Apple’s recent WWDC 2023 keynote introduced the highly anticipated Mac Studio powered by the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, along with the Apple Silicon Mac Pro. While these desktop powerhouses are already known for their premium price tags, it is noteworthy that Apple charges significantly higher prices in certain countries compared to the United States.
Mac Studio Specifications and Pricing Variations:
The Mac Studio lineup offers two variants: the M2 Max and M2 Ultra, each equipped with distinctive features. The M2 Max boasts a 12-core CPU, 30-core GPU, and support for up to 96GB of RAM. On the other hand, the M2 Ultra doubles these specifications with a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, and up to 192GB of RAM, enabling it to handle even the most demanding workloads.
However, acquiring these Mac Studio models outside the United States can be a costly endeavor, as Apple imposes significantly higher prices in various countries worldwide.
Price Disparities Across Countries:
A recent survey conducted by Nukeni compared prices in 37 countries and regions where Apple has direct sales. While the US is often considered the baseline due to its diverse tax rates, it’s important to note the lowest and highest prices offered in each country.
For the base model M2 Max Mac Studio, the cheapest places to purchase include the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Canada, and Taiwan. Conversely, countries such as Brazil, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, and Czechia have significantly higher prices, with Brazil reaching a staggering $4,668 for the base model.
The M2 Ultra Mac Pro, renowned for its exceptional performance and up to 192GB of unified memory, follows a similar pricing trend. The United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand offer the most competitive prices for the base model. Meanwhile, Brazil, Hungary, Denmark, Poland, and Sweden present the highest costs, with Brazil surpassing $15,000 for the base model.
Considerations for International Buyers:
International buyers looking to purchase the new Mac Studio or Mac Pro should carefully evaluate pricing differences before making a decision. The survey’s findings highlight the considerable fluctuations in cost across countries, urging caution when selecting the most cost-effective options.
While the Mac Studio and Mac Pro stand as remarkable computing solutions, Apple’s pricing strategy results in significant variations across countries. The survey reveals that certain countries face price tags that are nearly double or even triple the cost in the United States. It is crucial for international buyers to explore all available options and consider the price disparities before making a purchase, ensuring they make an informed decision that aligns with their budget and requirements.
