Apple has unveiled a new Mac mini featuring its latest M6 chip, promising significantly faster CPU, graphics and AI performance.
There’s also a more powerful M5 Pro version aimed at creative professionals, developers and those running demanding local AI models.
Both models are available to pre-order now and will begin shipping on September 22, 2026.
What’s New in the M6 Mac Mini?
The M6 is Apple’s first chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. It has a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, two more CPU and GPU cores than the M4.
According to Apple, the M6 Mac mini delivers up to:
- 40% faster CPU performance than the M4 model
- Twice the graphics performance
- Twice the SSD performance
- Four times faster AI processing
Apple also claims that ray-traced gaming performance in Cyberpunk 2077 is up to twice as fast as on the M4 Mac mini.
The entry-level model still comes with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, with memory configurable up to 32GB and storage up to 2TB.
M5 Pro Mac Mini for More Demanding Work
Confusingly, the higher-end Mac mini uses an M5 Pro rather than an M6 Pro chip.
The standard M5 Pro configuration has a 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the top configuration increases this to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU.
It can also be configured with up to 64GB of unified memory and an 8TB SSD, making it better suited to professional video editing, 3D rendering, software development and running larger AI models locally.
Faster Connectivity but the Same Compact Design
Apple has retained the tiny 5 × 5-inch design introduced with the M4 Mac mini.
However, connectivity has been improved with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet now included as standard. A faster 10Gb Ethernet connection remains available as an optional upgrade.
The M6 model has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M5 Pro version has three faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. Both also include HDMI, two front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
Up to three external displays are supported, although the maximum resolutions and refresh rates depend on which chip you choose.
The Mac Mini Is No Longer So Cheap
The biggest drawback is the price.
The M6 Mac mini starts at $899/£899, compared with $599/£599 for the outgoing M4 version—a substantial 50% increase despite the base model retaining a 256GB SSD.
The M5 Pro Mac mini starts at $1,699/£1,699, up from $1,399/£1,399 for the M4 Pro model.
The M6 is clearly a major performance upgrade, particularly for local AI, gaming and graphics-heavy work. However, M4 Mac mini owners will have little reason to upgrade unless they specifically need the additional performance.
For most home and office users, any remaining discounted M4 models may now represent considerably better value.
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