Apple announced a new generation of Mac mini powered by its M6 and M5 Pro chips, alongside an updated Mac Studio featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
The new systems bring faster processors, upgraded connectivity, larger memory configurations, and a stronger emphasis on running artificial intelligence workloads locally.
Apple also introduced the M6 and M5 Ultra as the latest additions to its Apple silicon lineup. M6 is Apple’s first chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, while M5 Ultra is designed for more demanding professional and AI workloads.
M6 Targets AI and Everyday Performance
The M6 Mac mini features 16GB of unified memory up to 32GB, and a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators integrated into each GPU core. Apple says the system delivers up to four times faster AI performance, twice the graphics performance, and 40% faster CPU performance compared with the previous M4 model.
Apple is positioning those upgrades for more than conventional desktop tasks, with users being able to run local AI models, automate tasks with AI agents, edit media, and handle other machine-learning workloads directly on the Mac.
M5 Pro Steps Up for Professional Workloads
For users who need more processing power, the M5 Pro configuration offers up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. It supports as much as 64GB of unified memory with 307GB/s of memory bandwidth.
The higher-end model is aimed at workloads such as software development, 3D rendering, video production, scientific computing, and larger local AI models.
Connectivity also differs between the two versions. The M6 model includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M5 Pro model upgrades those connections to Thunderbolt 5. Both include HDMI, Ethernet, two front-facing USB-C ports, and a headphone jack.
Both models also include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with 10Gb Ethernet available as an option.
Mac Studio Gets M5 Max and M5 Ultra
Apple is also updating the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
The M5 Max model includes an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, with support for as much as 128GB of unified memory and 614GB/s of memory bandwidth.
The M5 Ultra model moves up to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU, while supporting as much as 512GB of unified memory and 1.2TB/s of memory bandwidth.
Apple is targeting those configurations at workloads such as large AI models, 3D rendering, software development, scientific computing, and professional video production.
The new Mac Studio also gains faster storage, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. Apple says multiple Mac Studio systems can also be connected together for larger distributed AI workloads.
The new Mac mini and Mac Studio will run macOS 27 with Apple’s next generation of Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI. Apple says the updated Siri will be able to use personal context from information such as messages, emails, and photos, interact with content displayed on screen, and perform actions across supported apps.
Pricing and Availability
The Mac mini with M6 starts at $899 in the U.S., while the Mac mini with M5 Pro starts at $1,699.
Mac Studio with M5 Max starts at $2,499, while the M5 Ultra configuration starts at $5,499.
Pre-orders opened August 25, with the new systems scheduled to begin reaching customers and stores on September 22.
With this generation, Apple is positioning both the Mac mini and Mac Studio as increasingly capable systems for running demanding AI workloads locally, while continuing to scale performance from compact desktop machines to higher-end professional systems.
Leave a Reply