Apple has officially launched its refreshed Mac mini desktop alongside an updated Mac Studio lineup. Engineered to meet surging consumer and developer demand for running local AI agents and large language models (LLMs) on-device, the new desktop jumps straight to Apple’s first-ever 2nm M6 chip and pro-tier M5 Pro processors. The launch marks one of the final consumer hardware introductions from the revolutionary CEO Tim Cook, ahead of Apple's leadership transition on September 1. The updated machine brings enhanced ray-tracing graphics, high-speed unified memory, and expanded rear connectivity to Apple's smallest desktop chassis.
The new Mac mini is here. Small in size. Big on performance. From everyday productivity to all things AI, it can help you do it all.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook)[pic.twitter.com/GopxcHM5od][August 25, 2026] New Apple Mac Mini UAE pricing and availability
Before we jump straight to what’s new, first let's take a look at what the updated pricing looks like. The new M6 Mac mini starts from AED 3799 for the 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and can go up to 64GB of RAM and an 8TB SSD with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port and M5 Pro SoC, which is priced at a whopping AED 29,349. The pre-bookings have already started,d and deliveries will start from September 22 in the UAE.
Key upgrades: M6 & M5 Pro silicon with Neural Acceleration
The entry-level Mac mini features Apple's brand-new M6 processor, built on an advanced 2nm node. It incorporates a 12-core CPU, a 12-core GPU, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine designed specifically to accelerate local AI models, delivering up to four times faster neural processing speeds and double the graphics throughput compared to earlier generations.
For the first time in the Mac mini family, dedicated Neural Accelerators are embedded directly into the GPU pipeline to assist on-device inference. For creative and enterprise professionals, the higher-end configuration is powered by the M5 Pro chip. Apple unveils the brand new M6 Mac mini
— Noah Cat (@Cartidise)
Powered by M6, Apple’s first 2nm chip
New 12-core CPU complex (2 more cores than M5): 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores
New 12-core GPU (2 more cores than M5), with a Neural Accelerator in each core
Nearly 30%…[pic.twitter.com/n0Q1FZeCEs][August 25, 2026] Offering up to an 18-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, the M5 Pro variant scales up memory configurations to a massive 64GB of high-bandwidth unified RAM. The Pro model also features high-speed Thunderbolt 5 ports capable of delivering data transfer rates up to 120Gb/s and driving multiple 6K and 8K external displays.
New Apple Mac mini: Complete spec sheet
Processor Options: Apple M6 (12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, Dual 16-core Neural Engine) or Apple M5 Pro (Up to 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU)
- AI Architecture: GPU-embedded Neural Accelerators + Dual 16-core NPU
- Unified Memory: 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB (M6); 24GB, 48GB, or 64GB (M5 Pro)
- Storage Configurations: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB (M6); 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB (M5 Pro)
- Front Ports: 2× USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s), 3.5mm high-impedance audio jack
- Rear Ports (M6): 3× Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports, 1× HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet (configurable to 10Gb)
- Rear Ports (M5 Pro): 3× Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120Gb/s), 1× HDMI port (up to 8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 240Hz), Gigabit/10Gb Ethernet
- Chassis Dimensions & Weight: 5.0 × 5.0 × 2.0 inches (12.7 × 12.7 × 5.0 cm); 0.67 kg (M6) / 0.73 kg (M5 Pro)
- Wireless Standards: Wi-Fi 6E/7 and Bluetooth 5.3/5.4
The new Mac mini represents Apple's smartest strategic leap in desktop computing. By aggressively baking GPU Neural Accelerators and 2.5Gb networking into a compact-sized aluminum enclosure, Apple isn't just selling a budget Mac; it has engineered the definitive localized open-weight AI workstation for developers. For anyone looking to run private LLMs or intensive video workflows without financing a high-end server rack, the M5 Pro configuration is an unbeatable powerhouse.
(Feature image credits to Apple.) Read More: Say goodbye to doomscrolling and Stories? Some of Meta’s biggest features are on trial.