The new desktops are now available through Apple Store locations, the Apple Store online, and the Apple Store app, with the latest models powered by the new M6, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra chips.
Mac mini Gets a Major Performance Boost
The new Mac mini continues to focus on delivering powerful performance in a compact desktop design.
The M6-powered Mac mini features a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every core, and a new dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the M6 model delivers up to 4x faster AI performance, 2x faster graphics and storage performance, and 40 percent faster CPU performance compared with the previous generation.
The Mac mini starts with 16GB of unified memory and can be configured with up to 32GB. Memory bandwidth has also increased to as much as 170GB/s.
For professionals and users working on demanding projects, the Mac mini with M5 Pro offers up to an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, and up to 64GB of unified memory with 307GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Both models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and upgraded 2.5Gb Ethernet, with a 10Gb Ethernet option available.
This makes the new Mac mini suitable for everything from everyday productivity and software development to music production, AI workflows, content creation, and other demanding tasks.
Mac Studio Targets Professional Workloads
For professionals who need significantly more computing power, Apple has introduced the new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
The M5 Max version features an 18-core CPU, up to a 40-core GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory. It is designed for demanding workloads such as 3D rendering, motion graphics, software development, photography, video production, and AI applications.
The M5 Ultra takes things even further, offering up to a 36-core CPU, an 80-core GPU, and up to 512GB of unified memory.
With up to 1.2TB/s of memory bandwidth, Apple says the M5 Ultra Mac Studio can handle extremely demanding workloads, including real-time processing of uncompressed 8K video, complex visual effects, and large AI models running entirely on the device.
Built for On-Device AI
AI is a major focus of Apple's latest desktop lineup.
The new Mac mini and Mac Studio feature Neural Accelerators integrated into their GPUs, along with advanced CPUs and Neural Engines designed to accelerate AI workloads.
Combined with macOS 27 and Apple Intelligence, the new Macs can handle more AI processing directly on the device.
Apple's latest software introduces features including Siri AI, Visual Intelligence, improved Spotlight integration, and systemwide writing tools.
Safari also gains new AI-powered features that can automatically organize tabs into topics, monitor websites for changes such as product restocks and price drops, and create custom extensions based on user descriptions.
Thunderbolt 5 and Multi-Mac Studio Performance
Mac Studio is also designed for users who need extensive connectivity and expansion capabilities.
Both M5 Max and M5 Ultra models include Thunderbolt 5, supporting transfer speeds of up to 120Gb/s.
Professionals can connect high-speed external storage, PCIe expansion systems, and other advanced peripherals.
Apple also supports clustering multiple Mac Studio systems using Thunderbolt 5 with Remote Direct Memory Access. For distributed AI inference, Apple says a cluster can deliver up to 3x the performance of a single system.
Mac Studio can also support up to eight displays, giving professional users an expansive workspace for complex workflows.
macOS 27 Brings More Intelligence to Mac
The new Mac desktops ship with macOS 27, also known as Golden Gate.
The operating system introduces a number of improvements across the Mac experience, including Siri AI, Visual Intelligence, enhanced Spotlight functionality, improved Safari features, and additional Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Users can ask Siri about content displayed on their screen, use writing tools across apps, and create automations in Shortcuts using natural-language descriptions.
Apple has also introduced additional customization options for Liquid Glass, allowing users to adjust its appearance between a more transparent and a more tinted look.
Pricing and Availability
The new Mac mini and Mac Studio became available on September 22, 2026.
Mac mini
- Mac mini with M6: starting at $899
- Mac mini with M6 education pricing: starting at $799
- Mac mini with M5 Pro: starting at $1,699
- Mac mini with M5 Pro education pricing: starting at $1,599
Mac Studio
- Mac Studio with M5 Max: starting at $2,499
- Mac Studio with M5 Max education pricing: starting at $2,299
- Mac Studio with M5 Ultra: starting at $5,499
- Mac Studio with M5 Ultra education pricing: starting at $5,099
The Mac Studio configuration with 512GB of unified memory is expected to arrive in late October.
Which Mac Is Right for You?
The new Mac mini remains the more accessible option for users who want a compact but powerful desktop. It is particularly well suited to students, developers, small businesses, creative professionals, and everyday users who already have a monitor and peripherals.
The Mac Studio is aimed at professionals who regularly work with demanding applications, including high-resolution video production, 3D graphics, software development, AI research, and other compute-intensive workloads.
With the introduction of M6, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra, Apple is expanding its desktop lineup across a much wider range of performance requirements.
For businesses and professionals considering a new desktop workstation, the latest Mac mini and Mac Studio offer a significant combination of performance, compact design, connectivity, and on-device AI capabilities.
Need help choosing the right computer for your business or professional workflow? Max-Tech I.T Solutions can help you assess your requirements and choose the right technology for your needs.
