Apple is rumored to be launching its next-generation M3 Ultra chip, along with a new high-end Mac Studio desktop computer powered by the new chip, around the middle of 2024 according to the latest reports.
M3 Ultra Promises Major Performance Gains
The M3 Ultra is expected to be manufactured on an enhanced 3nm process and bring significant improvements over Apple’s current top-of-the-line M1 Ultra chip found in the existing Mac Studio.
Early reports indicate the M3 Ultra could offer up to:
- 20% faster CPU performance
- 30% faster graphics performance
- 40% increased neural engine throughput
This would make the M3 Ultra Apple’s highest performance Arm-based silicon to date. The chip is also likely to bring improved efficiency, allowing for better battery life in future MacBooks.
New Mac Studio to Showcase M3 Ultra
Rumors suggest Apple has a new high-end Mac Studio in the works to debut alongside the M3 Ultra chip in mid-2024.
The new Mac Studio model is expected to replace the current Intel-based Mac Pro at the top of Apple’s desktop lineup. The Mac Pro itself may be phased out entirely, with Apple positioning the M3 Ultra Mac Studio as its most powerful creative pro desktop.
Potential Mac Studio M3 Ultra Specs
| Component | Rumored Spec |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M3 Ultra |
| CPU Cores | Up to 24 (12 performance + 12 efficiency) |
| GPU Cores | Up to 76 |
| RAM | Up to 256GB |
| Storage | Up to 8TB SSD |
The new Mac Studio is likely to retain a similar form factor to the current model, with an all-in-one aluminum chassis housing the M3 Ultra chip, memory, storage, and ports.
It could feature additional Thunderbolt ports to allow for more external device connectivity. The studio-quality sound system may also see an upgrade to offer improved audio performance for music production and video editing.
Why No New Mac Pro?
Many pro users have been awaiting a new Mac Pro model ever since Apple began its transition away from Intel chips in 2020. The existing Mac Pro still uses Intel Xeon processors, while the rest of Apple’s Mac lineup has moved to its own custom silicon.
It’s not entirely clear why Apple may hold off on updating the Mac Pro alongside the M3 Ultra launch. One theory is that Apple wants to position its new Arm-based chips as fully capable of meeting the needs of creative professionals without relying on the legacy Mac Pro design.
The modular, user-upgradeable nature of the Intel Mac Pro may also be at odds with Apple’s rigid control over hardware and preference for all-in-one, non-expandable configurations seen in the M1-based Mac Studio and laptops.
There is a chance Apple could still surprise with a new Mac Pro later in 2024 or 2025. However, signs currently point to the M3 Ultra Mac Studio serving pro users for the next couple of years at least.
What to Expect at WWDC 2024
Apple typically holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June to unveil software updates and sometimes new hardware. WWDC 2024 could serve as the launch event for both the M3 Ultra chip and accompanying Mac Studio.
At a minimum, we should see the official unveiling of macOS 14, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and tvOS 17 — the next major versions of Apple’s software platforms. There will likely be a strong focus on new Continuity and cloud capabilities across Apple’s ecosystems.
On the hardware front, the new Mac Studio and display are strong contenders for a WWDC debut. Apple could even pull another “one more thing” with its first VR/AR headset making a surprise appearance ahead of its rumored late 2024 consumer launch.
Implications for Future Macs
The arrival of the M3 Ultra has big implications for Apple’s Mac roadmap. The M3 Ultra is expected to utilize the same chip architecture as the M2 processor found in the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini models.
So future iterations of those lower-end Macs will likely take advantage of performance trickle-down from the high-end M3 Ultra part. This sets the stage for very capable MacBook Airs, Mac minis, and iMacs over the next couple years.
Apple is clearly ambitious about accelerating its silicon efforts to power more aggressive Mac upgrade cycles. This should be great news for Apple fans looking for rapid advances in both power and efficiency across the entire Mac product matrix.
Closing Thoughts
After two years without a new high-end Mac desktop, Apple appears poised to deliver something special for pro users with the new Mac Studio and M3 Ultra chip slated for mid-2024.
If early rumors pan out, the combination of the Mac Studio design and Arm-based architecture could make for extremely performant yet portable workstation. And by not diverting resources to a more niche Mac Pro product line, Apple may be better positioned to greatly boost capabilities across its broader MacBook and iMac families.
While the Mac Pro remains a cult favorite for expandability, the all-in-one Mac Studio looks fit to meet the needs of most creative pros. And software updates like macOS 14 should make it even easier to integrate high-end Apple silicon Macs into complex multi-device workflows.
The next six months promise to be the most exciting for Mac hardware and software in close to a decade. Stay tuned for more details as Apple’s anticipated mid-year announcements draw closer!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
