The Mac mini underwent a serious growth spurt in reverse in 2024, shrinking into a wonderfully compact 5 × 5-inch aluminum box. Two years later, Apple has wisely left the tiny body alone and concentrated on making its insides considerably less mini.
Interestingly, the new Mac mini skipped the standard M5 chip entirely. The new entry-level model jumps straight from M4 to the newly announced M6 chip, while the pricier version moves from M4 Pro to the new M5 Pro. Yes, the two models are now technically from different chip generations. Try not to think too hard about the family tree. It’s complicated.
The M6 model packs a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, Dual 16-core Neural Engine, 16 GB of standard unified memory, and up to 170 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Apple claims up to four times faster AI performance, twice the graphics performance, and 40 percent faster CPU performance than the M4 Mac mini.
For heavier lifting, the M5 Pro configuration offers up to an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64 GB of unified memory, and 307 GB/s of memory bandwidth. That should be plenty for video rendering, 3D work, scientific simulations, and convincing yourself that your desk qualifies as a professional studio.
Connectivity has improved across both models with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with 10Gb Ethernet optional. The familiar front USB-C ports and headphone jack remain, while the rear serves up three Thunderbolt 4 ports on the M6 model or three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the M5 Pro, plus HDMI and Ethernet.
The new Mac mini comes with macOS 27 Golden Gate and starts at US$899 with M6 or US$1,699 with M5 Pro. That is US$300 more than both equivalent 2024 starting prices, so while the enclosure remains mini, the bill does not maintain the same shrinkage.
Preorders are open now, with availability beginning September 22, 2026.
Images: Apple.
