Apple has lifted the veil on the next generation of Mac mini, a device that continues to represent a benchmark for those seeking power in a compact form factor. The main novelty concerns the chips: the Mac mini can now be configured with the brand-new M6 processor or the M5 Pro, which was already introduced in previous months. This choice expands options for users, allowing them to balance performance and budget according to their needs.
The M6 chip doubles cores and introduces dual Neural Engine
The beating heart of the new Mac mini is the M6, a chip that marks a significant step forward compared to the previous generation. The CPU goes from 10 to 12 cores, while the GPU goes from 10 to 12 cores. But the real innovation is Apple's first dual Neural Engine, with two 16-core neural engines each, replacing the single engine found in previous chips. This architecture greatly improves performance in AI-related workloads, making the Mac mini an attractive choice for developers and creatives working with ML models and AI applications.
Sponsored Protocol
Up to 40% faster performance and doubled storage speeds
According to data released by Apple, the Mac mini with the M6 chip offers CPU performance improvements of up to 40% compared to the previous M4 model. AI tasks benefit from up to 4x better performance, while graphics and storage speeds double. These numbers were calculated comparing the new model with a reference configuration that included the 10-core M4 chip, 32GB of unified memory, and 2TB of storage. The result is a device that promises to handle complex workloads effortlessly, from 8K video editing to neural network simulation.
Sponsored Protocol
Pricing and availability in the US and worldwide
The new Mac mini is available for pre-order starting today, with deliveries and in-store availability beginning Tuesday, September 22. In the United States, the base model with the M6 chip starts at $899, while the M5 Pro version has a starting price of $1,699. Prices in Europe are generally aligned, though they may vary slightly due to taxes and local commercial policies. US customers can pre-order now on Apple's official website, choosing from various memory and storage configurations.
The Mac mini thus confirms itself as one of the most versatile options in Apple's lineup, suitable for those seeking a powerful desktop computer for professional work, as well as for those wanting a hub for their digital home. With the arrival of new chips, the device becomes even more appealing for those working with artificial intelligence, a rapidly expanding field that requires increasingly performant hardware. For those considering a purchase, it is interesting to note how the Mac mini manages to offer performance comparable to much more expensive workstations, but in a form factor that takes up very little desk space. If you are thinking of upgrading your setup, it is also worth considering alternatives like high-speed RAM, but for a complete computer, the Mac mini is hard to beat.
Sponsored Protocol
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/25/apple-announces-2026-mac-mini
