Apple's Upcoming Mac Studio to Feature M5 Chips Amid RAM Shortages

Apple is set to release an updated Mac Studio in 2026, incorporating the new M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The M5 Max features an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, while the M5 Ultra is expected to offer up to 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores, significantly enhancing performance for professional workloads.

The design of the Mac Studio is anticipated to remain consistent with its current form, maintaining its compact structure.

Global RAM shortages have led Apple to discontinue the 512GB RAM upgrade option for the Mac Studio, with the maximum configurable memory now limited to 256GB. The cost to upgrade from 96GB to 256GB has also increased from $1,600 to $2,000. These shortages are driven by high demand for memory in AI data centers, affecting availability and pricing.

Apple discontinued the Mac Pro in late March 2026, positioning the Mac Studio as its primary professional desktop offering. The Mac Studio, along with the Mac mini and iMac, now comprises Apple's desktop lineup.

The release date for the updated Mac Studio is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026.