Apple Launches New Mac Mini and Mac Studio With Advanced M6 and M5 Chips

Apple has introduced upgraded Mac mini and Mac Studio desktops featuring its latest 2nm M6, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra processors.

Apple has introduced new Mac mini and Mac Studio models, featuring major performance upgrades. The Mac mini debuts Apple's first 2nm M6 chip, while the Mac Studio now offers M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors. These updates focus on improved AI capabilities, faster connectivity, and enhanced storage options.

Key Highlights

• Apple introduces Mac mini with 2nm M6 chip and Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
• Mac mini M6 starts at Rs 99,900 in India and $899 in the United States.
• Mac Studio M5 Ultra offers up to 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 512GB unified memory.

Pricing and Availability

In India, the Mac mini with the M6 chip starts at Rs 99,900. The Mac mini with M5 Pro begins at Rs 2,09,900. The Mac Studio starts at Rs 2,79,900 for the M5 Max version and Rs 6,29,900 for the M5 Ultra. Education pricing is available at Rs 88,990, Rs 1,97,900, Rs 2,56,900, and Rs 5,84,900, respectively. Pre-orders for all four models are open through Apple's online store and Store app. The devices will be available in Apple Store outlets and authorised retailers from September 22. In the United States, the new Mac mini starts at $899, and the Mac Studio begins at $2,499.

Mac Mini: First 2nm M6 Chip

The new Mac mini features the M6 chip, Apple's first Mac processor built on a 2nm process. The M6 chip includes a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. It is equipped with two 16-core Neural Engines to boost AI-related tasks. Apple states that the M6 Mac mini delivers up to twice the graphics performance and four times the AI performance compared to the previous M4 model.

The base Mac mini configuration includes 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage. Buyers can upgrade to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage. For users needing more power, the Mac mini with M5 Pro offers a 15-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. This version starts with 24GB memory and 512GB storage, with options up to 64GB RAM and 8TB storage.

Connectivity improvements include support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The Mac mini now starts with 2.5Gb Ethernet, an upgrade from the previous 1Gb Ethernet. A 10Gb Ethernet option is also available for higher wired speeds.

Mac Studio: M5 Max and M5 Ultra Chips

The Mac Studio targets professional users with demanding workloads. It comes with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options. The M5 Max version supports up to a 40-core GPU, 128GB unified memory, and 8TB storage. The M5 Ultra combines two M5 Max dies using Apple's UltraFusion technology. The top configuration offers a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and up to 512GB unified memory, with storage options up to 16TB.

Apple has upgraded the Mac Studio's SSD architecture to PCIe Gen 6, which doubles storage speeds. Both Mac Studio models support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Genlock support over USB-C is now available on both Macs, aiding professional video production by synchronising cameras and displays.

Apple confirmed that a 512GB memory configuration for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio will be available in October.