rewrite this title Apple updates the Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra options | TechCrunch

Apple has launched a new Mac Studio, its desktop computer for professionals who need top-of-the-line performance. The company is trying something new with the Mac Studio as it lets you choose between the M4 Max or the M3 Ultra.

The Mac Studio starts at $1,999. Pre-orders open today, and it will be available in Apple Store starting Wednesday, March 12.

Interestingly, despite the version number, the M3 Ultra is the most recent addition to the M-series lineup of chips. In Apple’s lingo, The “Ultra” version is more powerful than the “Max” version (which itself is more powerful than the “Pro” version).

Apple has linked two M3 Max dies to create a single M3 Ultra using its UltraFusion architecture. Compared to the M1 Ultra, the previous Ultra chip, the company says that customers can expect up to 2.6x better performance with the M3 Ultra. Apple says it is “the highest-performing chip it has ever created.”

For $1,999, you get an M4 Max with 36GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage. The M3 Ultra version starts at $3,999 and comes with 96GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage.

Those are just the base configurations. Whether you choose the M4 Max or the M3 Ultra, you can add more memory and storage before buying your computer.

If you find yourself hitting the limits of the configuration tool on Apple’s website when looking at a Mac Mini, the Mac Studio offers plenty of options. Customers can get as much as 512GB of RAM and 16TB of storage.

The design seems unchanged with most of the ports at the back of the computer. You’ll find four Thunderbolt 5 ports and two traditional USB-A ports for your legacy accessories. There’s also an HDMI port and a 10Gb Ethernet port. You can also plug an audio device thanks to the trustworthy 3.5mm headphone jack. Unlike on the Mac Mini, the power button remains easily available on the back of the device.

On the front of the computer, you’ll find an SD slot and two additional USB-C ports. If you opt for an M4 Max, those are just USB-C ports (without Thunderbolt capabilities). If you get an M3 Ultra, those ports are full-fledged Thunderbolt 5 ports.

It means that you can plug up to eight 6K displays or four 8K displays with a Mac Studio equipped with the M3 Ultra. So if you want to build a wall of screens, they can now all be powered by a single Mac.

This is a developing story, please refresh for updates.