Apple Opens Pre-Orders for New Mac Mini with M6 and M5 Pro Chips
A Powerful Update to Apple’s Compact Desktop
Apple has opened pre-orders for the new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chips, giving buyers two performance levels while keeping the same compact 12.7-centimeter square desktop design. Orders started on August 25, 2026, across 30 countries and regions, with deliveries and in-store availability beginning September 22.
The M6 Mac mini starts at $899** in the US, while the more powerful M5 Pro version starts at **$1,699. Education pricing lowers those prices to $799** and **$1,599 respectively. The new Mac mini represents a significant performance leap, with Apple positioning it as the “leading desktop for always-on, deskside agentic computing”.
Mac Mini M6 vs M5 Pro: Specs Comparison
M6 Mac Mini: Performance and Features
The M6 chip is Apple’s first 2nm processor and the world’s first 2nm-process computer. It features a 12-core CPU — two more cores than the M4 and M5 — and Apple touts it as offering “the world’s fastest single-threaded performance”. The M6 is Apple’s first chip to use all three CPU core types: 2 super cores (prioritizing maximum single-threaded performance), 4 performance cores (optimized for multithreaded workloads), and 6 efficiency cores (handling lighter and background tasks).
Performance Highlights
| Metric | Improvement |
|---|---|
| CPU Performance | Up to 40% faster multithreaded performance than M4 |
| AI Performance | Up to 4× faster than M4 |
| Graphics Performance | Up to 2× faster than M4 |
| Storage Speed | Up to 2× faster |
Real-World Benchmarks
-
LLM prompt processing in LM Studio: up to 13.5× faster than Mac mini with M1, and up to 4.8× faster than M4
-
Spreadsheet calculations in Microsoft Excel: up to 2.3× faster than M1, and up to 1.5× faster than M4
-
Gaming performance with ray tracing in Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: up to 2× faster than Mac mini with M4
The M6 model starts with 16GB of unified memory (configurable up to 32GB) and offers memory bandwidth of 170GB/s — up from 120GB/s on the M4.
M5 Pro Mac Mini: Professional-Grade Power
The higher-specification Mac mini offers the M5 Pro chip, which first debuted in the MacBook Pro earlier this year. You can get up to an 18-core CPU paired with up to a 20-core GPU, featuring Neural Accelerators in every core, an enhanced shader core, and third-generation ray tracing. There are two M5 Pro configurations available: one with a 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU, and another with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU.
Performance Highlights
The Mac mini with M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, enabling users to run even larger local AI models, work with complex 3D scenes, edit ProRes RAW files, and load large custom datasets for research.
Connectivity and Ports
Both Mac mini models include significant connectivity upgrades:
Thunderbolt 5 Advantage
The M5 Pro model features Thunderbolt 5, which offers double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 (80 Gbps bi-directional vs. 40 Gbps) and can support up to 120 Gbps in boost mode. Thunderbolt 5 also allows users to cluster multiple Mac mini systems together to run large AI models entirely on device. In practice, Thunderbolt 5 external drives can achieve read speeds of around 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of 6,500 MB/s — roughly double what Thunderbolt 4 could offer.
How to Pre-Order the New Mac Mini
You can pre-order directly through Apple’s online store or the Apple Store app.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Open the Apple Store website or Apple Store app and select Mac.
-
Choose Mac mini and select either the M6 or M5 Pro configuration.
-
Choose your unified memory, SSD storage, and Ethernet configuration.
-
Add any accessories you need, including a display, keyboard, or mouse.
-
Select AppleCare+ if you want additional hardware and accidental-damage coverage.
-
Add the Mac mini to your bag, enter your delivery or pickup details, and complete payment.
-
Check the estimated delivery date before placing the order, since customized configurations can have different shipping times.
Trade-In and Discounts
Apple allows eligible customers to trade in an existing computer for credit toward the purchase. Students and educators should check Apple’s Education Store before ordering, as both Mac mini configurations receive a $100 education discount in the US.
Which Mac Mini Should You Choose?
The M6 Mac mini makes the most sense for general productivity, programming, photo editing, lighter video work, and local AI tasks, while its 32GB maximum memory should cover most mainstream workflows. The M5 Pro version is better suited to developers, video editors, 3D artists, and users running larger AI models because it supports up to 64GB of unified memory, provides much higher memory bandwidth, and includes Thunderbolt 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting price of the new Mac mini?
The M6 Mac mini starts at **$899** ($799 with education pricing). The M5 Pro version starts at **$1,699** ($1,599 with education pricing).
When will the new Mac mini be available?
Pre-orders opened on August 25, 2026, with deliveries and in-store availability beginning September 22, 2026.
What is the M6 chip?
The M6 is Apple’s first 2nm processor with a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. It offers up to 40% faster CPU performance, 4× faster AI performance, and 2× faster graphics compared to the M4.
What is the M5 Pro chip?
The M5 Pro features up to an 18-core CPU and up to a 20-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every core, enhanced shader core, and third-generation ray tracing.
How much memory can I configure?
-
M5 Pro Mac mini: Up to 64GB unified memory
What are the connectivity options?
Both models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet (10Gb optional), two front USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. M6 models have Thunderbolt 4 ports, while M5 Pro models have Thunderbolt 5.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s new Mac mini lineup represents a significant step forward, particularly for AI and professional workloads. The M6 model brings 2nm technology to Apple’s most affordable desktop, delivering massive gains in CPU, graphics, and AI performance. The M5 Pro model offers even more headroom for demanding professional workflows, with up to 64GB of unified memory and 307GB/s of memory bandwidth.
The price increases — the M6 model starts $100 higher than the M4 Mac mini — reflect the substantial performance improvements and the inclusion of 16GB of base memory. However, the education discount makes both configurations more accessible for students and educators.
The bottom line: Whether you’re a general user, a creative professional, or an AI developer, there’s a Mac mini configuration that fits your needs. Both models are available to pre-order now, with the first units arriving on September 22.
