We’re used to seeing Apple make changes to its Mac lineup, but today it’s launching a brand new model: Mac Studio.
A desktop computer, powered by either the existing M1 Max chip or the new M1 Ultra, and promises “an unprecedented level of performance, a huge range of connectivity and entirely new capabilities in an incredibly compact design”.
First impressions are that Mac Studio is a bit like a super powerful Mac mini. It’s constructed from aluminum and features an intriguing thermal design that incorporates dual-sided fans, airflow channels, and over 4,000 perforations in the rear and bottom of the enclosure.
Apple is bullish on the Mac Studio numbers; in the case of the M1 Max model, it boasts CPU performance up to 2.5 times faster than the fastest 27-inch iMac with 10-core processor, and CPU performance up to 50% faster than the Mac Pro with 16-core Xeon processor.
The Ultra model, meanwhile, is said to be capable of CPU performance up to 3.8 times faster than the fastest 27-inch iMac with 10-core processor, CPU performance up to 90% faster than Mac Pro with processor 16-core Xeon, and CPU performance up to 60% faster than a 28-core Mac Pro.
As for connectivity, the back of the Mac Studio offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 10GB Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a “pro audio” jack for high-impedance headphones or headphones. external amplified speakers.
There are also connections on the front – a few USB-C ports and an SD card slot.
Rounding out the Mac Studio is the 27-inch Studio display, which flaunts a Retina 5K display, built-in camera, triple-microphone array, and six-speaker sound system. In fact, it even has its own processor – the A13 Bionic chip.
Given its name, it’s no surprise that Mac Studio is targeting music creators – Apple made a point of mentioning that it can “power the digital audio workstation they’ve been dreaming of” at its launch event – we we are therefore impatient to find out if it can live up to its billing.
The Mac Studio and Studio Display are available for pre-order starting today and will start arriving to customers on Friday, March 18. Pricing for the Mac Studio starts at $1,999/£1,999, while the Studio Display starts at $1,599/£1,499.
Learn more about the Apple website.
