Apple has introduced the latest Mac Studio powered by its new M5 Ultra chip, positioning it as a high-end option for demanding workloads, particularly AI-related tasks. The launch marks the fourth Ultra chip generation, arriving more than four years after the original M1 Ultra debuted.
When the M1 Ultra Mac Studio launched in March 2022, it represented a significant leap in desktop performance. Four years and several generations of Apple silicon later, the Mac Studio has undergone substantial changes under the hood, even as its external design has remained largely unchanged.
Here’s how the M5 Ultra Mac Studio compares with the M1 Ultra model that launched the lineup in 2022.
Design, Size and Weight
Apple has retained the same Mac Studio exterior design across the past four years and multiple chip generations. The current model continues to feature the compact, rounded-edge aluminium enclosure measuring 7.7 inches square and 3.7 inches tall, matching the dimensions of the 2022 M1 Ultra version.
There is also little difference in weight. The M1 Ultra model weighs approximately 7.9 pounds, while the M5 Ultra version weighs around 8 pounds. The small increase is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday desktop use.
The front panel also maintains the same layout, featuring two high-speed ports alongside an SD card reader. However, the port standard has been upgraded, with the M1 Ultra offering Thunderbolt 4 while the M5 Ultra features Thunderbolt 5.
The rear panel continues to feature the familiar row of connectivity options and the large ventilation grille. Both the size and overall design of the grille remain unchanged between the two generations.
Apple has also retained the raised circular base with ventilation holes underneath the Mac Studio. As a result, existing mounts and similar accessories designed for the M1 Ultra model should remain compatible with the M5 Ultra.
Overall, Apple has chosen to retain a proven design for the Mac Studio while focusing its major upgrades on internal hardware and performance. The result is a familiar exterior paired with significant changes beneath the surface.
Apple Opens New Education Center in Vietnam for Mac, iPhone and Vision Pro Suppliers
Apple has announced the establishment of a new Apple Education Center in Hanoi, aimed at providing training and development opportunities for employees of Vietnamese manufacturing companies that supply components and products to Apple.
The initiative represents the latest expansion of Apple’s Supplier Employee Development Fund, which was established in 2022 with an initial investment of US$50 million. The programme has reportedly provided training to more than 108,000 supplier employees to date, with the latest expansion set to further strengthen workforce development in Vietnam.
“At Apple, we bring the spirit of innovation into every employee support activity of the global supply chain. We are very excited to expand educational training courses in Vietnam, giving thousands of workers the opportunity to train important skills and discover new opportunities for career development,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s Vice President of Supply Chain and Environment Innovation.
The expanded programme will include additional training courses delivered at supplier facilities, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Apple Education Center.
The new centre is being developed in partnership with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), with classes scheduled to begin in the autumn.
Professor Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said the university aims to work closely with Apple to strengthen training programmes and develop high-quality technology talent in Vietnam.
“With Apple Education Center, we will work with Apple to promote training programs, with the goal of building and consolidating high-quality technology human resources for Vietnam,” he said.
Apple is also expanding its existing vocational training programme for people with disabilities in Vietnam. The initiative has so far reached 49,000 supplier employees across more than 70 facilities and is designed to help companies create more inclusive and accessible working environments.
The latest initiatives highlight Apple’s continued focus on developing skills, expanding career opportunities and strengthening workforce capabilities across its growing supplier network in Vietnam.
M5 Ultra Mac Studio vs M1 Ultra Mac Studio: Four Years of Evolution Compared
