According to the report by MacRumors, Apple has removed the option to configure the M3 Ultra Mac Studio with 512GB RAM, meaning the desktop now tops out at 256GB of unified memory.
Apple has not issued any official announcement about this change.
Mac Studio Memory Options Before and After
Previously, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio supported the following unified memory : 96GB, 256GB and 512GB (maximum).
The 512GB upgrade cost about $4,000, making it the most expensive customization option available for the machine.
Current configuration
-
96GB
-
256GB (new maximum)
This means users can no longer order a Mac Studio with 512GB of memory from Apple’s online store.
Apple Also Increased Memory Upgrade Prices
At the same time, Apple has increased the price of one of the remaining memory upgrades.
For example:
| Upgrade | Previous Price | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| 96GB → 256GB | $1,600 | $2,000 |
The change was also confirmed by outlets such as 9to5Mac and AppleInsider.
In addition, high-memory configurations are currently experiencing longer shipping times, with some deliveries pushed to May.
ZEERA MacForge Studio：CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio
CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio with Mac Pro Enclosure Design
Shop NowCould the M5 Mac Studio Bring Back 512GB Memory?
The M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio, expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027, could reintroduce higher memory configurations. Analysts believe:
-
Apple may use the next-generation M5 Max or M5 Ultra chips
-
Unified memory could scale back to 512GB or more, depending on DRAM availability
-
Apple may prioritize AI and professional workflows in the new lineup
This makes the M5 Mac Studio a particularly interesting option for developers and creative professionals planning long-term hardware investments.
Why Apple Removed the 512GB Option
Industry analysts suggest several factors behind the removal:
-
Global DRAM Shortage
-
High-capacity memory modules are increasingly being used for AI servers, reducing availability for consumer devices.
-
Apple may have temporarily removed the 512GB option due to supply constraints.
-
-
Rising Demand for High-Memory Macs
-
Unified memory in Apple Silicon allows the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to share the same memory pool.
-
Mac Studio systems with 256GB or more have become critical for developers running large AI models locally.
-
Implications for AI and Professional Workflows
The removal of the 512GB option is significant for users running local AI workloads, including:
-
Large language models (LLMs) like LLaMA or DeepSeek
-
Professional 3D rendering projects
-
High-resolution video editing
Although 256GB remains sufficient for most users, some developers who previously planned for 512GB configurations may need to reconsider hardware requirements or wait for future releases.
Conclusion
Apple’s removal of the 512GB RAM option from Mac Studio reflects both supply constraints and growing AI workloads. While 256GB remains the maximum for now, the upcoming M5 Mac Studio may reintroduce higher memory configurations, making it an attractive option for future-proofed workflows.
For users planning to run large AI models, advanced video editing, or professional rendering projects, considering the M5 Mac Studio release may be the best long-term strategy
