All three product categories have received newer chips and better features. What has changed?
The manufacturer is once again pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and introducing updated models of its popular devices – Mac Studio, MacBook Air, and iPad. These new products bring powerful chips, improved features, and a modern design that will meet the needs of both professionals and regular users. Let’s take a look at the details of these new releases.
Let’s start with the Mac Studio, which is now even more powerful thanks to the new M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. This desktop computer, last updated in 2023, now offers a significant performance boost. The M4 Max chip, which debuted last year in the MacBook Pro, brings up to a 16-core CPU, a 40-core GPU, and support for up to 128GB of RAM.
According to Geekbench 6 tests, this chip is 75% faster than its predecessor, the M2 Max, meaning it can handle even the most demanding tasks, such as video rendering, processing large data files, or game development. On the other hand, the new M3 Ultra chip, the most powerful chip in Mac history, features up to a 32-core CPU with 24 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.
This chip offers up to an 80-core GPU, making it an ideal tool for professionals who need maximum graphics performance. Apple states that the M3 Ultra is up to 1.5 times faster than the M2 Ultra, with double the graphics performance. The Mac Studio now supports up to 16TB of SSD storage, which is double the previous model.
This capacity is ideal for users who work with large files, such as 4K and 8K videos, or for those who need a large amount of storage for their projects. Additionally, the model with the M3 Ultra chip allows for configuration with up to 512GB of RAM, a significant increase from the 192GB on the M2 Ultra. This memory capacity enables seamless processing of even the most demanding tasks, such as simulation, machine learning, or working with large databases.
One of the biggest new features is support for Thunderbolt 5, which brings data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gbps. Models with the M4 Max chip have four Thunderbolt 5 ports, while models with the M3 Ultra have up to six ports. This technology allows for faster connection of external devices, such as hard drives, monitors, or cameras, and increases overall productivity.
The device’s design remains unchanged but offers a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 5, USB-C, HDMI, 10-Gigabit Ethernet, an SD card slot, and two USB-A ports. The Mac Studio supports up to eight external 6K displays, including the Apple Pro Display XDR, making it an ideal tool for professionals who need multiple monitors for their work.
The MacBook Air, introduced in 13″ and 15″ sizes, now features the M4 chip. This chip offers a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and support for up to 32GB of RAM. The performance is up to twice as high as the model with the M1 chip, with Neural Engine tasks being three times faster. This means the MacBook Air can handle demanding tasks like photo editing, video editing, or multitasking.
Also new is the Center Stage camera with a 12 MPx resolution, which automatically tracks the user during video calls and offers the Desk View feature. This feature allows for showing both the user and a view of their desk, which is ideal for presentations or online meetings. The MacBook Air supports up to two external 6K displays, a significant improvement over previous models.
The device’s design has been enriched with a new Sky Blue color, which complements the existing Midnight, Starlight, and Silver colors. This color brings a modern and elegant look that will appeal to a wide range of users. The price of the MacBook Air starts at $999 / €929, with a student price of $899 / €839, making it an affordable choice for students and professionals.
Apple also updated its base model iPad, which now features the A16 chip. This chip offers a 5-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, guaranteeing higher performance compared to the previous generation. The iPad 11 brings Smart HDR 4 technology for more detailed and vivid photos, support for Bluetooth 5.3, and the option to configure up to 512GB of storage. This capacity is ideal for users who need a lot of space for their apps, photos, or videos.
The device exclusively supports eSIM, which may be a challenge for users who prefer physical SIM cards, but it also brings greater flexibility when traveling. The price of the iPad 11 starts at $349 / €329 for the Wi-Fi model, making it an affordable choice for regular users. This model is ideal for students, families, or those looking for a reliable tablet for everyday use.
Apple’s new products once again prove that the company is a leader in technological innovation. The Mac Studio delivers unprecedented performance for professionals, while the MacBook Air and iPad 11 offer improvements that will appeal to a wide range of users. These devices push the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience to a new level, confirming Apple’s commitment to bringing the best technologies to the market.