Apple has refreshed its desktop Mac lineup with new M-series processors for 2026. The updated Mac mini and Mac Studio now offer Apple’s latest chips, bringing major gains in CPU, GPU, and AI performance.
Mac Mini
The new Mac mini now comes with Apple’s latest-generation M6 chip. Built on a 2nm process, the M6 features a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core NPU. Apple says the new CPU delivers the world’s fastest single-core performance. Meanwhile, the GPU is up to 2x faster for graphics and 4x faster for AI workloads than the M4.
The new NPU also delivers 2x greater performance than its predecessor. The M6 Mac mini starts with 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage. Users can configure the M6 model with up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage. Apple also offers the Mac mini with an M5 Pro chip for users who need more performance.
The M5 Pro version features a 15-core CPU and 12-core GPU, along with a single 16-core NPU. It starts with 24GB of memory and can be configured with up to 64GB. Storage starts at 512GB and can be upgraded to 8TB. Both Mac mini models also gain Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and upgraded 2.5Gb Ethernet.
Apple offers a 10Gb Ethernet option for users who need faster wired networking. The new Mac mini starts at $899 with the M6 and $1699 with the M5 Pro.
Mac Studio
Apple has also updated the Mac Studio with the M5 Max and a new flagship M5 Ultra chip. The M5 Max first appeared in the MacBook Pro and keeps the same core configurations. The standard M5 Max features an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU. Users can also choose an 18-core CPU with a 40-core GPU through the configuration options.
Memory starts at 32GB for the M5 Max. The 32-core GPU model supports up to 64GB, while the 40-core GPU version supports up to 128GB. Storage starts at 512GB and can be upgraded to 8TB. The Mac Studio also includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and six Thunderbolt 5 ports.
The bigger upgrade is Apple’s new M5 Ultra, which sits at the top of the company’s desktop processor lineup. It combines two dual M5 Ultra dies into a four-die design. Apple connects the dies using its UltraFusion interconnect, which provides 4.4TB/s of bandwidth. The base M5 Ultra configuration includes a 30-core CPU and 64-core GPU.
A higher-end version offers a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU. Memory starts at 96GB and reaches 512GB with the 80-core GPU configuration. Storage starts at 1TB and can be configured up to 16TB. The M5 Max Mac Studio starts at $2499, while the M5 Ultra model starts at $5499.
For buyers who want to push the Mac Studio to its current limits, the maximum configuration costs $18,299. That price is based on the current 256GB memory limit. Apple plans to offer the 512GB memory option in late October. That means the fully configured Mac Studio could become even more expensive once the option arrives.
Overall, the new Mac mini brings Apple’s latest desktop chips to a smaller and more affordable machine. The Mac Studio, meanwhile, targets users who need far more processing and graphics power.
