Mac mini · Apple Silicon · 2026
Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro)
The little cube leapfrogs a generation: the base model debuts the all-new M6 with 12 CPU cores, two “super cores” and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, while the step-up model takes the M5 Pro. Apple claims up to 4× faster AI performance over the M4 mini.
First Mac powered by the M6 chip, debuting Apple’s first dual 16-core Neural Engine.
Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro): key facts
When was the Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) released?
The Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) arrived on September 22, 2026.
How much did the Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) cost?
The Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) launched at $899 in 2026, about $908 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple M6 / M5 Pro at 4.60 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, External display display.
Why does the Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) matter?
First Mac powered by the M6 chip, debuting Apple’s first dual 16-core Neural Engine.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple M6 / M5 Pro · 4.60 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 12 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB (up to 64 GB) |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Display | External display |
| GPU | 12-core (M6) or up to 20-core (M5 Pro) Apple GPU |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4/5, 2× front USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet |
| Weight | 0.67 kg |
| Dimensions | 12.7×12.7×5 cm |
| Operating system | macOS |
| Released | September 22, 2026 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $899 |
How the Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 1.0× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 4.60 GHz, the clock is roughly 0.7× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 65,500 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $899 in 2026, about $908 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple Mac mini technical specifications, Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker.
Did you know?
Announced on August 25, 2026 alongside the M5 Mac Studio, it made the humble mini the first Mac of the M6 era.
Open the Mac mini (M6 / M5 Pro) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-28