Mac mini M6/M5 Pro: Everything we know so far

Macworld

Apple is expected to launch an M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini, but ongoing supply shortages and high AI-driven demand have an effect of the release date.

The next Mac mini is expected to focus heavily on AI and graphics performance, with improved chips, faster SSDs and higher baseline storage, while keeping the compact 5-by-5-inch design introduced in 2024.

Prices may increase compared to the current generation after Apple discontinued the $599 base model, potentially meaning the next Mac mini will start at $699–$799 depending on storage and configuration.

The Mac mini remains one of Apple’s most compelling Macs, combining strong performance, a compact design, and an attractive starting price. Following its major redesign in late 2024, the desktop became smaller, faster, and more versatile than ever, featuring a dramatically reduced 5-by-5-inch footprint alongside Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips.

If you’re considering buying a Mac mini, you may be wondering whether a new model is on the horizon, what upgrades a refresh could bring, and whether Apple will maintain its appealing entry-level pricing. While the M5 chip debuted in October 2025 and the M5 Pro arrived in the MacBook Pro lineup in March 2026, the Mac mini has yet to receive an update based on Apple’s latest silicon.

Some observers hoped Apple would introduce an updated Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro chips at WWDC on June 8, but the event came and went without an announcement. That outcome wasn’t particularly surprising. Reports have pointed to ongoing supply-chain challenges, including component shortages and fluctuating availability of existing models, which may be contributing to delays in Apple’s refresh plans.

Below, we break down everything we expect from the 2026 Mac mini, including potential performance improvements, new configuration options, pricing expectations, and other key changes.

New 2026 Mac mini release date: Will Apple update the Mac mini soon?

Memory chip shortage affecting the update…