Apple's M6 Mac Mini arrives with faster AI and graphics, priced from $899
Apple introduced a new Mac Mini powered by its M6 processor, with a base model offering 256GB storage, 16GB RAM, and an $899 price tag. The company claims AI performance is four times better than the M4 model, with doubled storage and graphics speeds. Pre-orders open now, with shipments starting September 22 alongside macOS 27 and Siri AI.
The M6 chip marks a notable generational leap, moving from a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration to 12 cores in each category. Apple is positioning the machine as a local AI workhorse, a segment where Mac Minis have already gained traction among enthusiasts running tools like OpenClaw and Hermes, with resale prices spiking on eBay earlier this year due to demand.
The lineup also includes an M5 Pro variant starting at $1,699, offering 512GB storage and 24GB RAM, with optional upgrades to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. Both models feature Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a 2.5GB Ethernet port, expandable to 10GB. Apple also refreshed its Mac Studio line with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, priced from $2,499 and $5,499 respectively.
This release could further entrench the Mac Mini as a go-to device for developers and hobbyists running local AI models, potentially shifting more consumer AI workloads away from cloud services. The $899 starting price, while higher than the previous $599 base model, may still appeal to professionals seeking affordable on-device compute. Broader adoption of local AI agents could raise questions about data privacy and device longevity, though the performance gains may also encourage more users to upgrade sooner than they otherwise would.