The World Wide Developers Conference 2023 took place on Monday, 5th June 2023. Apple launched many new things. Among the unveilings, they introduced the new Mac Studio with M2 Ultra and Max.
While the exterior design remains unchanged from the previous M1-powered model, the new Mac Studio boasts significantly more advanced processors. Pricing for the updated Mac Studio starts at $1,999, and it is set to begin shipping on June 13th.
WWDC23 – Apple introduces the new Mac Studio with M2 Ultra and Max
The highlight of this update is the M2 Ultra chip, described by Apple as a formidable powerhouse. It consists of two M2 Max dies interconnected using Apple’s UltraFusion technology. The M2 Ultra chip incorporates a 24-core CPU and a GPU with up to 76 cores, delivering a 30 per cent performance boost compared to the M1 Ultra. Apple asserts that a single system equipped with this GPU can handle ML (Machine Learning) workloads that discrete GPUs struggle with due to memory limitations.
The M2 Ultra chip sets itself apart by supporting up to 192GB of unified memory, which is 50 per cent more than the M1 Ultra. It also boasts a total memory bandwidth of 800GB/s. Additionally, the M2 Ultra features a 32-core neural engine and an impressive 134 billion transistors, further contributing to its exceptional capabilities.
In terms of the M2 Max configuration, the Mac Studio will be equipped with a 12-core CPU, a GPU that can reach up to 38 cores, and the option for up to 96GB of unified memory. The memory bandwidth for this configuration is set at 400GB/s.
These impressive specifications are expected to result in significant performance improvements, particularly for creative applications on macOS when using the Mac Studio. Apple claims that rendering in Octane 3D will be up to three times faster with the M2 Ultra compared to the M1 Ultra. Additionally, colourists using DaVinci Resolve can anticipate a 50 per cent increase in video processing speeds.
The M2 Ultra version of the Mac Studio is also capable of supporting up to six Pro Display XDRs. Furthermore, it features Wi-Fi 6E support for faster download speeds and Bluetooth 5.3 support for compatibility with the latest accessories. In terms of connectivity, the rear of the Mac Studio offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 10Gb ethernet port, an HDMI port, and two USB-A ports. Additionally, there are two USB-C ports and an SD card slot located at the front.
With the introduction of the M2 Ultra, Apple has replaced the previous M1 Ultra chip, which supported a maximum memory capacity of 128GB. The M1 Ultra featured a 20-core GPU with 16 high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, representing a significant improvement over the original M1 chip.
The Mac Studio has always catered to the needs of creative professionals who often rely on Apple’s powerful Mac Pro hardware. In 2019, Apple updated the Mac Pro model, and now the company has revealed a new Mac Pro that runs on its own Apple Silicon, further solidifying its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions for creative work.
The new Studio also has higher-bandwidth HDMI, allowing up to six high-res displays to be daisy-chained to it. The Mac Studio starts at Rs 2,09,900 and Rs 1,88,900 for education. Additional configure-to-order options will be available at the Apple Store.
Do check out: WWDC23 – Macbook Air 15: Apple introduces the new 15-inch Macbook Air with M2 inside
