Apple’s Mac Studio M4 Max & M3 Ultra: A Powerful Dilemma | Image Source: arstechnica.com
CUPERTINO, California, March 6, 2025 – Apple has finally presented its much awaited Mac Studio update, marking its first great refreshment in nearly two years. The last iteration of the compact power plant introduces two chip configurations: the M4 Max for the base model and the M3 Ultra for the high-end variant. This unexpected mix of generations of chips has generated curiosity and debate among Apple fans and professionals.
Apple Mac Studio : What’s up in 2025?
The new Apple Mac Studio alignment promises important performance impulses, especially for creative professionals, developers and AI researchers. The basic model starts at $1.999 with the M4 Max, while the premium M3 Ultra variant starts at $3.999. Both configurations are available for pre-order and reach the shelves on March 12.
According to Apple, the M4 Max version is “up to 3.5 times faster” than the original M1 Max model. It has a CPU of 14 to 16 nuclei, a GPU of 32 to 40 nuclei, and starts with 36 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB. Storage capacity remains flexible, from 512 GB to 8 TB.
Meanwhile, the M3 Ultra is designed for extreme workloads. It has up to 32 CPU kernels, 24 of which are performance kernels, making it 50% more powerful than any previous Ultra chip. Its GPU starts in 60 cores and can be extended to 80, with an impressive maximum RAM configuration of 512GB and up to 16TB of storage.
Why Apple Mixed Chip Generations?
The decision to associate an M4 Max with an Ultra M3 is an exit from Apple’s usual strategy to keep generations of uniform chips through its product lines. When asked about this, Apple said not all generations will have a “Ultra” level, suggesting that the Ultra M4 cannot exist at all. This approach indicates a change in Apple’s product cycle, where its most powerful chips can follow a slower update rate.
For users, this means choosing between a more recent architecture with the M4 Max or a raw performance pulse with the M3 Ultra. While the M4 Max has greater efficiency, faster single speeds and better AI performance, the M3 Ultra dominates parallel processing tasks, making it ideal for automatic learning, video editing and 3D rendering.
Performance breakdown: M4 Max vs. M3 Ultra
The M4 Max brings the latest advances in Apple’s CPU and GPU, but the M3 Ultra compensates with raw force. Here is a detailed comparison:
- M4 Max: Up to 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and 128GB max RAM.
- M3 Ultra: Up to 32-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and a staggering 512GB max RAM.
- Storage: M4 Max offers up to 8TB, while M3 Ultra doubles it to 16TB.
- AI and Machine Learning: The M3 Ultra’s 32-core Neural Engine gives it an edge in AI-related workloads.
- Thunderbolt 5: Both models support it, but only the M3 Ultra features it on all six USB-C ports.
Apple claims that the M3 Ultra is 6.4 times faster than the Mac Pro Intel, strengthening its serious workstation position for professionals.
Apple Intelligence and MacOS Sequoia: The future of AI integration
The new Mac Studio is designed with artificial intelligence. With Sequoia macOS, Apple introduces “Apple Intelligence”, a suite of AI-driven features adapted to creative workflows. These include an improved text summary, real-time transcription and a perfect integration with ChatGPT.
“Apple Intelligence raises professional workflows like never before,” said John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple. “With the massive unified memory of M3 Ultra and M4 Max’s advanced GPU, Mac Studio is ready to handle next-generation applications.”
Is this the value of the update?
For existing Mac Studio users, the update decision depends on the workload required. If you need a heavy multi-tasking, large-scale AI processing or intensive GPU rendering, the M3 Ultra is an unparalleled option. However, for users to focus on energy efficiency, software development and general creative work, M4 Max is a more convenient and cost-effective option.
Apple’s price structure also plays a role. A fully updated M3 Ultra model can cost more than $14,000, making it an important investment. Meanwhile, a mid-level M4 Max configuration remains below $5,000, attracting a wider professional audience.
Apple Mac Studio’s latest update reaffirms its field in the high performance desktop market. With advanced AI capabilities, massive RAM support and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, it sets a new reference point for professional workstations. However, unusual chip coupling raises questions on Apple’s long-term silicon roadmap.
