Apple has unveiled its new M5 Ultra chip to power the latest generation of Mac Studio desktop computers. The hardware update also includes the M6 processor inside redesigned Mac Mini units, according to reporting by TechCrunch. These desktop machines focus on heavy computing tasks and local model execution.
Architectural Details of the M5 Ultra Chip
The M5 Ultra chip combines two dual-die M5 Max components into a single quad-die package. This configuration delivers an up-to-36-core CPU alongside an up-to-80-core GPU. Furthermore, the processor provides 1.2 TB/s of unified memory bandwidth, which represents a 50 percent increase compared to the previous M3 Ultra architecture.
Meanwhile, the system targets high-demand workflows including 8K video processing and 3D rendering in professional apps. Developers can also run frontier machine learning models directly on the desktop hardware without relying on cloud infrastructure.
The New M6 Processor for Mac Mini
Alongside the professional studio models, Apple introduced the M6 processor built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process. Specifically, the processor features a 12-core CPU complex, dual 16-core Neural Engines, and expanded memory throughput. This setup delivers nearly a 30 percent boost in peak GPU compute for artificial intelligence tasks compared to the baseline M5.
“Built using the cutting-edge 2 nm process, M6 combines a new CPU complex, two additional CPU and GPU cores, a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, and more unified memory bandwidth to power through workloads with amazing energy efficiency.”
Sri Santhanam, Apple Vice President of Silicon Engineering
Pricing and Availability Across the Lineup
The updated Mac Studio models continue using the compact aluminum chassis first released in 2022. The baseline model equipped with the M5 Max starts at $2,499 with 36GB of unified memory and 512GB of internal storage. In contrast, the high-end edition featuring the M5 Ultra chip begins at $5,499 with 96GB of memory and 1TB of storage.
Pre-orders for the Mac Mini start immediately at a baseline price of $899. Consequently, shipments for both desktop lines will begin on September 22 running macOS 27 Golden Gate.
Hardware Implications for Professional Users
A top-tier Mac Studio configuration offering 512GB of unified memory will arrive in late October. In addition, these new computers provide localized privacy for sensitive development workflows, allowing teams to fine-tune proprietary algorithms entirely on physical hardware.
