5+ Things to Know About the Next Mac Studio

Apple’s Next Mac Studio: M5 Chips, RAM Woes, and the Future of Pro Desktops

Apple is quietly preparing a major upgrade to its powerhouse desktop, the Mac Studio, with a new version expected to land sometime in 2026. As supplies of the current models dwindle and certain configurations go out of stock, tech watchers are piecing together what’s next for Apple’s most compact pro desktop.

The Mac Studio’s design isn’t expected to change much—if at all. Apple will likely stick with the familiar squircle shape that echoes the Apple TV and Mac mini, with rounded corners and a footprint that’s dramatically smaller than the now-discontinued Mac Pro. At just 3.7 inches tall and 7.7 inches wide, it remains a space-saving beast for professionals. Thunderbolt 5 support, introduced with the current model, will carry over, though there’s no word yet on any changes to port layouts.

Under the hood, the real excitement centers on Apple’s next-generation silicon. The upcoming Mac Studio is expected to pack the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The M5 Max, already seen in the latest MacBook Pro models, boasts up to an 18-core CPU, a 40-core GPU, and a whopping 614GB/s memory bandwidth—Apple claims it’s up to 30% faster for pro workloads than its M4 Max predecessor. The M5 Ultra, however, remains shrouded in mystery. Historically, Apple’s Ultra chips have been dual Max chips fused together, so the M5 Ultra could push up to a 36-core CPU and an 80-core GPU, delivering unprecedented performance for the most demanding tasks.

Storage is also set for a boost. The M5 MacBook Pro saw its SSD speeds double compared to the M4, and the Mac Studio is likely to inherit this improvement, making data access and large file handling even snappier.

But there’s a catch: RAM. Global shortages have forced Apple to discontinue the 512GB RAM upgrade for the Mac Studio earlier this year, capping current models at 256GB. The M5 Max MacBook Pro supports up to 128GB, so the M5 Max Mac Studio will likely match that, while the M5 Ultra version could push to 256GB. These shortages are driven by manufacturers prioritizing AI server needs, leaving consumer products in short supply and driving up prices. While many PC and smartphone makers have raised prices, Apple has so far held the line on Mac Studio pricing—though that could change.

In fact, some Mac Studio configurations are already out of stock, particularly those with 128GB or 256GB of RAM. While this might hint at a refresh on the horizon, it’s more likely a symptom of ongoing supply constraints rather than a surefire sign of imminent new hardware.

Pricing for the next Mac Studio is still up in the air. Apple has raised prices on other recent Mac models, and it’s possible the Studio will follow suit—perhaps starting with a 1TB SSD instead of the current 512GB. For now, the base model starts at $1,999.

With the Mac Pro officially discontinued in late March, the Mac Studio now stands as Apple’s sole pro desktop option. The overlap between the two machines was significant, with the Mac Pro’s main advantage being PCIe expansion slots. Now, the Mac Studio, Mac mini, and iMac make up Apple’s entire desktop lineup.

As for timing, Apple’s hands may be tied by the ongoing RAM crisis. If the company is holding back stock for new models, a launch could be imminent—but it’s equally possible that shortages will delay the refresh. The next logical window is WWDC, where Apple has debuted new Macs in the past. The keynote is set for June 8, and if a new Mac Studio is coming in the first half of 2026, that’s the most likely stage. If not, a later fall launch—possibly October or November—becomes more probable.

Tags: Apple, Mac Studio, M5 Max, M5 Ultra, WWDC 2026, Apple Silicon, Pro Desktop, RAM Shortage, SSD Speed, Thunderbolt 5, Mac Pro Discontinued, Desktop Mac, Apple Event, Tech Rumors, 2026 Mac Refresh

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