However, we didn’t exactly expect that Macstudio To make an appearance at WWDC 2023 Down to the last minute, since its predecessor only launches around this time in 2022, here we have an even more powerful creative workstation that most of us can’t afford.
We fully expected Apple to hit the mainstream consumer market with an overdue successor The 2021 24-inch iMacbut unfortunately this has long been rumored iMac 2023 is a no show. What we got instead is a generational update of Apple’s compact workstation for content creators and other creative professionals, as if Apple hadn’t already sent the message that it no longer cares about the ordinary people who love its products.
The Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023) promises a huge boost in performance and improved connectivity while retaining the same looks as its predecessor. However, if you want to get into the details, here’s what you should know about Apple’s newly updated desktop computer.
1. It now comes with Apple’s M2 chips
The Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023) is now powered by Apple’s M2 Max and M2 Ultra SoCs, meaning it’s much more powerful than its M1-powered predecessor. According to Apple, it’s up to three times faster than the M1 Ultra Mac Studio from 2022 and up to six times faster than the most extensive, albeit now defunct, 27-inch Intel-based iMac.
The M2 max The model, which Apple says is up to 50% faster than the previous generation, features a 12-core CPU, up to 38-core GPU and up to 96GB of unified memory. We’ll eventually put this new Mac Studio through its paces, but Apple says the M2 Max version should render up to 50% faster in After Effects and offer up to 25% faster performance when building new versions of apps using Xcode.
The M2 Ultra The model, on the other hand, has a 24-core CPU, up to 76-core GPU and up to 192 GB of memory. And that should enable 3D image rendering up to three times faster in Octane and up to 50% faster video processing performance in DaVinci Resolve.
2. Improved connectivity
It also offers improved connectivity. Thanks to higher-bandwidth HDMI, the new Mac Studio now supports up to 8K resolution and 240Hz frame rates. If you upgrade to the M2 Ultra model, you get support for up to six per display sweats.
To top it off, it now offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. However, the port selection is the same as the previous generation Mac Studio, which brings us to our next point.
3. Same chassis
It’s the same body as the previous-generation Mac Studio, so you have the same connections as before—and the same compact form, too. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t really bother to update the case on this device. So if you weren’t a fan of the sleek, boxy look, this might be a disappointment.
Not that you can really expect anything else from Apple at this point, as it seems determined to keep the old, dated look. It was cool in the early 2000s, but we’re getting bored now.
4. Same, still outrageous price
At least Apple didn’t dare raise the price, despite the upgraded interior and boosts in performance and connectivity. But you still pay a hefty sum to take home the Mac Studio: it starts at $1,999 in the US and £2,099 in the UK, with additional configurations available.
If you have money, it will be available for pre-order on June 5th and shipping will start on June 13th.
5. Not for normal people
Not that I want to discourage you from buying one of these creative workstations for your home or office, but given the price and performance, this may not be the most cost-effective solution for your needs if you work on a daily basis. The day doesn’t require a huge graphic design or video editing workload.
The Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023) is designed for creative professionals who need a lot of performance for their graphics-intensive and processor-heavy tasks. For everyone else, it’s pretty much overkill.
