In addition to an array of existing product updates, Apple on Tuesday unveiled two all-new devices called the Mac Studio and Studio Display.
The company said during its Peek Performance Event that the new devices work together or separately to update the speed and efficiency of any studio workspace. The compact Mac Studio is meant to be a companion to existing displays and is powered by either the M1 Max or the new M1 Ultra chips. It fits under most displays at 7.7-inches squared and 3.7 inches tall, and includes an impressive thermal system that allows the device to stay cool and quiet during heavy workloads.
The device has an array of ports that make it easy to connect to external storage or displays. The back of the device includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports to connect displays and high-performance devices, a 10Gb Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port and a pro audio jack for headphones or external amplified speakers. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are built-in as well.
On the front, Mac Studio offers two USB-C ports and an SD card slot, all of which provide display support for up to four Pro Display XDRs and a 4K TV. With M1 Ultra chip, the device can play back 18 streams of 8K ProRes 422 video — a feat Apple claims no other computer in the world can do — and offers 128GB of unified memory.
The Mac Studio offers a 27-inch 5K Retina display, 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, studio-quality three-mic array and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. Apple says that the Studio Display offers the “best combination of camera and audio ever in a desktop display.” It is powered by macOS Monterey, with macOS Monterey 12.3 slated for release next week.
The slim display has an all-screen design with narrow borders and an all-aluminum enclosure. Its built-in adjustable stand offers up to 30% tilt, and a VESA mount adapter supports landscape or portrait orientation for versatility. In addition, it boasts three USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt port for peripheral connectivity, and its cable delivers 96 watts of power to a Mac notebook, allowing Studio Display to fast-charge a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Altogether, up to three Studio Displays can be connected to MacBook Pro for modular workspace options across Apple devices.
In true Apple fashion, the tech giant has also introduced a new silver-and-black color option for Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse to complement the new devices. During the event, Apple also teased an update to its Mac Pro “for another day.”
The new Mac Studio starts at $1,999 USD and the Studio Display is $1,599 USD. Both are available for pre-order online and will begin arriving to customers on Friday, March 18.
In related news, Apple also updated its iPad Air with the M1 chip — check it out here.
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