What happened
Apple removed the 512GB RAM upgrade option for its M3 Ultra Mac Studio, capping configurations at 256GB. The Mac Studio, which starts at 36GB RAM, previously offered upgrade tiers up to 512GB. The company also increased the price of the 96GB-to-256GB RAM upgrade from $1,600 to $2,000. Delivery estimates for 256GB configurations have now extended to May. The previously available 512GB option, exclusive to the M3 Ultra chip, cost $4,000.
Why it matters
Access to high-capacity memory for professional workstations is tightening, impacting architects and procurement teams planning compute infrastructure. The price increase and extended delivery timelines for 256GB configurations signal escalating costs and supply constraints for critical components. Even with Apple's long-term DRAM supply agreements, the company's Q2 earnings will be impacted, indicating a pervasive industry challenge in securing high-density memory.
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