Highlights
- Apple is developing an M5 Ultra chip for its next-gen Mac Studio, expected to launch in 2026 alongside an M5 Max variant.
- Future Mac Studio models will offer both M5 Max and M5 Ultra options for clarity and performance.
- Apple is also working on two new display models, one of which may debut with the updated Mac Studio.
Caption – M5 Ultra Chip for Next-Gen Mac Studio. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)
Apple is reportedly working on a new M5 Ultra chip, which is expected to debut next year as part of the other M5 higher-end variants. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple plans to include this top-tier chip option in the next Mac Studio, alongside an M5 Max variant. Here’s what we know so far.
M5 Ultra Chip for Next Year’s Mac Studio
The introduction of the M5 Ultra would mark the return of Apple’s most powerful processor tier, after the M4 generation skipped an Ultra model altogether. Just to recall, Apple launched the most recent Mac Studio in two configurations, M4 Max and M3 Ultra. Both these chip variants were drawn from different chip generations. This led to confusion among professional users, who had to choose between the older yet more powerful M3 Ultra and the newer, more efficient M4 Max.
Caption – Recent Mac Studio comes in two configurations – M4 Max and M3 Ultra. (Image credit – Apple)
It now seems that Apple intends to avoid this kind of overlap going forward.
As Mark Gurman reports, next year’s lineup will include “new M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models and M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio updates.” Gurman also confirms that the new Mac Studio will feature both M5 Max and M5 Ultra options for performance-focused users.
Caption – M5 chip GPU architecture image for reference. (Image credit – Apple)
Gurman previously speculated that a refreshed Mac Pro could arrive sometime in 2025. With no new rumours supporting that timeline, it’s now possible that the next Mac Pro may launch in 2026 equipped with the M5 Ultra.
Apple has previously stated that not every M-series generation will include an Ultra-level chip, making the M5 Ultra a noteworthy return for professionals who need maximum performance.
At present, there are no indications of major design or feature changes coming to the Mac Studio. The update is expected to focus primarily on internal hardware improvements. Meanwhile, Apple is also said to be developing two new display models and at least one of them could debut alongside the upgraded Mac Studio in 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Apple M5 Ultra chip and when will it launch?
Answer. The M5 Ultra is Apple’s upcoming top-tier processor, expected to debut in 2026 with the next-generation Mac Studio. It marks the return of the Ultra-class chip after the M4 series skipped this variant.
Q2. Why is Apple introducing both M5 Max and M5 Ultra in the next Mac Studio?
Answer. Apple aims to eliminate confusion caused by mixing chip generations, as seen in the previous Mac Studio lineup (M4 Max vs. M3 Ultra). Offering both M5 Max and M5 Ultra ensures consistent performance options for professional users.
Q3. Will there be any design changes in the 2026 Mac Studio?
Answer. No major design or feature changes are expected. The update will focus primarily on internal hardware improvements, including the new M5 chips. Apple may also launch a new display alongside the upgraded Mac Studio.