Apple's Mac Studio just got updated with M5 Max chip. Unlike the Mac mini, there's a strong argument to get or keep the prior model instead. After debuting in the MacBook Pro in March 2026, the M5 Max chip has made its way to Apple's top-of-the-line desktop, the Mac Studio.

Though the Mac Studio hasn't undergone any visual changes, the M5 Max introduces significant under-the-hood enhancements. With Neural Accelerators in each GPU core and new "super cores" in the CPU, the M5 Max Mac Studio delivers impressive performance. The M5 Max Mac Studio starts at $2,499, compared to $1,999 for the M4 Max model.

The M5 Max features an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU, while the M4 Max offers a 14-core CPU and 40-core GPU. Memory options range from 36GB to 128GB on both models. Storage options are identical, from 512GB to 8TB.

Both models support up to five displays, with the M5 Max enabling four 6K displays plus one 5K via HDMI, versus four 6K plus one 4K on the M4 Max. Ports, dimensions, and design remain unchanged, with the same aluminum chassis and port layout. The M4 Max model is slightly heavier at 6.1 pounds versus 6.0 pounds for the M5 Max.