M5 Ultra Mac Studio May Launch in 2026 With Up to 768GB RAM

The prospect of a Mac Studio powered by the robust M5 Ultra chip, potentially featuring up to 768GB of unified memory, is on the horizon for 2026. This eagerly anticipated machine would mark a significant refresh for the Mac Studio line, which has not seen an update since March 2025.

The Mac Studio refresh was initially slated for an earlier release in 2026. However, Apple reportedly postponed the launch, citing memory chip supply issues and a general increase in component prices. This situation introduces uncertainty regarding the exact timing of its market debut.

In April, Bloomberg said the ‌Mac Studio‌ would launch sometime around October 2026.

Despite Bloomberg's report, it remains unclear if Apple will manage an October launch. Current delivery estimates for the existing M3 Ultra Mac Studio already extend into October, suggesting potential bottlenecks in production or the supply chain that could affect the new model.

The upcoming M5 Ultra chip is expected to deliver substantial performance. It is projected to feature around 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. While these specifications are not a drastic leap from the M3 Ultra, which offers up to a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, they represent a generational improvement in processing power.

One of the most compelling features is Apple's testing of support for up to 768GB of unified memory with the M5 Ultra. This immense RAM capacity would be a game-changer for professionals handling extremely demanding workloads. However, the same memory supply constraints could prevent this high-capacity option from being available at launch.

Indeed, Apple has already made adjustments to its higher-tier Mac offerings. The M3 Ultra Mac Studio model, previously sold with up to 512GB RAM, saw its 512GB option removed back in March. Currently, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio can only be purchased with 96GB RAM, a significant reduction in available configurations.

Should Apple succeed in releasing an M5 Ultra Mac Studio with 768GB RAM, its price would undoubtedly be astronomically high. The company recently increased Mac prices, raising the 96GB Mac Studio from $3,999 to $5,299, an increase of $1,300.

Considering the ongoing memory crisis and the recent price adjustments, a configuration with eight times more RAM (from 96GB to 768GB) could easily push the Mac Studio's price tag beyond $10,000. This would firmly position it as a niche tool, accessible primarily to the most demanding and well-resourced professionals.