Apple is preparing a Mac Studio with an unheard-of 768GB of unified memory, a bold move that doubles down on the ultra-high-end market. According to a Bloomberg report, this new powerhouse will feature the M5 Ultra chip and could launch as early as later this year, defying recent price hikes and supply chain woes.
This would be the first Mac Studio refresh since March 2025, after an earlier 2026 launch was reportedly delayed by memory chip shortages. While Bloomberg previously targeted an October release, the timeline remains uncertain.
Complicating the schedule, delivery estimates for the current M3 Ultra Mac Studio are already pushed back to October.
M5 Ultra: Minor CPU Bump, Massive Memory Leap
Under the hood, the M5 Ultra will reportedly feature a 36-core CPU and an 80-core GPU. This represents a modest CPU upgrade over the 32-core M3 Ultra, while the GPU core count stays the same.
But the real headline is the memory. Apple has tested configurations with up to 768GB of RAM, a colossal jump from what’s currently offered. However, ongoing supply constraints could mean this top-tier option isn't available at launch.
This memory squeeze is already hitting users. Apple cut the 512GB option for the M3 Ultra Mac Studio back in March, and the current top-end model now maxes out at just 96GB.
Pricing and Market Context
This potential launch comes during a period of sharp price adjustments. Apple recently hiked the price of the 96GB M3 Ultra Mac Studio by $1,300, from $3,999 to $5,299.
Given this "memory crisis," a new Mac Studio with 768GB of RAM would command a staggering price, likely soaring well past $10,000. The real question is whether professional users are willing to follow Apple to these new extremes, or if the company risks alienating its most demanding audience.
This strategy is part of a broader desktop refresh, as Apple has also been testing M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models for its 2026 lineup.