Apple has refreshed its smallest desktop with two new chip options, the M6 and the M5 Pro, positioning the Mac mini as a far more capable machine for both everyday users and professionals.
The standard model now runs on the M6, which packs a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, plus a dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says it delivers 40% faster CPU performance and 2x faster graphics than the M4, along with a 4x jump in AI performance. Memory starts at 16GB and can be configured up to 32GB, with bandwidth reaching 170GB/s.
For heavier workloads, the Mac mini with M5 Pro steps things up with up to an 18-core CPU and a 20-core GPU featuring third-generation ray tracing, supporting up to 64GB of unified memory and 307GB/s of bandwidth. Apple claims it’s up to 4x faster than the M4 Pro for large language model processing and 1.4x faster for rendering in Blender.
Connectivity gets an upgrade too: both models add Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, with the M6 offering three Thunderbolt 4 ports and the M5 Pro moving up to Thunderbolt 5. Each includes two front USB-C 3 ports, a headphone jack, HDMI, and Ethernet (2.5Gb standard, 10Gb optional). A new genlock feature over USB-C lets professionals sync displays and cameras more precisely.
On sustainability, Apple says the new Mac mini uses 50% recycled materials overall, including a fully recycled aluminum enclosure and recycled rare earth elements in its magnets, with all manufacturing electricity sourced from renewables.
Both machines ship with macOS 27 “Golden Gate,” which introduces Siri AI and next-generation Apple Intelligence features. The Siri AI beta launches in English first, with broader language support to follow.
“Mac mini has always been our most versatile Mac, offering pro-level performance in a compact design that fits anywhere,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s chief hardware officer. “With M6 and M5 Pro, we’re taking this versatility even further.”
Pricing starts at $899 for the M6 model ($799 for education) and $1,699 for the M5 Pro model ($1,599 for education). Pre-orders open August 25, with the new Mac mini shipping September 22 across 30 countries and regions.
