M5 Ultra Mac Studio Buyers Can Finally Order the Delayed 512GB Memory Option

A missing configurator choice has been restored. Months after Apple released the M5 Ultra Mac Studio, the 512GB memory upgrade that was promised but not purchasable is now available to order, and its price moves the desktop into an unusually high tier.

From footnote to live preorder

Apple launched the M5 Ultra and M5 Max Mac Studio in August 2026. At that time, the 512GB RAM maximum appeared only in a barely visible note, while buyers could not select it. The changed status means the configuration described by outside observers as possibly the best Mac ever is now orderable with memory from 96GB up to 512GB.

Configuration ladder and pricing

The base M5 Ultra model is priced at 5,499 USD and comes with 96GB of memory, a 30-core CPU, a 64-core GPU, and 1TB of storage. For an additional 1300 USD, buyers can move to the 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU build. That higher-performance core layout is also the only one that can receive the 512GB memory option.

Storage expansion is another expensive branch. Moving from 1TB to the maximum 16TB capacity adds 7500 USD. The 512GB memory jump alone costs 15500 USD. In August 2026, the highest available Mac Studio price had been reported as 18,299 USD; with the delayed option now included, the top configuration reaches 29799 USD.

Component	Entry M5 Ultra	Maximum option
CPU	30-core CPU	36-core CPU
GPU	64-core GPU	80-core GPU
Memory	96GB	512GB
Storage	1TB	16TB
Upgrade price	5,499 USD base	+1300 USD for CPU/GPU, +7500 USD for storage, +15500 USD for 512GB RAM
Top total	18,299 USD at launch	29799 USD now

Delivery expectations and comparison with iPhone Duo

The first 512GB Mac Studio preorders are scheduled to begin arriving on December 3. The machine is not expected to vanish as quickly as the iPhone Duo, but the delay has been removed, so performance-focused buyers no longer have to wait for a configurator option that Apple has finally activated.