Apple still plans to launch a refreshed Mac Studio later this year with new M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, giving professional users a long-awaited hardware update after the current model shipped with the M4 Max and older M3 Ultra configuration.
While buyers should not expect a new design, the upcoming refresh will deliver newer Apple silicon before the company turns its attention to more meaningful changes planned for 2028.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple remains on schedule to release the M5 Mac Studio this year despite earlier reports that pointed to a much earlier launch. The update focuses on faster chips instead of external changes, making it a straightforward performance upgrade for users who need more processing power.
Bigger Mac Studio Changes Planned for 2028
Gurman also shared details about Apple’s longer-term roadmap, saying the company already has an M7 Ultra Mac Studio in development with internal improvements aimed at handling increasingly demanding AI workloads.
“There are two Mac Studio updates in Apple’s pipeline: an M5 Ultra version due this year and an M7 Ultra update targeted for 2028. I’m told Apple has also been working on internal changes to the high-powered desktop, including a better heat sink to improve thermal performance as the machine takes on more demanding on-device AI workloads.”
Mark Gurman also said Apple is not planning a major redesign for the M5 Mac Studio, although the company continues to evaluate future hardware changes. He added that Apple typically keeps desktop designs in the lineup for many years, making a significant redesign more likely with a later generation.
The report also states that Apple intends to skip high-end M6 Pro, M6 Max, and M6 Ultra chips, with the Mac Studio roadmap moving from the M5 family to the M7 generation. For buyers who need a Mac Studio soon, the M5 model remains the next upgrade to watch, while users willing to wait several years may see broader internal improvements with the M7 version.
