If you’re buying a new Apple desktop in 2026, choose between the current Mac Studio configurations: start with M5 Max and move to M5 Ultra only if your work needs its higher GPU or unified-memory ceiling. Apple no longer offers Mac Pro, so it is a used-market option for buyers with a specific expansion or legacy-workflow requirement—not a like-for-like current model.
Is Mac Pro still a current option?
No. Apple’s September 22, 2026 update says the new Mac Studio is available, while a March 27, 2026 report from Tom’s Guide says Apple confirmed it would no longer offer Mac Pro and had no plans for new models. Apple’s Mac Pro product URL now redirects to its general Mac page; that redirect alone does not establish the company’s full plans.
The last Mac Pro generation was sold with M2 Ultra. Older models may still appear on the resale market, but they are not current Apple configurations. Consider one only if you can identify a concrete need for its expansion workflow and verify the individual machine’s condition, software compatibility, expansion hardware, and total cost.
What does the current Mac Studio offer?
Apple announced M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio on August 25, 2026, and said they would arrive in stores and at authorized resellers starting September 22. Apple’s U.S. launch starting prices were $2,499 for M5 Max and $5,499 for M5 Ultra; prices and configurations vary by market, so check your local Apple Store for current pricing.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Configuration | CPU and GPU | Unified memory | Internal SSD | External displays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Studio M5 Max | Starts with an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU; configurable with a 40-core GPU | Starts at 36GB; 48GB and 64GB options; up to 128GB with the 40-core GPU | 512GB to 8TB | Up to five |
| Mac Studio M5 Ultra | Starts with a 30-core CPU and 64-core GPU; configurable with a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU | Starts at 96GB; 256GB and 512GB options with the 36-core CPU/80-core GPU configuration | 1TB to 16TB | Up to eight |
Apple’s Mac Studio technical specifications also list a 16-core Neural Engine and 460GB/s memory bandwidth for the M5 Max starting configuration, with 614GB/s for its 40-core GPU configuration. M5 Ultra starts with a 32-core Neural Engine and 1.2TB/s memory bandwidth. Display resolution and refresh-rate limits depend on the connected display combination.
Both models have rear Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, 10Gb Ethernet, and a headphone jack. The front ports differ: M5 Max has two USB-C ports rated up to 10Gb/s, while M5 Ultra has two Thunderbolt 5 ports. These are compact desktops, so factor in the displays, external storage, and any other equipment your setup needs.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which Mac Studio configuration fits your work?
Choose M5 Max for demanding professional work without a proven need for Ultra capacity
M5 Max is the sensible starting point for many serious creators and professionals. Apple names musicians, photographers, software engineers, designers, real-time 3D artists, motion-graphics workers, and AI users among the intended audience. The right configuration depends on your actual projects: consider how much memory your largest work consumes, the GPU demands of your software, how many displays you connect, and whether your internal storage needs justify a larger SSD.
Choose M5 Ultra when your workload can use its higher ceiling
Ultra is for workloads that can benefit from a larger GPU and more unified memory—for example, especially demanding graphics or media work and running large AI models locally. Its maximum 80-core GPU and 512GB unified-memory configuration are ceilings, not what every M5 Ultra ships with. A higher maximum alone does not make it better value: match the configuration to software requirements and project size.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Apple describes M5 Ultra as offering up to 1.3× higher multithreaded performance and up to 4.3× peak AI compute performance versus M3 Ultra, and up to 1.8× faster graphics versus the prior generation. These are Apple’s comparison claims, not independent test results or a guarantee of performance in every application.
When might a used Mac Pro make sense?
A used Mac Pro may suit a buyer whose existing setup depends on a specific expansion or legacy workflow and who has confirmed that the exact machine supports the required software and hardware. Do not assume that an older Mac Pro is preferable simply because it is called “Pro,” or that its specifications make it a better choice for every application than a new Mac Studio.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Identify the exact Mac Pro model and configuration, and inspect the machine’s condition.
- Confirm your software supports that model and the macOS version it can run.
- Check that the expansion hardware you need is compatible and included.
- Compare the used system’s total cost with a Mac Studio plus any necessary external storage or other equipment.
How to make the decision
- List your real workloads. Name the applications you use and the largest projects you expect to handle.
- Check resource needs. Find out how much memory, GPU capacity, and internal storage those applications and projects require.
- Map your desk setup. Count your displays and check their resolution and refresh-rate requirements against Apple’s per-model limits. Identify the ports and external storage connections you need.
- Compare the full configuration and cost. Use Apple’s U.S. launch prices as reference points only; local prices and configurations can differ. Include the cost of displays, storage, and other equipment in your budget.
- Consider Mac Pro only for a specific reason. If you need a legacy or expansion workflow, verify the used model, condition, compatibility, and total cost before buying.
Apple says Mac Studio is intended for demanding professional work, but its positioning is not an independent evaluation. Its announced features and availability are detailed in Apple’s August 25, 2026 announcement and September 22 availability update.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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