Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026) Review
The 2026 Apple Mac mini M6 puts a 12-core M6 chip with a dual Neural Engine in the same 5-inch enclosure as the M4 model, from $899. Ships September 22, 2026.
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Pros
- + Same 5 by 5 inch enclosure as the 2024 model, so existing stands and mounts fit
- + M6 chip with dual Neural Engine and 170GB/s memory bandwidth, aimed at local AI work
- + Two front USB-C ports plus three rear Thunderbolt ports, HDMI 2.1, and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- + Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread built in
- + M5 Pro option adds Thunderbolt 5 and up to 64GB of memory
Cons
- - $300 more than the 2024 M4 launched at, for the same 16GB and 256GB base
- - Base M6 stays on Thunderbolt 4; Thunderbolt 5 is M5 Pro only
- - 256GB base drive is soldered and fills quickly
- - Not yet shipped; all performance figures are Apple's claims
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Build and Design
The Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026) was announced on August 25, 2026, with pre-orders open and shipping on September 22. It uses the same 5 by 5 by 2 inch silver aluminum enclosure as the 2024 M4 model, at 1.5 pounds for the M6 and 1.6 pounds for the M5 Pro. Stands and mounts built for the 2024 mini should fit.
The port layout is unchanged. Two USB-C ports at 10Gb/s sit on the front. The rear carries three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, a 3.5mm jack, and the power inlet. On the M6 those Thunderbolt ports are Thunderbolt 4 at 40Gb/s; on the M5 Pro they are Thunderbolt 5 at 120Gb/s. Wireless is Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
Apple has not said the power button moved; with the same enclosure, expect it on the underside.
Performance and Daily Use
Every figure here is Apple’s claim. The machine has not shipped and we have not tested it.
The M6 has a 12-core CPU, a 12-core GPU, and a dual Neural Engine made of two 16-core engines, with 170GB/s of memory bandwidth. Apple says it is up to 40% faster on CPU, up to 2x on graphics, up to 4x on AI workloads, and up to 2x on storage speed compared with M5. The M5 Pro has a 15-core CPU and a 16-core GPU.
Configurations: $899 for 16GB and 256GB, $1,099 for 16GB and 512GB, $1,299 for 24GB and 512GB, and $1,699 for the M5 Pro with 24GB and 512GB. The M6 configures up to 32GB and 2TB; the M5 Pro up to 64GB and 8TB. Display support is up to three monitors, with 6K at 60Hz supported.
The drive is soldered, and 256GB fills fast. Either pay for 512GB or add an external SSD or a stand with an NVMe slot.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone building a desktop Mac around a good monitor who runs local AI models, edits video or photos, or wants a machine that stays current for years. The dual Neural Engine and memory bandwidth are aimed at on-device AI, and the 24GB and 32GB tiers give that work room. Our Mac mini desk setup guide covers what to pair with it.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who needs a desktop for browsing, office work, and coding at the lowest price. The 2024 Mac mini M4 is being discounted as the M6 arrives, has the same enclosure and Thunderbolt 4 ports, and handles that work without strain. See our M6 vs M4 comparison.
Anyone who needs Thunderbolt 5 on the base chip. It is M5 Pro only. And anyone who needs more than 64GB of memory or a Max-class GPU should look at the Mac Studio, which starts at $2,499 and ships the same day.
Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026)
Around $899 · 4.7/5 rating
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