Apple today introduced the next-generation Mac mini, which retains the familiar ultra-compact design but comes with significantly upgraded performance. The new model is available with the all-new M6 processor or the more powerful M5 Pro, aimed at both everyday users and professional creators and developers.
The M6 features a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, two more than the previous base model. According to Apple, the new Mac mini offers up to 40 percent faster CPU performance, up to twice as fast graphics, and up to four times better performance on AI tasks compared to the Mac mini with M4.
A major addition is the Neural Accelerators on each GPU core, as well as the new dual 16-core Neural Engine. These upgrades enable faster execution of local AI models, image and video processing, and more demanding content creation applications without relying on the cloud.
The base Mac mini with M6 starts with 16GB of integrated memory, which can be configured up to 32GB. The memory bandwidth reaches 170GB/s, while the SSD storage is up to twice as fast as the previous generation.
For even more demanding tasks, Apple offers the Mac mini with M5 Pro. The top configuration includes up to 18 CPU cores, up to 20 GPU cores, up to 64GB of integrated memory and 307GB/s of bandwidth. This version is designed for video editing, 3D graphics, game development, scientific simulations and large local AI models.
In terms of connectivity, all new models support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and feature 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with the option to upgrade to 10Gb. On the front there are two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, while on the back we find HDMI, Ethernet and three Thunderbolt ports.
The M6 version uses Thunderbolt 4, while the Mac mini with M5 Pro is equipped with Thunderbolt 5. The latest technology allows multiple Mac minis to be connected in a cluster to run particularly large AI models. Genlock is also supported for the first time over USB-C, for precise synchronization of displays and professional cameras.
The exterior design remains unchanged. The new Mac mini remains silver and retains the ultra-small 5-by-5-inch body. It is also made from 50 percent recycled materials, with a chassis made from 100 percent recycled aluminum.
Pre-orders opened today, while the new Mac mini is scheduled for release on September 22. In the US, the base version with M6, 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD starts at $899, while the model with M5 Pro starts at $1,699. In European markets, prices are expected to start at €1,069 for the M6 and €2,019 for the M5 Pro.
With the new generation, Apple is positioning the Mac mini not just as a small and powerful desktop computer, but also as a system that can continuously run advanced AI applications locally. The increased entry price and just 256GB of storage in the base version are the main points of concern, but the upgrade in performance and connectivity is substantial.
