Apple has expanded its Mac Studio lineup with a new 512GB unified memory option, but the upgrade comes with a significant price increase. The highest-memory configuration now costs $22,299 in the United States.
The new option is designed for professionals who need substantial memory capacity for demanding workloads, including local artificial intelligence models, advanced computing and high-end content creation.
Mac Studio 512GB RAM Configuration and Pricing
The 512GB memory upgrade is available exclusively with Apple’s M5 Ultra chip, configured with a 36-core CPU and an 80-core GPU. Customers must also select at least 1TB of SSD storage.
Here is how the different M5 Ultra configurations compare in the US market:
| Mac Studio configuration | US price |
|---|---|
| 30-core CPU, 64-core GPU, 96GB RAM, 1TB SSD | $5,499 |
| 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 96GB RAM, 1TB SSD | $6,799 |
| 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 256GB RAM, 1TB SSD | $10,799 |
| 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 512GB RAM, 1TB SSD | $22,299 |
| 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 512GB RAM, 16TB SSD | $29,799 |
The biggest increase comes from the memory upgrade. Moving from 96GB to 512GB adds $15,500 to the configuration, making the memory upgrade itself more expensive than two entry-level M5 Ultra Mac Studio systems. VideoCardz.com
512GB Unified Memory Targets AI and Professional Workloads
The additional memory capacity is aimed at users who regularly work with applications that require large amounts of shared system memory.
This includes developers running large AI models locally, professionals handling complex video production projects, and creators working with demanding graphics and computing applications.
Unlike traditional desktop systems that use separate memory pools for the CPU and GPU, Apple’s unified memory architecture allows both processors to access shared memory.
The 512GB option could therefore be useful for workloads that need substantial memory capacity without relying as heavily on external storage or other workarounds.
Apple’s M5 Max Mac Studio configuration, meanwhile, remains limited to 128GB of unified memory, making the M5 Ultra model the option for customers who need higher capacities. VideoCardz.com
Mac Studio 512GB Availability Expected in Late 2026
Apple announced the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio models in August 2026, with availability beginning September 22.
At launch, Apple indicated that the 512GB unified memory configuration would arrive later in October. The option has now appeared in the company’s online configuration system.
However, customers selecting the 512GB version may have to wait longer than buyers choosing standard configurations. Current availability estimates point to deliveries between late November and early December 2026. VideoCardz.com
The maximum configuration combines 512GB of unified memory with 16TB of SSD storage, bringing the total price to $29,799. The additional storage capacity alone accounts for $7,500 of the final cost.
Apple’s online store lists the M5 Ultra Mac Studio as part of its current desktop lineup.
