Updated June 28, 2026
Apple’s next Mac Studio may matter more than a normal chip refresh.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is still expected to launch an M5 Ultra Mac Studio later in 2026. The next Ultra-class Mac Studio, powered by M7 Ultra, is reportedly targeted for 2028.
Apple has not announced the M5 Ultra, M7 Ultra, final specifications, pricing, or release dates. This article is based on reported product-roadmap information, not confirmed Apple plans.
Quick Answer
- The reported M5 Ultra release date is later in 2026, but Apple has not confirmed a launch month.
- M5 Ultra could have around 36 CPU cores, an 80-core GPU, and up to 768GB of unified memory in internal testing.
- Apple is reportedly skipping M6 Pro, M6 Max, and M6 Ultra chips.
- M7 Ultra Mac Studio is reportedly targeted for 2028.
- If you need a professional desktop now, do not wait for M7 Ultra. If you can wait a few months before buying a high-memory M3 Ultra configuration, M5 Ultra is worth watching.
Why This Matters
If Gurman’s roadmap is accurate, M5 Ultra could remain Apple’s newest Ultra-class desktop chip until M7 Ultra arrives in 2028.
That makes M5 Ultra more than a routine refresh. For buyers planning an expensive Mac Studio configuration, the real decision may be whether to wait a few months for M5 Ultra — not whether to wait years for M7 Ultra.
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M5 Ultra Release Date
Apple has not confirmed the M5 Ultra release date. Bloomberg reporting points to a new M5-based Mac Studio later in 2026, after earlier expectations shifted amid memory supply constraints and rising component costs.
| Year | Reported Chip Roadmap |
|---|---|
| 2025 | M3 Ultra Mac Studio released |
| Later in 2026 | M5 Ultra Mac Studio could launch; base M6 may appear in lower-end Macs |
| 2027 | Base M7, followed by M7 Pro and M7 Max as early as late 2027 |
| 2028 | M7 Ultra Mac Studio reportedly targeted |
M3 Ultra vs. Reported M5 Ultra Mac Studio
| Current M3 Ultra Mac Studio | Reported M5 Ultra Mac Studio (Unconfirmed) |
|---|---|
| Up to 32-core CPU | Around 36 CPU cores reported |
| Up to 80-core GPU | Around 80 GPU cores reported |
| 819GB/s unified memory bandwidth | Memory bandwidth not reported |
| Up to 512GB unified memory | Apple reportedly tested up to 768GB unified memory |
| Thunderbolt 5, up to eight external displays | Connectivity and display support not reported |
| Available now | Could launch later in 2026 |
The reported M5 Ultra specifications suggest Apple may focus less on increasing CPU or GPU core counts and more on expanding unified memory and improving sustained performance for professional workloads.
For most Mac Studio buyers, larger memory capacity, better thermal performance, and faster on-device AI processing could matter more than a small CPU upgrade. Apple has not confirmed the final specifications, so the reported M5 Ultra should be viewed as an early roadmap rather than finished hardware.
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Should You Wait for M5 Ultra or Buy an M3 Ultra Mac Studio Now?
M2 Ultra Mac Studio owners
If your current Mac Studio still meets your needs, waiting for M5 Ultra makes sense. The reported upgrade could bring more unified memory and stronger AI performance, making it a more meaningful step up than a modest CPU improvement.
Upgrade now only if your current system is slowing down 3D rendering, video editing, software development, or other demanding workloads.
Buyers considering a new M3 Ultra configuration
Waiting is the better choice if you are planning to buy a high-end M3 Ultra with large memory or storage upgrades. M5 Ultra could arrive later in 2026 and may change both performance expectations and pricing.
If you need a workstation immediately, however, the current M3 Ultra remains an excellent professional desktop.
Don't Wait for M7 Ultra
M7 Ultra is reportedly planned for 2028, making it too far away for most buyers to postpone an upgrade. Unless your current Mac already handles everything you do without issue, buying the machine that solves today's workload is usually the better decision.
Related reading: Should You Wait for the M5 Mac Studio?
Could M5 Ultra Offer Up to 768GB of Unified Memory?
Possibly, but it remains unconfirmed.
Bloomberg reports that Apple has tested M5 Ultra configurations with up to 768GB of unified memory. If offered, it would be a significant upgrade for users running local AI models, large 3D projects, high-resolution video editing, and other memory-intensive workloads.
Testing a configuration does not guarantee it will reach production. Final memory options, pricing, and availability could still change before launch.
Why Apple May Skip M6 Ultra
Bloomberg reports that Apple may skip M6 Pro, M6 Max, and M6 Ultra as it shifts its high-end roadmap toward the M7 generation.
If that happens, it would mark a break from Apple's usual Apple Silicon cycle, where each generation expands from a base chip to Pro, Max, and Ultra variants. Instead, Apple could keep M5 Ultra as its flagship desktop chip for longer while preparing a larger AI-focused upgrade with M7 Ultra.
Bloomberg has not explained the technical reasons behind this reported change. However, the roadmap suggests Apple is prioritizing future AI performance and high-end workstation capabilities rather than releasing another short-lived Ultra generation.
If the report is accurate, M5 Ultra could remain Apple's newest Ultra-class desktop chip until M7 Ultra arrives in 2028.
Why Local AI and Thermals Could Matter More This Time
- Apple is pushing Mac Studio toward handling more local AI workloads in unified memory, especially with Ultra-class chips.
- As AI models grow larger, hardware requirements are shifting from peak performance to sustained memory and long-running efficiency.
- This change mainly affects developers and creators who run local AI models, large datasets, 3D rendering, or multiple pro apps at the same time.
- For these users, unified memory capacity becomes more important than raw CPU speed.
- Apple has also been testing improved Mac Studio cooling designs, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
- This suggests Apple is preparing for longer, heavier AI workloads that require stable thermal performance without throttling.
Mac Studio and Mac mini Accessories for a Better Desktop Setup
If you are keeping your current Mac Studio or Mac mini instead of upgrading immediately, a cleaner workspace can be a practical near-term improvement.
ZEERA MacForge Studio gives compatible Mac Studio models a CNC aluminum, Mac Pro-inspired desk presence.
For Mac mini users, the ZEERA MacForge Gen3 offers a more integrated desktop setup. Compatibility with any future M5 Ultra Mac Studio remains unconfirmed.
Bottom Line
Unless Apple changes its reported roadmap, M5 Ultra could remain Apple’s newest Ultra-class desktop chip until 2028.
For professionals planning a major workstation upgrade, waiting a few more months for M5 Ultra details may be far more practical than waiting until 2028 for M7 Ultra.
If you need a Mac Studio now, M3 Ultra remains a powerful and confirmed option. But if your current Mac is still doing the job, M5 Ultra is the next release worth watching.
FAQ
What is the M5 Ultra release date?
Apple has not announced the M5 Ultra release date. Bloomberg reporting says a new M5 Ultra Mac Studio could arrive later in 2026.
Is M5 Ultra faster than M3 Ultra?
M5 Ultra is expected to be faster, but Apple has not announced performance data or final specifications. Current reporting suggests around 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores, so memory capacity, efficiency, AI performance, and sustained workloads may matter more than raw core counts.
Should I wait for the M7 Ultra Mac Studio?
Probably not unless your current Mac already handles every important workload. M7 Ultra is reportedly targeted for 2028.
Will M5 Ultra have 768GB of unified memory?
Reports say Apple has tested up to 768GB, but Apple has not confirmed that it will sell this configuration.
Will Mac Pro also use M5 Ultra?
Apple has not announced an M5 Ultra Mac Pro or confirmed whether the next Mac Pro will use the same chip as Mac Studio.
Why is Apple skipping M6 Ultra?
Bloomberg reports that Apple may skip high-end M6 chips to accelerate an AI-focused M7 generation. Apple has not confirmed the decision or its technical rationale.
Will the M5 Ultra Mac Studio have a new design?
A major exterior redesign is not expected with the M5 Ultra model. Apple may make internal thermal changes, but those details are not confirmed.
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