Apple is working on an updated version of the Mac Studio expected at some point in 2026, with current supplies of existing machines running low. As the company’s most powerful desktop machine following the discontinuation of the Mac Pro, the next Mac Studio is anticipated to feature the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, continuing Apple’s transition to unified silicon for professional workloads.
Multiple reports indicate the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio models are on Apple’s release schedule for the first half of 2026, with a potential launch at WWDC in June. The M5 Max chip features an 18-core CPU and 40-core GPU, whereas the M5 Ultra could offer up to 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores, building on the historical pattern where Ultra chips combine two Max chips. These specifications align with Apple’s focus on addressing memory bandwidth bottlenecks in AI and machine learning workloads through high unified memory capacity.
The Mac Studio will retain its compact squircle design with rounded corners, measuring 3.7 inches tall and 7.7 inches wide, similar to an Apple TV or Mac mini. There have been no credible rumors of a design update, and the port configuration—including Thunderbolt 5 support—is expected to remain unchanged. This continuity ensures compatibility with existing professional peripherals and workflows.
Storage improvements are likely, as the M5 MacBook Pro models received faster SSDs that are up to 2x quicker than those in M4 models. We see possible the Mac Studio will adopt the same SSD technology, potentially raising the base storage from 512GB to 1TB to offset component cost pressures. However, no official pricing changes have been confirmed for the Mac Studio line despite increases seen in other MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
RAM availability remains constrained due to global shortages, with manufacturers prioritizing AI server orders over consumer products. The M5 Max MacBook Pro supports up to 128GB RAM, suggesting a similar ceiling for the M5 Max Mac Studio, while the M5 Ultra model could support up to 256GB. Apple discontinued the 512GB Mac Studio configuration earlier in 2026 due to these shortages, and current high-RAM models (128GB and 256GB) have been unavailable for order since early April, reflecting supply limitations rather than an imminent refresh.
The discontinuation of the Mac Pro in late March 2026 leaves the Mac Studio as Apple’s sole professional desktop offering. While the Mac Pro previously differentiated itself with PCIe expansion slots, the Mac Studio now serves as the primary option for users requiring high-performance computing in a compact form factor, alongside the Mac mini and iMac as Apple’s other desktop choices.
If released in the first half of 2026, the updated Mac Studio is most likely to be announced at WWDC on June 8, a venue Apple has used for previous Mac introductions. Should the launch be delayed due to ongoing supply chain challenges, a fall release in October or November remains plausible, as Apple typically avoids September updates for its Mac lineup.