Apple has launched new Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop computers powered by its next-generation M6 and M5 Ultra processors without holding a formal launch event.
The release represents the first desktop hardware update from Apple since 2024 and marks the final product rollout under chief executive officer Tim Cook, according to tech news website Gizmodo.
The updated Mac mini retains its compact design while increasing its baseline specifications. Apple has set the base configuration memory at 16 gigabytes alongside a 256-gigabyte solid-state drive. The entry price for the base model has risen to $900, which is $100 more than the previous version.
The central upgrade is the new M6 processor, which is Apple's first chip manufactured using an advanced two-nanometer process. The processor architecture includes two super cores, four performance cores, and six energy-efficient cores. The company emphasized both raw speed and improved energy efficiency compared to the previous three-nanometer generation.
M6 Processor Performance and M5 Pro Option
According to Apple, multi-threaded performance on the M6 chip is approximately 1.2 times faster than the M5. Graphics performance shows even larger gains, with a 12-core graphics processing unit featuring dedicated neural accelerators in every core to deliver double the graphics speed of the M4-powered Mac mini.
Apple is also offering a Mac mini configuration powered by the M5 Pro chip, which features an 18-core graphics processor built for intensive graphics and artificial intelligence tasks. Both Mac mini models come equipped with Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking, Bluetooth 6 support, and 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The new desktop models are available for pre-order on the official Apple website, with official retail sales beginning on September 22. The base Mac mini with the M6 chip, 16 gigabytes of memory, and 256 gigabytes of storage starts at $900, while the M5 Pro version with 24 gigabytes of memory and 512 gigabytes of storage starts at $1,700.
Mac Studio Workstations and M5 Ultra Architecture
Alongside the compact desktops, Apple officially announced its M6 and M5 Ultra processors, as well as updated Mac Studio workstations based on the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The M5 Ultra has become the most powerful chipset in company history, featuring 80 graphics cores, 36 central processing cores, and up to 512 gigabytes of unified memory in its maximum configuration.
Apple claims the M5 Ultra provides a 40 percent boost in graphics power compared to the M3 Ultra chip, along with up to 4.5 times faster computational speeds in artificial intelligence workloads. Prices for the Mac Studio with the M5 Max chip start at $2,500, while the M5 Ultra model costs $5,500.
Leadership Transition at Apple
The product announcement comes shortly before Tim Cook steps down as head of Apple on September 1 after more than 15 years leading the Cupertino-based company, with John Ternus set to succeed him. Ternus previously served as vice president of hardware engineering. Commenting on future company products, Ternus stated that Apple was prepared to change the world again.
Apple is scheduled to hold its next product presentation on September 9 to unveil new iPhone models. Reports suggest Apple will deviate from its usual release pattern by delaying the base iPhone 18 model until spring 2027, while launching iPhone 18 Pro models alongside its first foldable smartphone, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.
