Transform Multiple Macs into an AI Supercomputer in macOS Tahoe 26.2

You Can Turn a Cluster of Macs into an AI Supercomputer in macOS Tahoe 26.2

With the imminent release of macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple is revolutionizing how users can harness the power of multiple Mac computers. Instead of investing in a revamped Mac Pro, users can connect various Macs, such as the Mac Studio, to form an AI supercomputer. This innovative feature allows for low-latency connections using Thunderbolt 5, potentially transforming how developers and researchers run extensive AI models in a unified computing system.

By clustering several Macs, each equipped with up to 512GB of unified memory, users can efficiently run extensive models like the 1 trillion parameter Kimi-K2-Thinking model. This setup offers a significant advantage over traditional PCs that rely on power-hungry GPUs. Notably, Apple’s advanced Thunderbolt 5 connectivity enables speeds of up to 80Gb/s—far superior to previous iterations limited by slower transfer rates.

Whether it’s the Mac Studio, M4 Pro Mac mini, or the M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, developers can easily build these clusters using standard Thunderbolt 5 cables. In demonstrations, clusters of four Mac Studios have shown impressive results, consuming less power—around 500 watts—compared to typical GPU clusters.

Additionally, macOS Tahoe 26.2 opens up access to the neural accelerators on the M5 chip, streamlining AI inferencing. However, it’s worth noting that the currently available M5 Mac, the 14-inch MacBook Pro, only supports Thunderbolt 4, limiting its capabilities.

Overall, the combination of unified memory and low power consumption positions Macs as attractive tools for demanding AI applications. While a high-end Mac Studio with 512GB of RAM may be expensive, existing labs and companies with Mac devices can leverage their current systems for powerful AI clustering. Users looking to advance their AI projects should explore this new macOS feature and share their insights below!