Apple today introduced the M3 Ultra, calling it the “highest-performing chip” ever created by the company. It features the most powerful CPU and GPU in any Mac, doubles the Neural Engine cores, and offers the largest unified memory in a personal computer. Alongside this, Apple launched the new Mac Studio, featuring M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.
M3 Ultra: Power and Efficiency
Apple said the M3 Ultra delivers unmatched performance while maintaining Apple silicon’s energy efficiency. It features a 32-core CPU (24 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores), offering 1.5x faster performance than the M2 Ultra and 1.8x faster than the M1 Ultra. The 80-core GPU delivers 2x faster graphics than the M2 Ultra and 2.6x faster than the M1 Ultra.
The chip’s advanced graphics architecture includes dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing, enhancing content creation and gaming. A 32-core Neural Engine powers AI tasks, driving Apple Intelligence, Apple’s personal AI system.
Built for AI, the M3 Ultra integrates ML accelerators, a high-performance GPU, and 800GB/s memory bandwidth, enabling professionals to run LLMs with over 600 billion parameters directly on the device.
Key Features of M3 Ultra
- Massive Unified Memory: Starting at 96GB, configurable up to 512GB, Apple claims this surpasses workstation graphics cards, making it ideal for 3D rendering, visual effects, and AI tasks.
- Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity: M3 Ultra supports 120 Gb/s transfer speeds, 2x faster than previous Thunderbolt versions. Each port has a dedicated controller, ensuring bandwidth for external storage, docking, and expansion chassis. Multiple Mac Studios can connect for intensive workflows.
- Advanced Chip Design: Using UltraFusion technology, M3 Ultra links two M3 Max dies with 10,000+ signals for 2.5TB/s low-latency bandwidth. The chip functions as one unified processor with 184 billion transistors, balancing performance and efficiency.
- Media and Display Power: The media engine supports H.264, HEVC, and four ProRes engines, handling 22 streams of 8K ProRes 422 video. The display engine supports up to eight Pro Display XDRs, managing 160 million pixels.
New Mac Studio: M4 Max and M3 Ultra Models
Apple calls the new Mac Studio the most powerful Mac ever, offering M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options. It delivers a major performance leap over the previous generation and older Macs.
Mac Studio with M4 Max
Designed for video editors, developers, and creative professionals, the M4 Max features a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and 500GB/s memory bandwidth. Its Neural Engine is 3x faster than the M1 Max, enabling rapid AI tasks. Apple claims it’s 3.5x faster than M1 Max Mac Studio and 6.1x faster than an Intel-based 27-inch iMac.
The M4 Max GPU includes dynamic caching, mesh shading, and second-gen ray tracing for smooth content creation. Memory starts at 36GB, expandable to 128GB, enabling real-time image editing, music production, and 3D modeling. The media engine with two ProRes accelerators handles multiple 4K ProRes streams effortlessly.
Performance Highlights:
- 1.6x faster image processing in Photoshop vs. M1 Max Mac Studio
- 2.1x faster code compiling in Xcode vs. M1 Max
- 1.2x faster ProRes transcoding in Compressor vs. M1 Max
- 1.6x faster video processing in Topaz Video AI vs. M1 Max
Mac Studio with M3 Ultra
Apple calls this the pinnacle of pro performance, delivering nearly 2x the speed of M4 Max in high-core-count tasks. It’s 2.6x faster than M1 Ultra Mac Studio and 6.4x faster than an Intel Xeon W-based Mac Pro.
The M3 Ultra includes a 32-core CPU (24 performance, 8 efficiency cores), 80-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine, and 800GB/s memory bandwidth. Memory starts at 96GB, expandable to 512GB, with 16TB SSD storage, enough for 12+ hours of 8K ProRes video.
Performance Highlights:
- 16.9x faster token generation for LLMs with hundreds of billions of parameters
- 2.6x faster scene rendering in Maxon Redshift vs. M1 Ultra
- 1.1x faster DNA sequencing in Oxford Nanopore MinKNOW vs. M1 Ultra
- 1.4x faster 8K video rendering in Final Cut Pro vs. M1 Ultra
Shared Features of Mac Studio
Both models feature Thunderbolt 5 ports with 120 Gb/s speeds—3x faster than the prior generation. The M3 Ultra model supports up to eight 6K Pro Display XDRs. Other ports include 10Gb Ethernet, HDMI, front SDXC slot, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Apple Intelligence boosts productivity with Writing Tools, Priority Notifications, live transcription in Notes, and improved Siri. Optional ChatGPT integration gives users control over data sharing. Image Playground allows for AI-generated visuals in projects. On-device Private Cloud Compute ensures privacy, as data is used only for requests and never stored.
The macOS Sequoia update introduces iPhone Mirroring, window tiling, a Passwords app, and Safari upgrades. Gaming enhancements include Personalized Spatial Audio. Next month’s 15.4 update simplifies setup with an iPhone.
Pairing with Displays
The Mac Studio pairs with:
- 27-inch 5K Studio Display (12MP camera, three-mic array, six-speaker system with Spatial Audio)
- 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR (1600 nits HDR brightness)
Optional Magic accessories include a keyboard with Touch ID, trackpad, and mouse.
Quick Specifications: Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max & M3 Ultra)
- CPU: Up to 28-Core (M3 Ultra) | 14-Core (M4 Max)
- GPU: Up to 60-Core (M3 Ultra) | 32-Core (M4 Max)
- Neural Engine: Up to 32-Core (M3 Ultra) | 16-Core (M4 Max)
- Memory: Up to 512GB unified (M3 Ultra) | 128GB unified (M4 Max)
- Storage: Up to 16TB SSD (M3 Ultra) | 512GB SSD base (M4 Max)
- Ports:
- Front: 2 × Thunderbolt 5 (M3 Ultra) / 2 × USB-C (M4 Max), 1 × SDXC card slot
- Back: 4 × Thunderbolt 5, 2 × USB-A, HDMI, 10Gb Ethernet, headphone jack
- Display Support: Up to 8 displays (M3 Ultra) | Up to 5 displays (M4 Max)
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 Gb/s), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- AI & Features: Apple Intelligence support
Sustainability Focus
Apple stated the M3 Ultra’s efficiency supports its Apple 2030 goal to be carbon neutral by decade’s end. The Mac Studio uses over 30% recycled materials (100% recycled aluminum enclosure, 100% recycled rare earth elements), operates on renewable energy, and avoids mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. Packaging is 100% fiber-based, aiming for zero plastic by 2025. All Apple facilities run on 100% renewable electricity.
Pricing and Availability
The new Mac Studio is available for pre-order today, with pricing as follows:
- Mac Studio M4 Max (36GB + 512GB): Rs. 2,14,900 (Rs. 1,94,900 for education)
- Mac Studio M3 Ultra (96GB + 1TB): Rs. 4,29,900
Configure-to-order options are available at apple.com/in/store. Pre-orders are open in 28 countries, with in-store availability at Apple Stores and Authorized Resellers from March 12.