Mac
Mac mini (M6)
Apple's small desktop, updated in September 2026, from $899.
It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.
At a glance
Our take
Updated two months ago, and the Mac mini line usually goes nearly two years between updates. It's the cheapest way into a current-generation Mac if you already have a screen, keyboard and mouse.
Research-based: we haven't tested this model ourselves. It's built from Apple's specs, published tests and owner reports.
Pros & cons
What's good
- Cheapest current Mac at $899
- M6 chip, tiny and quiet
- Lots of ports, including front USB-C
What's not
- Bring your own screen, keyboard and mouse
- 256GB base storage
Anyone with a monitor who wants a fast, affordable Mac
You need a laptop
Prices
| Model (Apple, US) | Price |
|---|---|
| M6 | $899 |
| M5 Pro 15-core | $1,699 |
| M5 Pro 18-core | $1,899 |
Prices checked Nov 12, 2026. They can change at any time. How we get prices.
Ways to pay less
No cheaper options confirmed yet. We check prices regularly.
Key specs
How it compares
| This pageMac mini (M6) | MacBook Neo | MacBook Air (M5) | iMac (M6) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $899 | $699 | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| Verdict | Buy now | Okay to buy | Okay to buy | Buy now |
| Chip | M6 or M5 Pro | A18 Pro | M5 | M6 |
| Display | — | 13-inch Liquid Retina | 13.6- or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina | 24-inch 4.5K Retina |
| Battery | — | Up to 16 h video | Up to 18 h video | — |
| Memory | 16GB (M6) | 8GB | 16GB (up to 32GB) | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB (M6) | — | 512GB (up to 4TB) | 256GB |
More comparisons
What's next?
Nothing credible yet
We haven't seen a reliable report of a replacement in the next six months.
How we worked out "Buy now"
Latest news
Repair
Self Service Repair adds iPhone 18 Pro, M6 Mac mini and M5 Mac Studio parts
Apple's DIY repair store now sells genuine parts for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the M6/M5 Pro Mac mini and the M5 Max/M5 Ultra Mac Studio in the US, Canada and Europe. Easier official repairs can lower long-term ownership costs.
Products
Source: MacRumors
LaunchNew Mac mini and Mac Studio go on saleThe M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini (from $899) and the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio (from $2,499) became available about four weeks after their announcement. Both had faced shortages earlier in the year, so availability is good news for desktop buyers.Launch
New Mac mini and Mac Studio go on sale
The M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini (from $899) and the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio (from $2,499) became available about four weeks after their announcement. Both had faced shortages earlier in the year, so availability is good news for desktop buyers.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
LaunchApple introduces M6, its first 2nm chip, and quad-die M5 UltraApple says M6 offers up to 1.2x faster multithreaded performance than M5, while M5 Ultra links four dies for up to 36 CPU cores and 512GB of memory. These chips set the baseline for Macs launched through late 2026.Launch
Apple introduces M6, its first 2nm chip, and quad-die M5 Ultra
Apple says M6 offers up to 1.2x faster multithreaded performance than M5, while M5 Ultra links four dies for up to 36 CPU cores and 512GB of memory. These chips set the baseline for Macs launched through late 2026.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
LaunchNew Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro announced from $899The Mac mini moves to M6 at $899 or M5 Pro from $1,699. The entry price is higher than the old $599 base model, which Apple dropped in May.Launch
New Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro announced from $899
The Mac mini moves to M6 at $899 or M5 Pro from $1,699. The entry price is higher than the old $599 base model, which Apple dropped in May.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
Questions people ask
Should I buy the Mac mini (M6) now?
Buy now. It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.
How much does the Mac mini (M6) cost?
Apple sells it from $899 in the US (M6: $899, M5 Pro 15-core: $1,699, M5 Pro 18-core: $1,899).
When will the Mac mini (M6) be replaced?
We haven't seen a credible report of a replacement in the next six months.
Who is the Mac mini (M6) best for?
Anyone with a monitor who wants a fast, affordable Mac. Skip it if you need a laptop.
Sources
- Apple tech specs (checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Apple Newsroom announcement (checked Nov 12, 2026)
Page updated Nov 12, 2026 · Spotted an error? Tell us.