Apple has been busy, unveiling a slew of new products that are sure to excite tech enthusiasts. From the powerful Mac Studio to the sleek and portable MacBook Air, here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Mac Studio: Power and Performance
The 2025 Mac Studio has arrived, and it's packing some serious heat. Apple has opted for a unique approach, offering two distinct configurations: one with the M4 Max chip and another with the M3 Ultra. This decision has raised some eyebrows, but Apple assures users that the M3 Ultra is its "highest-performing chip ever."
Pre-orders for the new Mac Studio began on March 5th, with sales officially kicking off on March 12th, 2025. Pricing remains consistent with previous models, starting at $1,999 for the M4 Max configuration and $3,999 for the M3 Ultra. While the design remains unchanged, the new Mac Studio boasts an upgrade to Thunderbolt 5, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the decision to use an M3 Ultra instead of an M4 Ultra may be strategic, potentially to differentiate the Mac Studio from the upcoming Mac Pro, which is rumored to feature the M4 Ultra chip. "It seems like an odd thing to do, though the M3 Ultra will be faster than an M4 Max, but the difference will be smaller than if it were an M4 Ultra," said Gurman.
Regardless, early Geekbench tests show the M4 Max outperforming the M2 Ultra, suggesting that the new Mac Studio will deliver a significant performance boost for creative professionals and power users.
MacBook Air: Lighter, Faster, and More Affordable
Alongside the Mac Studio, Apple has also refreshed its popular MacBook Air lineup. The new 13-inch and 15-inch models are powered by the M4 chip, offering a significant performance upgrade over their M3 predecessors. Apple is calling this "the most powerful generation of Apple chips".
The new MacBook Air also features expanded memory options, with configurations now available with up to 32GB of RAM. This will be a boon for users who frequently work with large files or run demanding applications.
Remote workers will appreciate the upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, which provides a more natural and engaging video conferencing experience. "This might save you from having to buy a separate webcam," notes one reviewer.
Other upgrades
In addition to the performance improvements, the new MacBook Air also supports two external displays, allowing users to spread out their workflow across multiple screens. Finally, the new models come with a price cut, with the 13-inch model starting at $999 and the 15-inch model starting at $1,199. A new Sky Blue color option replaces Space Gray, adding a fresh and vibrant aesthetic.
Both the Mac Studio and MacBook Air are available for pre-order now, with shipments starting on March 12th. These new offerings demonstrate Apple's continued commitment to innovation and providing users with powerful and versatile tools for creativity and productivity.
"These new offerings demonstrate Apple's continued commitment to innovation."
Whether you're a creative professional in need of a powerful workstation or a student looking for a portable and affordable laptop, Apple's latest offerings have something for everyone.