Apple Unveils New M6 and M5 Pro Mac Mini Models Alongside M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio
Apple has once again raised the bar for desktop computing by introducing the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models, in addition to the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio variants. These new machines boast significant upgrades in performance, connectivity, and pricing.
Price Increases
The Mac mini now starts at $899, which is $300 more than the original starting price of the M4 Mac mini when it was launched in October 2024. Meanwhile, Mac Studio pricing begins at $2,499, a $500 increase from the initial price of the M4 Max model released in March 2025.
Connectivity Enhancements
Apple has upgraded the new Macs with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, aligning them with the latest iPhone models in terms of connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 promises faster data speeds in the 6GHz band, reduced latency, and enhanced reliability through multi-band connectivity options.
Genlock Support
Both the Mac mini and Mac Studio now support genlock over USB-C, eliminating the need for a separate sync box. This feature is particularly useful for multi-camera shoots and virtual production, synchronizing the display and camera filming to prevent flickering and tearing. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro models also support genlock, allowing them to work seamlessly with the new Macs.
Ethernet Upgrades
The Mac mini now starts with 2.5Gb Ethernet, with an option to upgrade to 10Gb. In contrast, the Mac Studio starts with 10Gb Ethernet, consistent with previous models.
Enhanced Neural Engine
The M6 chip features an upgraded Neural Engine with two 16-core engines, doubling the peak compute power for faster AI workflows. This enhancement is a significant leap from previous iterations.
GPU Improvements
Equipped with a 12-core GPU, the M6 Mac mini offers Neural Accelerators in each core, leading to up to 4x faster AI performance and 2x faster graphics compared to the M4 Mac mini. Additionally, the Mac Studio’s M5 Ultra is the first Ultra chip with Neural Accelerators, boasting a peak AI compute performance that is 4.3 times that of the M3 Ultra.
SSD Speed and Pricing
The Mac Studio’s storage is now twice as fast, thanks to a new SSD architecture based on PCIe Gen 6. However, the pricing for SSD upgrades can be steep, with a 2TB SSD upgrade for the Mac mini costing $1,000, surpassing the base price of the machine itself.
Thunderbolt Specifications
While the M6 Mac mini retains Thunderbolt 4, the M5 Pro model introduces Thunderbolt 5, offering improved data transfer capabilities.
Current Max Pricing and RAM Options
For those seeking top-tier configurations, an M5 Pro Mac mini with an 18-core CPU, 64GB RAM, an 8TB SSD, and 10GbE is priced at $6,799. The M5 Ultra Mac Studio, featuring a 36-core CPU, 256GB RAM, and 16TB SSD, costs $18,299. The M5 Ultra Mac Studio will support up to 512GB RAM, with the option arriving in late October.
Announcement Timing
This marks the first time since August 2020 that Apple has announced new Macs in August, coinciding with the launch of the 27-inch iMac. The new machines are set to launch with macOS Golden Gate, expected to release the week of September 14.
The new Mac Studio and Mac mini models are available for pre-order today and will be released on September 22.
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