Apple's 512GB Mac Studio vanishes, a quiet acknowledgment of the RAM shortage

arstechnica.com
March 8, 2026
1 min read
65/100
Summary
Apple has removed the 512GB Mac Studio from its product lineup, indicating a response to the ongoing RAM and storage supply shortage. Some other products were announced with increased RAM and storage at similar or slightly higher prices.
Key Takeaways
- Apple has removed the 512GB RAM option from its M3 Ultra Mac Studio desktop.
- The price of the 256GB configuration for the Mac Studio has increased from $1,600 to $2,000.
- The removal of the 512GB option reflects the ongoing RAM shortage affecting the tech industry.
- The 512GB Mac Studio was a high-end product, priced at $9,499.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · arstechnica.com
Community discussions
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Community Sentiment
Positives
- The potential for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio to support up to 768GB of memory could significantly enhance local AI model capabilities, expanding the range of applications developers can explore.
- The ongoing production ramp-up for the M5 Ultra suggests that Apple is committed to advancing its hardware for AI/ML purposes, which could lead to improved performance and accessibility.
Concerns
- The rising costs of components like RAM could hinder accessibility for developers looking to utilize Apple's hardware for AI applications, potentially limiting innovation.
- Uncertainty surrounding the release of the M5 Ultra and the possibility of no M5 Ultra model may create confusion for consumers planning their AI/ML investments.
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