New Mac Mini and Mac Studio With More Powerful Chips

Apple Launches New Mac Mini and Mac Studio With More Powerful Chips

Apple has just announced updated versions of its highly in-demand Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop computers, equipping them with major processor upgrades.

The Mac mini, which now starts at $899, will feature Apple’s new M6 chip or an M5 Pro, while the Studio will be available with the M5 Max for $2,499 or the new M5 Ultra for $5,499. Both computers will hit stores on September 22, according to the company on Tuesday. However, interested buyers can pre-order them right now on the Cupertino giant’s website.

The new M6 chip includes a 12-core CPU that delivers what Apple describes as “the world’s fastest single-thread performance” and a 12-core GPU that provides four times faster AI performance, according to the company. The Mac mini includes 16 gigabytes of memory and can be configured with up to 32 gigabytes.

The new M6 chip includes a 12-core CPU that delivers what Apple describes as “the world’s fastest single-thread performance” and a 12-core GPU that provides four times faster AI performance.

As before, the Mac Studio offers far more configuration options for professionals, featuring up to a 36-core CPU and an 80-core GPU on the M5 Ultra model, along with a maximum of 512 gigabytes of unified memory. The Studio’s wireless connectivity was also updated with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, technologies that were not present in the previous model.

The latest Mac mini retains the same surprisingly compact industrial design that debuted with the M4 and M4 Pro models in 2024. At that time, the computer, which cost $599, received widespread praise for performance that far exceeded similarly priced PCs.

However, in recent months, the Mac has been hit hard by an industry-wide memory chip shortage triggered by the artificial intelligence boom. In May, Apple eliminated the original $599 base configuration, effectively raising the entry price to $799 before this latest increase.

Apple eliminated the original $599 base configuration, effectively raising the entry price to $799 before this latest increase.

Even after those adjustments, the Mac mini has remained sold out at Apple and most authorized resellers, often for weeks or even months. The Mac Studio, positioned as the mini’s larger and more powerful sibling, has also suffered from stock shortages.

Pent-up demand for Apple’s desktop computers virtually guarantees that the company will receive a flood of orders for the new Mac mini and Mac Studio.

Apple’s announcement comes just days ahead of a leadership transition. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who has compared the memory shortage to a “once-in-a-100-years flood,” will hand the reins over to his successor, John Ternus, at the beginning of September.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who has compared the memory shortage to a “once-in-a-100-years flood,” will hand the reins over to his successor, John Ternus, at the beginning of September.

Apple Prepares Its Big September Premiere Featuring a Potential Foldable iPhone

Meanwhile, it is also worth noting that Apple will host its flagship product event on September 9 from Apple Park in Cupertino. The presentation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time under the tagline “Awe and Glow.”

Expectations are highest for Apple’s potential first foldable iPhone, a device that would mark the company’s entry into a segment where Samsung maintains a prominent position. Foldable phones also compete at the most expensive end of the market: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts near $2,000.

Updates to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models are also expected, alongside new Apple Watches. Reports suggest that the standard iPhone 18 could be left out of this event and arrive at a later date.

Expectations are highest for Apple’s potential first foldable iPhone, a device that would mark the company’s entry into a segment where Samsung maintains a prominent position.

Apple is additionally preparing Siri AI, an evolution of its assistant powered by language models designed to enable deeper interaction with apps like Messaging and Calendar. Artificial intelligence will be particularly relevant following criticism that Apple is moving slower than some competitors in this space.

The event will also carry significant corporate weight. It will mark the first major presentation with John Ternus as CEO after succeeding Tim Cook on September 1. Cook will transition into the role of Executive Chairman.

Bank of America believes Ternus’s hardware engineering background could help solidify Apple’s position in AI-driven devices.

The strategy is crucial because the iPhone accounts for roughly half of Apple’s revenue. A foldable would allow the company to capture high-spending consumers, though rising memory costs are also driving expectations of higher prices for the next generation.

Links

• Apple introduces new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra — the ultimate desktop for on‑device AI and the most extreme pro workflows – Apple Newsroom
• Apple’s new Mac mini, featuring M6 and M5 Pro, delivers a massive leap in AI performance, supercharging the leading desktop for always-on agentic computing – Apple Newsroom
• Sell pre-owned Apple Mac computer online – iGotOffer
• Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.

Apple’s M6 Chip is HERE! New Mac Mini & Mac Studio Announced [Video]

Video uploaded by MacRumors on August 25, 2026.