Apple Opens Orders for 512GB M5 Ultra Mac Studio at $22,299
Apple made its previously announced 512GB unified-memory option for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio available to order on Oct. 28, according to TechRepublic. The configuration pairs a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU with 512GB of unified memory, 1.2TB/s memory bandwidth, and 1TB SSD, and starts at $22,299, rising to $29,799 with 16TB of storage. The 512GB option requires the top-end M5 Ultra processor; the M5 Max is limited to 128GB.
For teams running large AI models or datasets locally, the 512GB option lets a single compact desktop hold workloads that would exceed a smaller machine's memory, though TechRepublic notes the $15,500 memory upgrade is hard to justify without demonstrated demand.
Apple’s most powerful Mac Studio now costs more than $22,000 when configured with its maximum memory capacity, putting the compact desktop firmly in high-end workstation territory.
On Oct. 28, Apple made its previously announced 512GB unified-memory option available to order for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio. The configuration starts at $22,299, while upgrading to the maximum 16TB of storage raises the price to $29,799.
For AI developers, creative professionals, and IT teams, the bigger question is whether that enormous memory capacity justifies the cost, especially when less expensive Macs may already handle their workloads.