an enlarged Mac Mini — meaning it has no monitor. As previous rumors had speculated, it resembles several Mac Minis stacked on top of each other.

Overview of the specs and features on the the all new Mac Studio.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple talked up its “outrageous performance” and connectivity, combined with its compact form. Aimed at professional studio users, it sits a layer above the Mac Mini, but below the bulky Mac Pro.

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In terms of performance, Apple is clearly aiming at high-end PCs — and perhaps even its own Mac Pro. Its M1 Max version offers 2.5 times the performance of the 27-inch Intel Core i9 iMac and is 50% faster than the Mac Pro with a 16-core Intel Xeon chip. Graphically, it is 3.4 times faster than the fastest iMac and Mac Pro.

Apple Mac M1 Ultra Graphic.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Things get even more impressive with the new M1 Ultra chip. This version is 3.8 times faster than the Core i9 iMac, 90% faster than the 16-core Xeon, and 60-core than the high-end 28-core Intel Xeon option in the Mac Pro. It also offers up to 128GB of memory.

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For storage, there are options all the way up to 8TB, with 7.4GB/s speeds.

It offers four USB-C ports (at 10GB/s), two USB-A, one HDMI, an audio jack, an SDXC slot, and an Ethernet slot. There are two USB-C ports on the front for easy access. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

While it has no built-in monitor, Apple also unveiled a new stand-alone screen, dubbed the Studio Display. This is a separate purchase for users who need a high-quality screen.

A person works at a station equipped with the all new Mac Studio and Studio Display.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Mac Studio starts at $1,999 with the M1 Max or $3,999 with the M1 Ultra. That seriously undercuts the Mac Pro, despite outperforming it.

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Alex Blake
Alex Blake
Computing Writer
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