Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026)

Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026)

Apple's smallest desktop moves to the M6 with Wi-Fi 7, but memory and storage are fixed at purchase and upgrades cost dearly.

  • Apple M6 (12-core CPU: 2 super, 4 performance, 6 efficiency cores)
  • 16 GB
  • 256 GB
  • 2.5 GbE

PCPR score

6.7

Fair

Best price we’ve seen

$899Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

R1

The short version

The 2026 Mac mini keeps the familiar 5-by-5-inch silver box but moves to Apple's M6 chip, with an M5 Pro option, adding Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet. Tom's Hardware measured strong CPU and SSD gains over the M4 model, but it and Engadget fault the higher entry price and expensive memory and storage upgrades. Memory and storage are fixed at purchase with no internal upgrades afterward. The power supply is built in, so there is no external brick.

Pros

  • Base M6 delivers strong single-core speed and multi-core results close to the previous M4 Pro in Tom's Hardware testing
  • Internal 155 W power supply, with only a power cord in the box
  • Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with 10Gb Ethernet available at purchase
  • Three rear Thunderbolt ports, HDMI and two front 10Gb/s USB-C ports in a 5-by-5-inch body
  • Supports up to three external displays

Cons

  • Memory and storage are fixed at purchase, with no internal upgrades afterward according to Tom's Hardware
  • Higher entry price than past generations, and Engadget and Tom's Hardware both criticize costly memory and storage options
  • No USB-A ports, so older peripherals need adapters or a hub
  • Power button remains on the underside of the case

Best for

  • Compact macOS desktop for home or office
  • Always-on local AI or creative work on a small Mac

SYS1

Configurations

ConfigurationProcessorGraphicsMemoryStoragePrice
M6 · 16GB · 256GBApple M6 (12-core CPU)Apple M6 12-core GPU16 GB256 GB$899
M6 · 16GB · 512GBApple M6 (12-core CPU)Apple M6 12-core GPU16 GB512 GB$1,099
M6 · 24GB · 512GBApple M6 (12-core CPU)Apple M6 12-core GPU24 GB512 GB$1,299
M5 Pro · 24GB · 512GBApple M5 Pro (15-core CPU: 5 super, 10 performance cores)Apple M5 Pro 16-core GPU24 GB512 GB$1,699

J5

What you can upgrade later

Memory

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t publish its slot layout. Check before buying more memory.

Browse memory

Storage

Unconfirmed

Free storage slots aren’t published for this model.

Browse storage

Graphics card

Unconfirmed

Maximum card length isn’t published.

Browse graphics card

Processor

Unconfirmed

A drop-in upgrade depends on the socket and the maker’s BIOS. Check the board before buying a CPU.

Browse processor

Power supply

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t say whether the PSU is standard.

Browse power supply

Motherboard

Unconfirmed

The maker doesn’t say whether the board is standard.

Browse motherboard

J3

Full specifications

Core

Processor
Apple M6 (12-core CPU: 2 super, 4 performance, 6 efficiency cores)
Graphics
Apple M6 12-core GPU

Memory

Memory
16 GB
Memory type
Unified memory
Max memory
32 GB
Storage
256 GB

Fit

Memory upgradable
No

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Ethernet
2.5 GbE

Ports & I/O

USB4 ports
3
HDMI outputs
1
DisplayPort outputs
0
Max displays
3

Physical

Weight
0.67 kg

Software

Operating system
macOS

Compatibility notes

  • M6 models have three Thunderbolt 4 ports; M5 Pro models have three Thunderbolt 5 ports
  • No USB-A ports; USB-A devices need an adapter or hub
  • Memory and SSD are chosen at purchase; Tom's Hardware reports no internal upgrades
  • Body measures 5.0 x 5.0 x 2.0 inches with an internal 155 W power supply; only a power cord is in the box

P1

Where to buy

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.

AV1

Video reviews

Positive · Comparison

Cheapest M6 Mac Mini vs $1800 "budget" PC build for video editing... is this even fair?

Machines & More

Compares the base 16GB M6 Mac mini with a small-form-factor PC using a discrete RTX 5060 Ti for DaVinci Resolve editing and shares tips for working within 16GB.

Overview · Benchmarks

Mac mini M6性能测试:核心更多了,性能强多少?

极客湾Geekerwan

Chinese-language benchmark video comparing the M6 Mac mini with M4 and M5 chips, focusing on the new three-cluster CPU design and larger GPU and NPU.

Positive · Benchmarks

The New M6 Mac Mini Is Actually a Gaming PC!

ETA PRIME

ETA Prime tests the base 16GB and 256GB M6 Mac mini in native Mac games and Windows titles running through GameHub, benchmarking its CPU and GPU for gaming.

Mixed · Unboxing

M6 Mac Mini Unboxing and Review! Get the 1TB. 256 is pointless…

Tech Dad

Tech Dad unboxes and reviews the M6 Mac mini and argues buyers should choose more storage than the base 256GB.

AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Tom's Hardware

    Mixed

    Found clear CPU and SSD gains over the M4 model and liked the tiny footprint, but said the sharply higher price and even costlier memory and storage options undercut its value.

  • Tom's Guide

    Positive

    Gave the M6 model an Editor's Choice badge, saying the faster chip and graphics make everyday and creative work feel quicker, while the design is unchanged and Touch ID is still missing.

  • Engadget · Devindra Hardawar

    Mixed

    Scored it highly for the powerful chip and compact build, but argued the much higher starting price and expensive memory upgrades make the M5 Pro model or a tighter spec worth weighing.

    8.7/10 · Review

    Read the source

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

Can I upgrade the RAM or SSD in the M6 Mac mini later?

No. Tom's Hardware notes there are no internal upgrades once you buy it, so choose memory and storage at checkout. Apple offers 16GB to 32GB of unified memory on the M6 and up to 64GB on the M5 Pro.

Does the Mac mini need an external power adapter?

No. Apple lists only the Mac mini and a 1.8-meter power cord in the box, and the power supply is internal with a 155 W maximum continuous rating.

How many external displays does the M6 Mac mini support?

Up to three over Thunderbolt and HDMI, according to Apple's specifications. The M6 can run two displays at up to 6K 60Hz plus a third at 5K 60Hz or 4K 60Hz, and the M5 Pro also supports three.

Does the Mac mini have USB-A ports?

No. It has two USB-C ports on the front at up to 10Gb/s and three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI and Ethernet on the back, so USB-A devices need an adapter or hub.

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