Apple launches Mac mini with M6, M5 Pro from $899

New Mac mini M6 and M5 Pro

Apple announced a new Mac mini on Aug. 25, available with either the M6 or M5 Pro chip. Preorders open today, and the desktop reaches stores September 22. The M6 model starts at $899, while the M5 Pro version costs $1,699.

The M6 upgrade claims large gains over the previous M4 Mac mini: up to four times faster AI tasks, double the graphics and storage speed, and a 40 percent CPU increase. The M6 chip has a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. The GPU includes neural accelerators in each core, and a dual 16-core neural engine handles AI work. Standard memory is 16GB, expandable to 32GB, with up to 170GB per second bandwidth.

The M5 Pro model targets demanding workflows. It offers up to an 18-core CPU, a 20-core GPU, up to 64GB unified memory, and 307GB per second bandwidth. Apple says that lets users run larger local AI models and edit complex video files.

Connectivity and macOS

Both models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet, with a 10Gb option available. Front ports are two USB-C and a headphone jack. Rear ports add three Thunderbolt 4 (M6) or Thunderbolt 5 (M5 Pro) along with HDMI and Ethernet. Thunderbolt 5 lets users cluster multiple Mac minis to run large AI models entirely on device.

The new Mac mini will ship with macOS 27 Golden Gate, according to Ars Technica. That OS brings Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features. Ars also suggests the annual Mac OS update may reach other Macs around that time.

Pricing and Mac Studio

The mini's $899 entry price is $100 more than the prior generation, according to Channel NewsAsia. CNA also reports that the Mac mini and Mac Studio are popular for running autonomous AI agents locally, with inventories tight at some Apple stores.

Apple also refreshed the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. Pricing starts at $2,499 for M5 Max and $5,499 for M5 Ultra. The M5 Ultra can be configured with up to 512GB of memory and offers up to 1.2TB per second of memory bandwidth.

Why it matters

Software developers and AI hobbyists are the key audience. Many use multiple Mac minis or Studios chained over Thunderbolt 5 to run large language models locally, avoiding cloud token costs. The faster chips and higher memory bandwidth make those local AI setups more capable. Johny Srouji, Apple's hardware chief, describes the mini's role: "it's the little Mac that can do it all."