Apple Developing 'Mac Studio,' Described as a Mac Mini and Mac Pro Hybrid

[CWallace]

Apple HAS made a dent in enterprise. Their marketshare in the enterprise is twice as much as their marketshare in the consumer market.

Macs reach 23% share in US enterprises, IDC confirms

Apple is seeing astonishing Mac market growth in the US enterprise market.

www.computerworld.com

And, they reached that by offering the kind of mobile systems that enterprises are deploying to their employees.

Exactly.





One should not make the mistake of conflating "enterprise" with "data center".

Apple is very much present in the former because they offer multiple products.

They were almost never present in the latter because they generally only offered one product (XServe, Mac mini Server, Mac Pro Rackmount).

 

[MacSince1985]

No, it’s mostly because most people don’t want to be tied to one desk in one room. They want to have their computing experience in the living room, in the kitchen, on the deck, wherever the mood or need strikes, even in the middle of a trip to visit customers/vendors/remote offices. That’s a strong use case that no desktop, regardless of how good and how modular, will ever be able to replicate.

Maybe most people, but not all people. By a long shot. Many still need the power of a tower that they can't get in a laptop, a full-size keyboard, a larger monitor, etc. Laptops are great but they don't suit everyone's needs. And there's a big gap in Apple's lineup between the Mac Mini and the current Mac Pro.

 

[Boil]

Maybe most people, but not all people. By a long shot. Many still need the power of a tower that they can't get in a laptop, a full-size keyboard, a larger monitor, etc. Laptops are great but they don't suit everyone's needs. And there's a big gap in Apple's lineup between the Mac Mini and the current Mac Pro.

A HUGE gap, which the Mac Studio could easily fill...

Base model:

• M1 Pro SoC
• 8-core CPU (6P/2E)
• 14-core GPU
• 16-core Neural Engine
• 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
• 200GB/s UMA
• 512GB SSD
• Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port
• (4) TB4/USB4 (USB-C) ports
• (2) USB 3.1 Gen2 (USB-A) ports
• HDMI 2.0 port
• 3.5mm audio out (same DAC as 2021 MBP)
• $1499

Fully-loaded model:

• Dual M1 Max SoCs
• 20-core CPU (16P/4E)
• 64-core GPU
• 32-core Neural Engine
• 128GB LPDDR5 RAM
• 800GB/s UMA
• 8TB SSD
• 10Gb Ethernet (RJ45) port
• (6) TB4/USB4 (USB-C) ports
• (4) USB 3.1 Gen2 (USB-A) ports
• HDMI 2.0 port
• 3.5mm audio out (same DAC as 2021 MBP)
• $6999

 

[Alasdair_Scott]

There's a really interesting market segment here for Apple to cater to customers [like me] who have the following requirements:

• We have a MacBook Pro [or iPad Pro] but want a desktop-class computer and monitor as well
• Not interested in plugging a MacBook Pro into an external desk-based monitor
- the MackBook Pro / iPad Pro aren't as powerful as a "proper" desktop could be due to thermals/power considerations
- it just feels awkward!
• Would purchase a loaded 27" iMac or iMac Pro but these aren't available yet
• Would not purchase Mac Pro with XDR Display [too pricey]

Thus delivering either a M-powered iMac or iMac Pro would seem to be the obvious answer ... but I fail to see why a company of Apple's considerable talents and production experience cannot release a 27" iMac/Pro given the 24" version has been out for ages.

I find it hard to believe the 27" version has been delayed this long and the reports that Apple delayed 27" development to "concentrate on the 24" version" doesn't seem to sit right.

Seems that with a re-appraisal of the Semi-Pro market, the very best option is to release a Mac Mini with M1 Max or better and an external monitor.

I got my kid a 24" iMac for school work - it's FAST and looks great and there's really not a big delta between the 24" model and the 27" EXCEPT for us lot that want bigger screen real-estate and, yes, those black bezels.

So perhaps Apple are going to drop the 27" all-in-one in favour of a Mac Mini and a Monitor?

In any case, I really hope the Peek Performance event is more than just iPhone and iPad. There's a large contingent of users with 27" Intel iMacs who want to upgrade and currently have no option other than to get a MacBook Pro and a 3rd-party monitor [as for most of us, XDR is too costly].

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Maybe most people, but not all people. By a long shot. Many still need the power of a tower that they can't get in a laptop, a full-size keyboard, a larger monitor, etc. Laptops are great but they don't suit everyone's needs. And there's a big gap in Apple's lineup between the Mac Mini and the current Mac Pro.

Correct, most, NOT ALL. I doubt it will ever be ALL. But, because the market as a whole wants mobile products, it makes sense that Apple’s focusing more on mobile solutions. Having a wide variety of desktop systems would be a wide variety of systems most folks (not ALL) don’t want.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

...and in the Neil Parfitt videos I linked to earlier, turns out it is too deep & heavy for the typical studio audio/video equipment rack (as opposed to a purpose-built server rack).

Thing is, it's better than no rack mount, better than trying to rackmount trashcans, but at the end of the day it's a desk/floor-standing tower tweaked to fit in a rack and is nothing like a proper rackmount server.

Big surprise? I ran into an old Compaq server that a client wanted racked, and it was LOOOOOOONG. I had to add another smaller cabinet on the back just to hold it.

But audio racks are not made for servers. Another client wanted to rack mount a server in a two post rack configuration (only front side rails, everything hangs over unsupported in the back). We argued about it, and he 'fired' me, finding some other company to install his server, with it's butt hanging over the back. The mounts apparently couldn't take the stress, and he had to rig up rear supports for the server, making it look really stoopid. The only other option was a way to mount the CG of the server on the rack posts, but it would stick out quite a bit.

Servers are for server class racks. Even an open frame rack is far better than a bodge...

As far as depth, there are server racks that are really shallow for older equipment, and some servers. Get the deepest you can find to have room for cables and air flow. I've even put short shelves in the back of a rack to hold switches, and even backup drives, cameras, lights, etc. Pull-out monitor/keyboard setups are SO NICE too...

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

There's a really interesting market segment here for Apple to cater to customers [like me] who have the following requirements:

• We have a MacBook Pro [or iPad Pro] but want a desktop-class computer and monitor as well
• Not interested in plugging a MacBook Pro into an external desk-based monitor
- the MackBook Pro / iPad Pro aren't as powerful as a "proper" desktop could be due to thermals/power considerations
- it just feels awkward!
• Would purchase a loaded 27" iMac or iMac Pro but these aren't available yet
• Would not purchase Mac Pro with XDR Display [too pricey]

Thus delivering either a M-powered iMac or iMac Pro would seem to be the obvious answer ... but I fail to see why a company of Apple's considerable talents and production experience cannot release a 27" iMac/Pro given the 24" version has been out for ages.

I find it hard to believe the 27" version has been delayed this long and the reports that Apple delayed 27" development to "concentrate on the 24" version" doesn't seem to sit right.

Seems that with a re-appraisal of the Semi-Pro market, the very best option is to release a Mac Mini with M1 Max or better and an external monitor.

I got my kid a 24" iMac for school work - it's FAST and looks great and there's really not a big delta between the 24" model and the 27" EXCEPT for us lot that want bigger screen real-estate and, yes, those black bezels.

So perhaps Apple are going to drop the 27" all-in-one in favour of a Mac Mini and a Monitor?

In any case, I really hope the Peek Performance event is more than just iPhone and iPad. There's a large contingent of users with 27" Intel iMacs who want to upgrade and currently have no option other than to get a MacBook Pro and a 3rd-party monitor [as for most of us, XDR is too costly].

I was snarked at for saying almost what you said. People can't afford the Mac Pro (Oooooo) and NEED more power, and would love a 'real' iMac Pro, or a killer shark 'Mac Mini Pro/Max' even. For me, monitors aren't a problem. I already have a 27" on my IMP, and Mini or New IMP, you need the monitors you need. They are almost commodity items. It's the 'box' that has the horsepower that makes it a tool, or a toy.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

They're huge compared to the competition. Plus, are there even Infiniband drivers for OS X?

I would assume so... *shrug*

 

[subi257]

Yeah, and, as you indicate, most of those enterprise rules and configs define laptops, with the required standard security patches and software, as the standard deployment for systems that connect to their network. I’d doubt if there’s many (or any) Fortune 500 companies that have a majority deployment of desktops.

Desktops have their place, but those places where they are the best option are shrinking.

We have it as a different category...there are "desktops"" and then there are "workstations" Our rules define anything that will touch the network. Workstation level computers are honestly few in the grand scheme, but there are still a god amount. A lot of the people doing media based work.....audio, video, graphics are on 6,1's

 

[Alasdair_Scott]

Just out of interest, I ran some numbers:

Looking at forecast sales of Laptop, Desktop and Tablet we see that in 2023 it splits roughly like this:

Laptop 55%
Tablet 30%
Dekstop 15%

So that's still a significant number of desktops [73 million] sold per year. Also these figures don't take into account the increase in work-from-home which I suspect sees a trend of folks buying cheap laptop / tablet and decent desktop as opposed to expensive laptop / tablet and plugging into desk-based external monitor.

Now ... looking at Apple's iPhone sales FY2021 they account for about 17% of global phone shipments. Not an insignificant number. And look at how profitable Apple are.

So I conclude that while the desktop form factor is decreasing as a % of overall PC sales, it's still a chunky market segment AND Apple knows how to charge profitably in any space it enters.

Hence ... having an entry level iMac 24" with possible 27" big brother later, a set of Mac Minis / Mac Studios and a top-end Mac Pro doesn't seem to ask too much.

For creative pros who feel Mac Pro + XDR is a bit of a stretch but Mac Studio + Monitor is not, the price ceiling on the Mac Studio is greater than that of any iMac 27" ... and also easier to upgrade the compute element and leave the monitors, so perhaps faster upgrade cycle.

Yes, there are lies, damn lies and statistics - but this does make some sense to me!

I look forward to being spectacularly wrong in a few hours. That or bleeding profusely from my Amex

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Hence ... having an entry level iMac 24" with possible 27" big brother later, a set of Mac Minis / Mac Studios and a top-end Mac Pro doesn't seem to ask too much.

9% (Apple’s Marketshare) of 73 million (desktop number) is 6,570,000.
That’s assuming they have the same marketshare of JUST desktops that they have of all computers.

Seeing how Apple sold a total of 28,958,000 macs in 2021, that would mean 5,791,600, not too far off! Looking at it like that, it makes sense that they have very structured price/performance plateaus with their desktops to maximize the numbers of each sold. I’m very curious as to what they’ll be showing off today. May even ping my own card a wee bit!

 

[Alasdair_Scott]

9% (Apple’s Marketshare) of 73 million (desktop number) is 6,570,000.
That’s assuming they have the same marketshare of JUST desktops that they have of all computers.

Seeing how Apple sold a total of 28,958,000 macs in 2021, that would mean 5,791,600, not too far off! Looking at it like that, it makes sense that they have very structured price/performance plateaus with their desktops to maximize the numbers of each sold. I’m very curious as to what they’ll be showing off today. May even ping my own card a wee bit!

Absolutely. I hope that they get back to the lethally ruthless segmentation that Steve Jobs brought in upon his return to Apple back in the day. Put products into easily understandable segments and cull anything that does not neatly fit.

I'm reminded of a Jobs interview where he said he'd rather be Mercedes than Ford. Fewer units, higher value.

With all this "Pro", "Studio" and other terminology floating about, I'd love to see some rationalisation of the offerings in the laptop and desktop space.

Anyhow ... 2 hours to go!

 

[Unregistered 4U]

I doubt we’ll be seeing an iMac Pro again, which makes sense. No net new desktop systems, just swap one with the other… or two, I guess, as the iMac Pro and the larger iMacs are both gone, right?

 

[CWallace]

I doubt we’ll be seeing an iMac Pro again, which makes sense. No net new desktop systems, just swap one with the other… or two, I guess, as the iMac Pro and the larger iMacs are both gone, right?

On the one hand, I do agree an iMac Pro seems superfluous with today's announcement of the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display, but why does Kuo (and others) say there will be an iMac Pro, just not till 2023 instead of 2022?

And where does the 27" MiniLED ProMotion 5K display Young said was coming to an iMac Pro go?

It was not in the Apple Studio Display so either they release an "Apple Studio Display Pro" next year with it - and destroy their relationship with everyone who bought the ASD - or it appears in an iMac Pro and that machine serves as the AIO companion to the Apple silicon Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR Mk. II (likely now at 7K with MiniLED).

 

[Unregistered 4U]

On the one hand, I do agree an iMac Pro seems superfluous with today's announcement of the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display, but why does Kuo (and others) say there will be an iMac Pro, just not till 2023 instead of 2022?

And where does the 27" MiniLED ProMotion 5K display Young said was coming to an iMac Pro go?

It was not in the Apple Studio Display so either they release an "Apple Studio Display Pro" next year with it - and destroy their relationship with everyone who bought the ASD - or it appears in an iMac Pro and that machine serves as the AIO companion to the Apple silicon Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR Mk. II (likely now at 7K with MiniLED).

Because they’re hoping we forget by then?

I’m sure there were a number of pink slips handed out in the supply chain as some of these were VERY specifically off

 

[Presio]

Apple is working on a "Mac Studio" device that seems to be a cross between a Mac Pro and a Mac mini, according to a report from 9to5Mac that cites an unspecified source with knowledge of Apple's plans.

The device is "in addition" to the rumored Mac mini and Mac Pro, but primarily based on the Mac mini. It will feature "much more powerful hardware" and there are two versions in development. One machine will use the same M1 Max chip introduced in the 2021 MacBook Pro models, while the other will use an Apple silicon chip that's more powerful than the M1 Max.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously described a new version of the Mac Pro that will feature a smaller chassis to be sold alongside the larger-sized Mac Pro, and it sounds like the "Mac Studio" could be this smaller-sized Mac Pro.

Gurman has previously said that the smaller Mac Pro would have up to 40 CPU cores and up to 128 GPU cores.

The Mac Studio is known internally by the codename J375, and 9to5Mac says that while the naming could potentially change, it is aimed at professional users and will be sold alongside a 7K "Apple Studio Display" that Apple also has in the works.

There's no word on when the Mac Studio might see a launch, but prior rumors have suggested that it could be introduced sometime around WWDC before launching in the fall.

Article Link: Apple Developing 'Mac Studio,' Described as a Mac Mini and Mac Pro Hybrid

Apple!!! petty thieves!

The Mac Studio is the Mac Mini with the new processors we have been waiting for a long time...

They just changed the name to charge double for it. Who are you kidding Mr Crook?

This is the new Mac Mini that was due. They only added two fans inside- hence the height.

So basically we are been charged $1,000 for the two fans. The processors were way past due.

I bet they will release a Mac Mini some time later this year stripped from any needed connections (TB and USB) making them useless for Pros. Disgusting.
Steve Jobs come back!!!!

 

[Alasdair_Scott]

I doubt we’ll be seeing an iMac Pro again, which makes sense. No net new desktop systems, just swap one with the other… or two, I guess, as the iMac Pro and the larger iMacs are both gone, right?

I think we called it 2 hours early!
Applen have removed 27”
iMac from store.

 

[Alasdair_Scott]

On the one hand, I do agree an iMac Pro seems superfluous with today's announcement of the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display, but why does Kuo (and others) say there will be an iMac Pro, just not till 2023 instead of 2022?

And where does the 27" MiniLED ProMotion 5K display Young said was coming to an iMac Pro go?

It was not in the Apple Studio Display so either they release an "Apple Studio Display Pro" next year with it - and destroy their relationship with everyone who bought the ASD - or it appears in an iMac Pro and that machine serves as the AIO companion to the Apple silicon Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR Mk. II (likely now at 7K with MiniLED).

John T said “next year” so I guess they’re working up something BONKERS for the top end Mac Pro.

 

[Michael Scrip]

John T said “next year” so I guess they’re working up something BONKERS for the top end Mac Pro.

It makes me wonder what Apple will do with a future Apple Silicon Mac Pro.

Right now the current Mac Pro starts at $6,000... but there are four additional processors available to add an extra $1,000 to $7,000 to the base price.

So how far can Apple extend the M1 architecture?

Will Apple offer "good, better, best" processors in the Mac Pro using Apple Silicon?

And can Apple Silicon chips interface with PCIe cards in a top-end tower?

It will be exciting to see!

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I doubt we’ll be seeing an iMac Pro again, which makes sense. No net new desktop systems, just swap one with the other… or two, I guess, as the iMac Pro and the larger iMacs are both gone, right?

Looks that way.

Unless...

M1 Ultra in a 32" iMac!!! 🤤

 

[Unregistered 4U]

It makes me wonder what Apple will do with a future Apple Silicon Mac Pro.

Right now the current Mac Pro starts at $6,000... but there are four additional processors available to add an extra $1,000 to $7,000 to the base price.

So how far can Apple extend the M1 architecture?

Will Apple offer "good, better, best" processors in the Mac Pro using Apple Silicon?

And can Apple Silicon chips interface with PCIe cards in a top-end tower?

It will be exciting to see!

This is mostly what I thought the Mac Pro would be. Considering how there’s very little modularity left with Apple Silicon, I was expecting no slots, no memory expansion, no internal storage, yet the utmost performance that can be obtained in a Mac today. The only thing left above this monster would be niches where internal slots or storage are required. Those plus port selection are currently the main differences I see between this and some future more powerful system.

 

[ACD30"]

Rumors are that it will replace the high-end Intel Mac mini, leaving a newly designed smaller Mac mini with a Mn SoC as the entry-level headless desktop Mac...

Thermals for a dual M1 Max SoC model should be just fine in a chassis with the dimensions of the G4 Cube (9.8" x 7.7" x 7.7" - H x W x D)...

I guess we were spot on with that one, haha.

 

[Joe The Dragon]

John T said “next year” so I guess they’re working up something BONKERS for the top end Mac Pro.

BONKERS or we don't have pci-e / other io to have workstation stuff.

 

[SJ Burnett]

It currently fits in the MacBook Pro just fine, so I think it'd be ok. Especially without also needing to deal with the heat the battery generates.

I see that the Studio ships with a mains power lead, rather than an external power brick. This means that the machine contains a PSU.

This is not a good thing.

 

[k27]

Can the Mac Studio be easily opened to clean dust?