Apple set to launch new Mac mini within days, ahead of iPhone event

Apple unveiled new Mac Mini and Mac Studio models featuring enhanced AI capabilities on Tuesday. The company introduced its latest processors, the M6 and M5 Ultra, which power the upcoming Mac mini and Mac Studio, respectively. According to Apple, the new Mac mini will be equipped with the M6 and M5 Pro chips, promising a significant performance and AI processing boost.

The M6 chip marks a historic milestone for Apple as the first processor developed using 2-nanometer technology. This architecture, featuring a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and a dual-neural engine with 16 cores, enables the Mac mini with M6 to deliver up to four times faster AI performance compared to the previous generation powered by the M4 chip.

In contrast, the M5 Ultra, designed for professionals, boasts the most powerful processor ever created by Apple. It equips the Mac Studio with 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. According to Apple, this advanced processor allows users to run large language models (LLMs) of AI directly on the device, privately and without relying on cloud services.

Software-wise, the new systems will run on the upcoming macOS 27 Golden Gate operating system, which includes Apple Intelligence and Siri AI platform updates. Both computers can be pre-ordered starting today and will be available in U.S. physical stores beginning September 22. The Mac mini with M6 will be priced at $899, while the Mac Studio starts at $2,499. Apple also revealed that the 512GB unified memory option for the Mac Studio will become available at the end of October.

More announcements from Apple are expected during their upcoming September event, where they are likely to unveil the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, and possibly the first foldable iPhone in the company's history. This event will be led by John Ternus, who assumes his role as the financial empire consolidated by Tim Cook at Apple on September 1st.