Apple has expanded its desktop Mac lineup with a new Mac mini M6 powered by the M6 and M5 Pro chips and an updated Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra. Announced on August 25, 2026, the new desktops are designed around faster on-device AI, improved graphics performance and demanding professional workloads.
The updated lineup is now available in India, with the Mac mini starting at ₹99,900 and the Mac Studio starting at ₹2,79,900. Apple began delivering the new machines on September 22, 2026.
New Mac mini Gets M6 and M5 Pro
The new Mac mini is available with two Apple silicon options: the M6 and M5 Pro.
The M6 version features a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU and Dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the new M6 Mac mini can deliver up to 4x faster AI performance, 2x faster graphics and storage, and 40% faster CPU performance compared with the previous-generation M4 Mac mini in Apple’s specified tests.
The base M6 configuration comes with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. Buyers can configure it with up to 32GB of memory and up to 2TB of storage.
For more demanding work, the Mac mini is also available with the M5 Pro. The M5 Pro version can be configured with up to an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64GB of unified memory and 8TB of SSD storage.
Mac mini Focuses on AI and Everyday Performance
Apple is positioning the M6 Mac mini for a broad range of users, including students, developers, creative professionals and small businesses.
The new chip includes Neural Accelerators in every GPU core, alongside the Neural Engine. Apple says this allows the compact desktop to handle on-device AI workloads more effectively while also improving graphics and everyday responsiveness.
The Mac mini’s small footprint remains one of its defining characteristics. The current model measures just 12.7cm wide and deep and 5cm tall, with the M6 version weighing around 0.67kg.
Mac Studio Gets M5 Max and M5 Ultra
At the top of Apple’s desktop range sits the updated Mac Studio, now available with the M5 Max or the new M5 Ultra.
The M5 Max configuration features an 18-core CPU, up to 40-core GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory. The M5 Ultra takes the hardware considerably further, with up to a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU and 512GB of unified memory.
Apple says Mac Studio can deliver up to 4.3x faster AI performance, 1.8x faster graphics and 1.3x faster CPU performance compared with previous-generation configurations in its specified workloads.
The huge memory ceiling is particularly relevant to AI developers and professionals working with large datasets or local AI models. Apple says the M5 Ultra configuration can run enormous language models entirely on the device.
M5 Ultra Uses Apple’s Quad-Die Architecture
The M5 Ultra is not simply a higher-clocked version of the M5 Max.
Apple describes it as its first quad-die architecture, using its UltraFusion technology to combine four dies into one system-on-chip design. This allows the chip to scale to 80 GPU cores, 512GB of unified memory and 1.2TB/s of memory bandwidth.
That hardware is aimed at workloads such as AI development, 3D production, video editing, scientific computing and other professional applications where large amounts of memory and graphics performance are important.
Connectivity Gets a Major Upgrade
Apple has upgraded connectivity across the new desktop lineup.
Both the Mac mini and Mac Studio support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The Mac mini also includes 2.5Gb Ethernet, with an option to configure the machine with 10Gb Ethernet.
The M6 Mac mini uses Thunderbolt 4, while the M5 Pro version adds Thunderbolt 5. The newer standard can provide significantly higher bandwidth for supported external storage, displays and expansion hardware.
Mac Studio also includes Thunderbolt 5, making it better suited to demanding professional workflows involving high-speed storage, displays and expansion systems.
Mac mini and Mac Studio Support Multiple Displays
Apple has also designed both desktops to work with multiple high-resolution external displays.
The M6 Mac mini can support up to three external displays under supported configurations. The M5 Pro version offers broader display support, including configurations involving multiple high-resolution screens through Thunderbolt and HDMI.
For Mac Studio, the higher performance of the M5 Max and M5 Ultra makes the machine better suited to multi-display professional setups. The exact number and resolution combination depends on the chip and connection configuration.
macOS 27 and Apple Intelligence
Both desktop families run Apple’s latest desktop software and are designed around its newer AI capabilities.
Apple highlights macOS 27 and Apple Intelligence, including new features such as Siri AI. The combination of Apple silicon’s Neural Engines and Neural Accelerators with local software processing is a central part of the new Macs’ AI strategy.
This is especially relevant for users who want to run AI-assisted workflows locally instead of relying entirely on cloud-based processing.
Apple Mac mini and Mac Studio Prices in India
Apple’s official India pricing is:
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Mac mini with M6 | ₹99,900 |
| Mac mini with M5 Pro | ₹2,09,900 |
| Mac Studio with M5 Max | ₹2,79,900 |
| Mac Studio with M5 Ultra | ₹6,29,900 |
Apple lists lower education pricing for eligible buyers, starting at ₹88,900 for the M6 Mac mini and ₹1,97,900 for the M5 Pro version. Mac Studio starts at ₹2,56,900 with M5 Max and ₹5,84,900 with M5 Ultra for education.
Mac mini vs Mac Studio: Who Are They For?
The two desktops target very different workloads.
The Mac mini is intended as Apple’s compact desktop for everyday productivity, development, creative work and smaller professional setups. The M6 version provides a relatively accessible entry point into Apple’s latest desktop silicon.
The Mac Studio is designed for users who need substantially more computing power. Its M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations target professional video production, 3D work, AI research, data science, software development and other demanding workloads.
The difference is therefore not simply size. Mac Studio provides much greater memory capacity, graphics performance and expansion potential.
Apple Mac mini and Mac Studio: Final Takeaway
Apple’s latest desktop lineup puts on-device AI and scalable performance at the center of its strategy. The M6 Mac mini brings a significant performance increase to Apple’s compact desktop, while the M5 Pro option provides a larger performance ceiling for demanding users.
The Mac Studio moves further into professional territory with M5 Max and M5 Ultra, including up to 512GB of unified memory and an 80-core GPU configuration.
With the new Macs now available in India, the biggest distinction is clear: Mac mini is Apple’s compact desktop platform for a broad range of users, while Mac Studio is built for much heavier professional and AI workloads.
FAQ
- What is the Mac mini M6 price in India?
The Mac mini with M6 starts at ₹99,900 in India. - What chips are available in the new Mac mini?
Apple offers the Mac mini with M6 or M5 Pro chips. - What is the Mac Studio price in India?
Mac Studio starts at ₹2,79,900 with M5 Max and ₹6,29,900 with M5 Ultra. - How much memory can the M5 Ultra Mac Studio support?
The M5 Ultra Mac Studio can be configured with up to 512GB of unified memory. - Do the new Mac mini and Mac Studio support Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. Both support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
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Source
Apple India — Mac mini : https://www.apple.com/in/mac-mini/
