Apple needs to update the Mac Studio badly. The current model runs on older M2 chips even though MacBooks already use chips two generations ahead. Mark Gurman, a trusted source, says Apple plans to announce better Mac Studio models very soon. The upgrade details sound pretty strange, though. Reports claim the refreshed Mac Studio will come with both M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips - yes, you read that right.
Most people never thought an M3 Ultra chip existed at all. Everyone figured Apple would jump straight to making an M4 Ultra for the Mac Studio. Things become even weirder when you consider how Ultra chips normally work. These powerful processors usually combine two Max chips through something called UltraFusion technology. The problem? The M3 Max lacks this connector feature completely.
Whatever Apple calls the M3 Ultra, it probably differs from the normal pattern of fusing two Max chips. Apple faces an awkward situation where the supposedly "lower-tier" M4 Max will almost certainly beat the M3 Ultra in single-core speed tests. Mac buyers might find this confusing when deciding which model serves them best.
Mark Gurman mentions that the actual M4 Ultra remains under development. That future chip will power the next Mac Pro computers instead of the Mac Studio, creating a clear separation between Apple's professional desktop offerings. The delayed arrival of a true M4 Ultra explains why Apple needs this unusual mix of chip generations for its current product refresh.
Most people never thought an M3 Ultra chip existed at all. Everyone figured Apple would jump straight to making an M4 Ultra for the Mac Studio. Things become even weirder when you consider how Ultra chips normally work. These powerful processors usually combine two Max chips through something called UltraFusion technology. The problem? The M3 Max lacks this connector feature completely.
Whatever Apple calls the M3 Ultra, it probably differs from the normal pattern of fusing two Max chips. Apple faces an awkward situation where the supposedly "lower-tier" M4 Max will almost certainly beat the M3 Ultra in single-core speed tests. Mac buyers might find this confusing when deciding which model serves them best.
Mark Gurman mentions that the actual M4 Ultra remains under development. That future chip will power the next Mac Pro computers instead of the Mac Studio, creating a clear separation between Apple's professional desktop offerings. The delayed arrival of a true M4 Ultra explains why Apple needs this unusual mix of chip generations for its current product refresh.
