• Apple unveils Mac Studio (2023) with M2 Ultra chip, targeting professionals with exceptional performance.
• M2 Ultra chip offers significant performance improvements over its predecessor, including a 24-core CPU and 76-core GPU.
• Mac Studio (2023) starts at R75,191 and offers enhanced speed and productivity for professionals, enticing older Mac Pro users to transition to Apple’s silicon-based machines.

Apple has introduced the new Mac Studio (2023), a compact yet powerful desktop computer aimed at professionals in need of exceptional performance. With its sleek design and upgraded M2 Ultra chip, the Mac Studio continues to be a top choice for demanding workloads.

The Mac Studio (2023) closely resembles its predecessor, making it difficult to differentiate between the two visually. It retains the same port selection, including a pair of USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 4 on the Ultra model), an SDXC reader in the front, and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, a 10GB Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the power cable port at the back.

While the external similarities are apparent, the notable differences lie within. The M2 Ultra chip powers the new Mac Studio, offering improved performance over the previous M1 Ultra. The M2 Ultra boasts a 24-core CPU, 76-core GPU, 128GB of memory, and 4TB of storage. However, such power comes at a premium price, with the M2 Ultra units starting at $3,999 and the fully configured system reaching $6,799.

In terms of performance, benchmark tests indicate that the M2 Ultra chip outperforms its predecessor across various categories. Graphics-intensive tasks demonstrate the most significant improvement, with Geekbench’s GPU benchmarks showing a 20-50% increase over the M1 Ultra. The M2 Ultra also achieved higher frame rates in gaming, surpassing 60fps at 4K resolution.

While the M2 Ultra excels in GPU performance, it also delivers a notable boost in CPU capabilities. Multicore performance showed an increase, and even the cooling system managed to handle the higher temperatures efficiently, maintaining similar results to the M1 Ultra.

Professionals who tested the Mac Studio (2023) praised its speed and improved performance. The faster export times, particularly in Premiere Pro, were noticeable and could significantly impact productivity. However, for those who already own the M1 Ultra, the upgrade may not be deemed essential, as the M1 already provides exceptional speed for their workflow.

Apple’s M-series chips have consistently showcased impressive performance gains, with the M2 Ultra chip offering evolutionary enhancements over its predecessor. However, the M2 Ultra may be most enticing to those still using older Mac Pro configurations, as the Studio’s performance could entice them to transition to Apple’s silicon-based machines.

While the Mac Studio (2023) presents a tempting option for professionals seeking powerful computing solutions, it also serves as a showcase for Apple’s engineering prowess. As the company continues to refine its chip technology, annual groundbreaking leaps in performance may become less common, with incremental advancements becoming the norm.