Apple unveiled new versions of its next-generation ultra-compact computer Mac mini and its pro-grade Mac Studio, both optimized to maximize artificial intelligence (AI) agent performance. It also introduced the next-generation system-on-a-chip made with a 2-nanometer process, the M6, and its top-tier M5 Ultra chip.
On the 25th (local time), Apple said it would reveal an upgraded Mac mini—an on-device AI machine that has drawn attention since early this year for running agents—and begin taking preorders. This is a new product debuting about two years after the previous model with an M4 chip was released in Oct. 2024.
The new Mac mini, which keeps its ultra-compact 5-inch-by-5-inch (about 12.7-centimeter) design, comes in two versions: one with the M6 and another with the M5 Pro. The company said AI performance on both models is more than four times higher than on the previous M4 and M4 Pro models.
Given that the previous Mac mini also faced shortages early this year due to strong AI capabilities, the new Mac mini is expected to enable robust operation of open-source AI models. A new Mac Studio, a pro high-performance desktop, also arrived after about a year and six months.
Apple said the new Mac Studio, built on the M5 Max and Ultra chips, can run top-tier AI models in a desktop environment. In particular, consolidating four of these units boosts AI inference performance to three times that of a single system, allowing it to function much like an AI server.
However, as the new models arrive amid a spike in memory prices, the Mac mini is more expensive than its predecessor. The base M6-equipped Mac mini (256GB) is priced at $899 (149만9000 won in Korea), which is $100 higher than not only the earlier $599 price at the start of this year but also the increased $799 price in June.
The base Mac Studio remains at $2,499 (429만 won in Korea), the same as the previous model. Barring some high-end configurations, these products will be available in stores starting on the 22nd of next month.