The short version
- Apple has introduced new Mac Mini models powered by M6 and M5 Pro chips, increasing the starting price by $100 for both configurations.
- The devices feature upgraded internal components including faster storage, improved ethernet connectivity, and support for newer wireless standards.
- Preorders are open immediately, but shipments will not begin until late September, potentially addressing previous inventory shortages linked to AI workload demand.
Apple has unveiled a refreshed generation of its Mac Mini desktop computer, introducing two new processor options while maintaining the device's compact physical design. The entry-level model now utilizes the M6 chip, while the higher-performance variant is equipped with the M5 Pro silicon previously seen in this year’s MacBook Pro lineup. Despite the internal upgrades, the external footprint remains identical to the 2024 models that featured M4 and M4 Pro chips, preserving the form factor that has defined the product line for years.
Pricing for the new hardware has increased across the board. The base model with the M6 chip now starts at $899, up from the previous generation's starting price. Similarly, the M5 Pro configuration begins at $1,699, representing a $100 premium over the earlier M4 Pro version. These adjustments reflect a broader trend in Apple’s recent product releases, where enhanced capabilities are paired with higher entry costs for consumers.
The internal specifications have seen significant revisions aimed at boosting performance and efficiency. The M6 chip introduces a 12-core CPU architecture, comprising two super cores, four performance cores, and six efficiency cores. This represents a shift from the 10-core setup found in the M4 generation. Apple states that this configuration delivers a 40 percent improvement in CPU performance. Additionally, the M6 is notable for being the company’s first chip manufactured on a 2nm process, marking a milestone in semiconductor miniaturization.
Graphics capabilities have also been enhanced in both models. The M6 features a 12-core GPU with neural accelerators, which Apple claims can render graphics up to twice as fast as the M4 in certain gaming scenarios involving ray tracing. Memory bandwidth for the M6 has increased to 170GBps, compared to 120GBps in the prior generation. The M5 Pro model offers even greater configurability, supporting up to 18 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, with memory bandwidth reaching 307GBps.
Storage speeds have doubled across all new Mac Mini models, aligning them with the recent updates seen in the MacBook Air and Pro lines. The base M6 model retains its starting configuration of 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage, while the M5 Pro begins with 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage. These faster storage solutions are designed to handle more demanding data operations without requiring external drives.
Connectivity options have received targeted upgrades. Both new models now include 2.5 gigabit ethernet ports, an improvement over previous iterations, with the option to upgrade to 10 gigabit speeds. Wireless capabilities have also been modernized through the integration of Apple’s N1 chip, which enables support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. However, other port configurations remain unchanged, with the M6 retaining Thunderbolt 4 ports and the M5 Pro featuring Thunderbolt 5 connections.
The new hardware arrives alongside macOS 27 Golden Gate, which will be preloaded on all units. This operating system update is expected to provide full compatibility with Apple’s latest AI features, including enhanced Siri functionality and broader Apple Intelligence tools. While a specific public release date for the final version of macOS 27 has not been confirmed, it is anticipated to coincide with or precede the hardware shipment date.
Preorders for the new Mac Minis are available immediately, but customers should expect deliveries to begin on September 22. This delay may serve a strategic purpose, allowing Apple to build sufficient inventory ahead of potential demand spikes. Previous generations faced scarcity issues, partly attributed to higher-than-expected usage for running AI agents and other intensive computational tasks.
The M5 Pro model is positioned to handle heavier artificial intelligence workloads, including photo and video upscaling as well as the execution of larger diffusion models. Apple highlights significant gains in AI compute power compared to the outgoing M4 Pro, driven by neural accelerators integrated into each GPU core. These enhancements aim to make the compact desktop a more viable option for users requiring robust local processing capabilities.
As the market adjusts to these new offerings, the combination of higher prices and improved performance will likely influence purchasing decisions among both individual consumers and small businesses. The extended wait time for shipments provides an opportunity for supply chain stabilization, potentially mitigating the inventory challenges that affected earlier releases. Observers will be watching to see if the demand for AI-capable hardware continues to drive similar scarcity issues in the coming months.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Verge↗Apple’s new Mac Mini has fresh M6 and M5 Pro chip offerings — and higher prices
