Apple unveils new Mac mini, Mac studio with major chip upgrades

Apple has unveiled upgraded versions of its popular Mac mini and Mac Studio computers, injecting powerful new processors into the devices. The Mac mini, now launching at US$899, can be equipped with either the M6 chip or the more robust M5 Pro chip. Meanwhile, the Mac Studio starts at $2,499 with either the M5 Max chip or the cutting-edge M5 Ultra chip.

Preorders for both machines opened on August 25, with retail availability set for September 22. Both models will ship with the latest macOS 27 Golden Gate operating system update, which will roll out to other Mac users later this fall.

The M6 chip inside the Mac mini boasts a 12-core CPU for unparalleled single-threaded performance and a 12-core GPU that delivers quadruple AI performance speeds, according to Apple. Configurations for the M6 Mac mini range from 16GB to 32GB of memory, while the M5 Pro model scales up to 64GB. At the top end, the M5 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio enables up to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU, with a maximum of 512GB of unified memory, pushing the highest configuration price to a staggering US$18,299.

The new Mac mini retains the sleek and compact industrial design originally introduced alongside the M4 and M4 Pro models in 2024, now enhanced with even faster silicon and the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 wireless standards. Initially priced at US$599 in 2024, the Mac mini's starting price has been gradually raised in recent months due to a global memory chip shortage stemming from the AI boom.

Apple removed the original US$599 configuration in May, hiking the price to US$799 before the latest increase. Despite these adjustments, the Mac mini has remained in short supply, often out of stock at Apple's stores and authorized retailers for weeks or even months.

The Mac Studio, Apple's more powerful sibling, has also faced supply constraints. Demand for the new Mac mini and Mac Studio is expected to be significant, particularly as Apple prepares to change hands at the top with CEO Tim Cook stepping down in September to be succeeded by John Ternus. The company plans to introduce new products such as its first foldable smartphone and updated HomePod mini and smart home display devices, all aimed at showcasing the advancements in AI-enhanced Siri.