Apple M6 chip and M5 Ultra bring local AI power to Mac Mini, Mac Studio at $899
68 Sources
[1]
With new Mac Studio and Mac mini, Apple leans hard into local AI inference
The Mac mini and Mac Studio occupy two distinct points in Apple's lineup of desktops, but lately, they've had something in common: They're popular for local AI inference and software development thanks to the advantages of their unified memory architecture and the fast CPUs and GPUs on their
[2]
Apple debuts its 'most powerful chip ever' in M5 Ultra and M6
Apple announced two new processors on Tuesday, which power its new Mac Mini and Mac Studio models: the M5 Ultra and M6 chips. The M5 Ultra, which Apple deems its "most powerful chip ever," fuses two dual-die M5 Max chips to form Apple's first quad-die chip, designed to manage hefty AI workloads.
[3]
Apple Refreshes the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, Both With New AI-Ready Chips
Apple's Mac Mini and Mac Studio have been tough to buy for months, but updated versions have arrived. Both include new chips optimized for AI, with the M6 Mac Mini getting a $200 price bump. Apple has announced fresh versions of the Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktop computers, alongside some new
[4]
Apple's latest Mac Mini runs on a new M6 chip, and starts at $899
Apple on Tuesday unveiled a new Mac Mini that runs on the latest iteration of its "M" processors, the M6. The base model of this device comes with 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and costs $899. It's available for pre-order now, but the device will ship only after September 22, the company
[5]
Apple's M5 Ultra is its most powerful chip ever - with 4x faster AI performance than M3 Ultra
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways * Apple announced its new Mac Mini and Mac Studio with the M6, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra chips. * The M5 Ultra is its most powerful chip ever. * Prices have also gone up, with the Mac Mini M6 starting at $899. Apple
[6]
Apple launches new Mac Studios with its 'most powerful chip ever' -- the M5 Ultra
Apple is announcing new models of the Mac Studio, now using the existing M5 Max and a new M5 Ultra. This reunification under one chip generation comes over a year after Apple awkwardly split the Studio between M4 Max and M3 Ultra offerings. (The older sounding M3 Ultra was actually the more
[7]
Mac mini 2024 vs. Mac mini 2026: Apple's Littlest PC Muscles Up for AI. Should You Upgrade?
To help you figure it out, I've drawn on my decade-plus of experience testing and editing desktop reviews (including plenty of Macs) to explain the main factors to consider if you're looking to upgrade your 2024 Mac mini to the latest version, or if you're considering buying an aftermarket, older
[8]
Apple defies memory shortage with new Mac minis
Apple on Tuesday heralded the imminent refresh of its headless Mac kit with new versions of the Mac Studio and the Mac mini that you can pre-order now for shipping on September 22, 2026. The diminutive desktops promise a high level of local AI performance with memory prices to match. "[T]he new
[9]
Apple's new M6 chip gets more cores and more AI compute
Apple has announced a new M6 chip for Macs, along with an M5 Ultra that it says is its "most powerful chip ever," designed for tasks like 3D rendering and running frontier AI models. The M6 is Apple's first 2nm chip, which Apple says will bring improvements in performance and power efficiency, and
[10]
Apple M5 Ultra and M6 Silicon Explained: 2nm Tech, Quad-Die Chips Promise Macs Massive AI Muscle
Apple's latest M6 and M5 Ultra chips, teased Tuesday ahead of their September launch, are a generational leap forward for Apple silicon. Debuting in the updated Mac mini and Mac Studio desktops, this latest wave of silicon is a big departure from previous chip launches: It's a structural shift in
[11]
Apple refreshes Mac mini and Mac Studio with new M6 and M5 Ultra chips - Engadget
They're faster but much more expensive than previous generations. Apple hasn't forgotten about the Mac mini, after all. The company's popular diminutive desktop is getting refreshed today with a brand new M6 chip, while the Mac Studio is getting bumped up to the M5 Max and new M5 Ultra chips.
[12]
Apple announces new Mac Mini and Mac Studio models with AI upgrades
* Apple on Tuesday announced new Mac Mini and Mac Studio models with updated chips and other improvements for artificial intelligence applications. * The announcement shows how desktop computers have become strategically important for Apple as a foothold in the AI development world and as a
[13]
Apple built its new M6 and M5 Ultra desktops for the people daisy-chaining Macs to run AI
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. The big picture: Apple announced two new chips and two refreshed desktops today. The M6 is Apple's first 2nm chip. The M5 Ultra is its first quad-die design and the most powerful silicon the company
[14]
Apple unveils M6 and M5 Ultra chips with a big jump in AI performance
M6 is Apple's first 2nm chip and M5 Ultra its first quad-die design, built to run models with hundreds of billions of parameters without data leaving the desk Apple has introduced the M6 in a new Mac mini and the M5 Ultra in a new Mac Studio, its first 2nm chip and its first quad-die M-series
[15]
Apple Built the New Mac Mini For All the People Who Made the Last One Sell Out
Apple's undeniably cute Mac minis became so popular for on-device AI, we lost any hope of getting one for a low price with base specs. Now, the company is back with a tiny desktop that's built explicitly for the people who made the last version so hard to come by. Apple's new $900 Mac mini (which
[16]
These are the new most powerful mini PCs for local AI
The Mac mini and Mac Studio both have such strong reputations as local AI computers that they faced months-long shortages, but both mini PCs just received fresh upgrades -- and price hikes. Apple has introduced a new Mac mini as its first computer with an M6 chip, and a Mac Studio with an equally
[17]
Apple's M5 Ultra with an 80-core GPU will power through your AI models and 8K video - Engadget
With the launch of the latest Mac mini and Mac Studio computers, Apple introduced some brand new chips with cutting-edge technology. The M6 is the company's first processor built on a 2-nanometer process, while the the M5 Ultra is debuting a new "quad-die" configuration that marries four M5
[18]
Refreshed Mac Studio Comes With New M5 Chips, Possible $18,299 Price Tag
As part of today's Mac refresh, Apple is updating its higher-end Mac Studio with new M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors. It promises a "monumental leap in AI performance," but buyers should brace for sky-high pricing. The company is marketing the new Mac Studio for power users as well as AI developers
[19]
Apple's new Mac minis are primed for local AI. I specced one for $2,899
Now hip to the Mac mini's local LLM prowess, Apple is back with new and souped-up Mac minis that swap out the older M4 and M4 Pro chips with mightier M6 and M5 Pro chips (confusingly, the M5 Pro processors are the more powerful ones) offering more CPU and GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth (up to
[20]
Apple announces new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chips
Apple today announced the first Mac mini update in nearly two years. The new Mac mini keeps the same compact design, but delivers a major performance boost with the new M6 and M5 Pro configurations. The new Mac mini lineup is available to pre-order today. Head below for all the details. M6 Mac
[21]
M5 vs. M6 Chip Buyer's Guide: How Much Better Really Is M6?
Apple yesterday announced the M6, its first chip built using a 2nm process and the first Apple silicon design to use three different CPU core types, but how does it compare to the M5? Compared to the M5 chip that Apple launched in October 2025, the M6 delivers: * Up to 1.2x faster multithreaded
[22]
Apple just announced the new Mac Studio with M5 Ultra -- and it will be a local AI powerhouse
Apple just announced a new Mac Studio built around the M5 Max and an all-new M5 Ultra. It's still the same compact desktop that sits on your desk, but this time it focuses on local AI performance and the heaviest pro workloads. The company is claiming up to 4.3x faster AI performance, up to 1.8x
[23]
Apple announces the M5 Ultra Mac Studio with up to 512GB of RAM
The new Mac Studio is visually identical to the previous model but has major upgrades inside. Instead of the M4 Max and M3 Ultra options, you can now buy a Mac Studio with an M5 Max or M5 Ultra processor, with up to a whopping 512GB of RAM. Here are the specs Apple is offering for the two
[24]
The OpenClaw Effect? Apple Reportedly Rolling Out Surprise New Mac Mini Line, Possibly Days From Now
Want a Mac Mini to power the AI agents that do your work for you, but you haven't seen a new one in months? Apple may soon have you covered once again. Back in February, when everyone with chronic AI brain was in a frenzy over token-guzzling agentic AI systems like OpenClaw, Mac Minis vanished
[25]
Mac Studio preorder: Mac Studio with M5 Max and Mac Studio with M5 Ultra arrive on Sept. 22.
It's a big day for the Apple world. We have new a new M6 Mac mini and M5 Ultra Mac Studio. This should come as great news to those of us who've designed our ideal desktop station. Faster and smarter chips are always warmly welcomed, and Apple delivered. The new M5 Mac Studio includes two
[26]
Apple's new Mac mini looks the same, but the M6 inside brings a major performance boost
* Apple introduces the M6 chip, and it lands first in the new Mac mini * It's a bit more expensive than its predecessor, but offers improved performance, with a focus on AI tasks * It can also be configured with the M5 Pro, while the latest Mac Studio gets the M5 Max or new M5 Ultra Apple
[27]
Apple Announces Its Most Powerful Mac Mini Yet
Apple has announced a new generation of its popular Mac mini series that comes with the brand new M6 chip as well as the M5 Pro chip. The previous generation of the tiny desktop computer -- that requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse -- had become scarce due to high demand. Apple today
[28]
AppleInsider.com
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy. The M5 Ultra Mac Studio arrives four years after the first, equipped with the M1 Ultra. Here's how the latest top-spec model has moved on from the original big-hitter. The new Mac Studio appeared with a new M5 Ultra
[29]
Apple launches M6 Mac Mini and updated Mac Studio with AI upgrades
Apple $AAPL announced on Tuesday a new Mac Mini featuring its first M6-generation chip, alongside an updated Mac Studio, with both lines carrying upgrades aimed at AI workloads including local model inference and agentic computing. Apple's updated Mac Mini is available with your choice of the M6
[30]
Apple unveils new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra
Alongside the new Mac mini, Apple today has announced its next-generation Mac Studio. The new Mac Studio lineup is powered by the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips and supports up to 512GB of unified memory. The new Mac Studio models are available to pre-order today. M5 Max Mac Studio First, Apple has
[31]
Apple Updates Mac mini With M6, M5 Pro Processors and a Price Hike
Ahead of its annual fall event, Apple has refreshed the Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro processors. With the upgrade, Apple retains the size of the M4 Mac mini but packs a new M6 processor to deliver four times better AI performance, two times faster storage and graphics, and 40% better CPU
[32]
Apple Debuts M5 Ultra as Most Powerful Chip Ever
Apple today announced the M5 Ultra, which the company says is its most powerful chip ever. The M5 Ultra is built by connecting two dual-die M5 Max chips using Apple's next-generation UltraFusion technology, which is the first time Apple has used a quad-die architecture in an M-series chip.
[33]
Apple is turbocharging the Mac mini with its new M6 chip -- but the model with an M5 Pro is actually faster
Apple just announced a new Mac mini that's available with either the all-new M6 chip or the more powerful M5 Pro chip. You're still getting what looks to be one of best mini PCs and the most affordable Apple desktop, but with this new generation of Mac mini, overall speed and the ability to run AI
[34]
Apple Just Made Its First Product Announcements of the Season
In addition, Magic Keyboards now have a upgraded design to bring them in line with the company's latest MacBooks. Anyone who follows Apple news knows the company has some big announcements on the horizon. While we don't know the exact date yet, Apple typically hosts a big fall keynote in September
[35]
How to preorder Apple's new M6 and M5 Pro Mac minis
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. So the rumors are definitely true: there's new Mac minis on the market. They're wildly powerful, with M6 and M5 Pro chips on
[36]
Apple's New Mac Studio Supports Up to 512GB of Unified Memory
Apple has unveiled the M5 Ultra chip and the first Mac to feature it: the upgraded, super-powerful Mac Studio. With the death of the Mac Pro earlier this year, the Mac Studio is now Apple's sole professional-grade desktop computer, and the updated Mac Studio aims to live up to that billing with
[37]
Apple refreshes Mac mini, Mac Studio lineups with new chips
Apple Inc. today debuted four custom processors that will power a new generation of Macs. The company is bringing to market a new Mac mini miniature desktop and Mac Studio workstation that are both available in two editions. Each edition features a different processor. All the chips include a
[38]
Apple reportedly set to unveil new Mac mini soon
'Customers increasingly...[use] Mac mini as a powerful platform for agentic AI', Tim Cook said in July. Apple is set to unveil a new Mac mini desktop computer after nearly two years, Bloomberg's chief correspondent for Apple Mark Gurman reported earlier today (25 August). The new device can be
[39]
Apple M6 2nm Processor Debuts With 12-Core CPU, 12-Core GPU and Dual Neural Engines
Apple has introduced the M6, its first processor manufactured using a 2nm-class process. The chip debuts inside the refreshed Mac mini and combines a 12-core CPU with a 12-core integrated GPU. Apple also lists dual 16-core Neural Engines, expanding dedicated acceleration for machine-learning
[40]
Apple launches next-gen Apple Silicon chips: M6 and M5 Ultra
Apple has unveiled two new Apple Silicon chips today. The M6 chip debuts in a new Mac mini model and marks Apple's first 2nm processor. The M5 Ultra launches in a refreshed Mac Studio and is Apple's most powerful chip ever. Apple's new M6 chip The M6 is Apple's first 2-nanometer chip, which the
[41]
Apple launches $5,499 Mac Studio with M5 Ultra
Apple has launched the M5 Ultra chip for the latest Mac Studio, with the new system starting at $5,499 for a 96GB configuration, up from $3,999 for the base M3 Ultra model at launch. The M5 Ultra succeeds the M3 Ultra as Apple's top Mac chip and uses a new quad-die design that combines two
[42]
Apple introduces new M6 and M5 Ultra chips, refreshes the Mac Mini and Mac Studio
Apple has refreshed two of its desktop Macs with new silicon, introducing the M6 chip in the Mac mini and the M5 Ultra in the Mac Studio. Both machines are up for pre-order now; shipping starts September 22. The Mac mini's base model moves to M6, Apple's first chip built on a 2nm process. It has a
[43]
Apple Reveals M6 as First-Ever 2nm Chip
Apple today announced the M6 chip, its first built using a 2-nanometer process and featuring a Dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the 2nm process packs greater transistor density into a smaller die, contributing to the chip's overall gains in performance and power efficiency. The M6 chip
[44]
Apple announces new M6 Mac mini and M5 Ultra Mac Studio
Well, that was fast. A day after rumors broke that Apple was preparing new Mac devices for release, the company announced it's refreshing its desktop computer lineup. Today, the company surprise-announced a new Mac mini with the new M6 chip and a Mac Studio with the new M5 Ultra chip, its most
[45]
Apple Unveils M6, its First 2-Nanometer Chip, and the Extremely Powerful M5 Ultra
Apple just surprisingly unveiled the brand-new M6 and M5 Ultra chips. They are debuting in new, more powerful Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop machines. "Today, we're debuting the next giant leap in performance and AI compute for Apple silicon with the incredibly advanced M6 and the most powerful
[46]
Apple Just Revealed the New Mac Mini Series -- Here's What's New This Time Around
It's no secret that the Mac Mini has been one of Apple's more popular products thanks to a combination of affordability and performance, and it looks like the company wants to recapture this momentum with the arrival of the 2026 Mac Mini, which now comes with two different processor setups. More
[47]
Apple Unveils the M6 Processor as Its First 2nm Chip, Alongside M5 Ultra
* Apple's M6 chip features a dual 16-core neural engine * Apple's M5 Ultra chip uses the UltraFusion technology * Apple's M5 Ultra chip features an enhanced Media Engine Apple launched two new Mac devices, namely Mac Studio (2026) and Mac Mini (2026), on Tuesday. The Cupertino-based tech giant
[48]
Mac mini M6 launched today, here's what makes it Apple's biggest upgrade yet
Apple has unveiled the latest Mac mini equipped with powerful M6 and M5 Pro chips. These advancements bring notable boosts in performance, catering to both everyday users and professionals. With the M6 chip's rapid AI processing and enhanced graphics performance, plus the M5 Pro's ability to handle
[49]
Apple Unleashes M6 Mac mini: Huge AI Leap in a Tiny Desktop, but Is It Still a Bargain?
Apple has introduced its latest Mac lineup, headlined by the M6 Mac Mini, alongside the M5 Pro Mac Mini, M5 Max Mac Studio, and M5 Ultra Mac Studio. These devices highlight Apple's ongoing advancements in silicon technology, focusing on AI-driven performance, enhanced configurations, and efficiency
[50]
Mac mini Launched with M6, M5 Pro Chipset
Apple has silently announced the new and updated Mac mini with the M6 and M5 Pro chips. These new chips will offer more power and better efficiency. The Mac mini has been one of the most loved Apple products over the years because of its portable nature. One can literally carry all the power with
[51]
Apple's First 2nm Chipset, The M6, Is Finally Here And Powers A Mac mini That Doubles Down On CPU, GPU, And AI Cores That Won't Blow a Hole In Your Wallet
The M6 has gained bragging rights for not just being Apple's first 2nm SoC, but the industry's first next-generation silicon to leverage TSMC's bleeding-edge lithography, as the company has unveiled the latest chipset alongside M5 Ultra and the Mac Studio refresh. The M6 will power a new Mac mini
[52]
Apple Launches New Mac Studio and Mac Mini With M5, M6 Chips in India
* The new Mac Studio comes with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips * Mac mini models can be configured with M6 or M5 Pro processors * All new models are available for pre-order starting August 25 Apple on Tuesday launched the refreshed versions of the Mac Studio and Mac mini in India. The update brings
[53]
Mac mini vs Mac Studio: Why Apple's new M5 Ultra machine is built for the AI era
Apple's new Mac Studio targets demanding artificial intelligence tasks locally. The M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips offer significant AI performance gains. These machines provide substantial unified memory for large language models. Multiple Mac Studios can link together for distributed AI inference
[54]
Apple Unleashes M5 Mac Studio: Huge GPU Upgrades Make It the Ultimate Pro Desktop
Apple has unveiled its latest high-performance desktop computers, the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio, setting a new benchmark for professional computing. These machines are engineered to meet the needs of creators, developers, and scientists, delivering a combination of exceptional power and
[55]
Apple's latest move could change how you use AI every day
For years, the artificial-intelligence explosion has been largely invisible to customers, taking place within vast data centers crammed with pricey chips. Apple wants to bring more of it to your desk. Apple (AAPL) on Aug. 25 introduced its M6 and M5 Ultra CPUs and new Mac mini and Mac Studio
[56]
Apple introduces new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips; India price starts at Rs. 2,79,900
Apple has launched the new Mac Studio in India with the M5 Max and the all-new M5 Ultra chips, alongside the new Mac mini. The compact desktop brings Apple's latest silicon with upgrades to AI performance, graphics, storage and connectivity. Mac Studio with M5 Max The M5 Max features an 18-core
[57]
Apple introduces new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chips; India price starts at Rs. 99,900
Apple has officially introduced its latest Mac mini lineup, featuring the newly designed M6 and high-performance M5 Pro silicon. The updated compact desktop brings major gains across compute capability, graphics throughput, and local AI processing, alongside modernized wireless and wired
[58]
New Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra: the Best Local AI Machine?
Apple's latest hardware release has introduced two machines designed to handle local AI workloads: the Mac Studio M5 Ultra and the Mac Mini M5 Pro. In his detailed breakdown, Manolo Remiddi highlights how the Mac Studio M5 Ultra, with its 1.2 TB/s memory bandwidth, sets a new standard for
[59]
Apple unveils 2nm M6 and Quad-Die M5 Ultra SoCs
Apple has expanded its desktop lineup with the introduction of the M6 system on a chip in the Mac mini and the M5 Ultra in the Mac Studio, delivering architecture-level updates across compute, graphics, and on-device artificial intelligence. M6: 2nm Process and Re-Architected Compute The M6 marks
[60]
Apple Hiked the Mac Mini to $899, but the M6 Specs Might Justify It
Apple has unveiled the M6 Mac Mini, a compact desktop that combines powerful performance with remarkable efficiency. Designed to cater to a diverse range of users, this device introduces significant advancements in processing power, memory, and connectivity. Whether you're a creative professional,
[61]
Apple unveils the new Mac mini and Mac Studio: all the new features in a nutshell
Apple has unveiled two new Macs and also new chips. After the design leap the Mac mini took with the M4, a new generation is here that, together with the Mac Studio, puts artificial intelligence, power, and connectivity front and center. Let's look at all the new features. Mac mini: M6, more AI
[62]
Apple Announces New Mac Mini Featuring M6 and M5 Pro with Enhanced Ai Performance
Apple announced the new Mac mini with the all-new M6 and powerful M5 Pro, delivering a dramatic boost in performance and even more versatility in its supersmall desktop design. With M6, Mac mini now delivers up to 4x faster AI performance, 2x faster storage and graphics, and 40% faster CPU
[63]
Apple Just Dropped the New Mac Studio -- and the Performance Is Insane
Apple has introduced the Mac Studio, a compact yet powerful desktop designed to cater to the needs of professionals and AI enthusiasts. Equipped with the innovative M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, this device delivers exceptional speed, efficiency and advanced capabilities. With a strong emphasis on
[64]
Apple Introduces M6 and M5 Ultra for A Big Leap in Performance and Ai Compute
Apple debuted M6 in the new Mac mini and M5 Ultra in the new Mac Studio, providing an extraordinary leap in performance and AI capabilities. M6, Apple?s first 2-nanometer chip, advances every compute block, delivering gains across every dimension of performance. The chip features a larger 12-core
[65]
Apple Drops M6 & M5 Pro Mac Mini: Desktop-Class Power in a Tiny Box
Apple's latest Mac mini models, featuring the M6 and M5 Pro chips, mark a significant advancement in desktop computing. The M6 chip, equipped with a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines, delivers up to four times faster AI performance compared to its predecessor, making it
[66]
Apple upgrades its Macs to win over AI developers
Apple has unveiled new Mac Mini and Mac Studio models with more powerful processors and upgrades aimed at artificial intelligence applications. The company is looking to capitalize on the growing use of its computers to build and run AI agents and models locally. Its chips notably include
[67]
Apple Just Dropped the M6 and M5 Ultra -- and the Specs Are Wild
Apple Unveils M6 and M5 Ultra Chips: Redefining Performance and AI Computing Apple has announced its latest advancements in silicon technology with the introduction of the M6 and M5 Ultra chips. These new processors represent a significant leap forward in computing power, energy efficiency, and
[68]
Apple launches new Mac Mini and Mac Studio with M6 and M5 Ultra chips: Check price and specs
Apple has officially launched its new Mac mini powered by the M6 chip, with an optional M5 Pro chipset for users looking for more power. Alongside the compact desktop, the Cupertino giant has also unveiled the next-generation Mac Studio, which comes with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chipset options. The new
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Apple launched the M6 chip and M5 Ultra processor for Mac Mini and Mac Studio, targeting local AI inference and AI workloads. The M6 uses 2nm process technology with 12-core CPU, while the M5 Ultra features quad-die architecture with up to 512GB unified memory and 1.2TB/s bandwidth.
Apple M6 chip debuts with 2nm process technology
Apple introduced the M6 chip and M5 Ultra processor on Tuesday, marking a strategic shift toward local AI inference capabilities in its Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktop computers
1
2
. The Apple M6 chip represents the first 2nm process chip in Apple's M-series lineup for Macs, featuring a 12-core CPU complex that includes two super cores, four performance cores, and six efficiency cores—the first Apple system-on-a-chip to use all three core types1
. Apple claims the M6 delivers up to 40 percent faster multi-threaded CPU performance compared to the M4 chip from two generations ago1
.
Source: Wccftech
The M6 chip includes a 12-core GPU, adding two more cores than its immediate predecessors, and features faster unified memory with up to 160GB per second of bandwidth
1
. According to Apple, the M6 Mac Mini offers nearly a 30 percent increase in peak GPU compute for AI performance compared to the M5, which improves the speed of prompt processing when using on-device large language models2
. The Mac Mini with M6 chip starts at $899 with 16GB of memory, representing a $200 price increase from previous base models3
4
.Apple M5 Ultra becomes most powerful chip ever with quad-die architecture
Apple positioned the M5 Ultra as its "most powerful chip ever," featuring a groundbreaking quad-die architecture that fuses two dual-die M5 Max chips together
2
3
. The Apple M5 Ultra includes up to 36 CPU cores (12 super cores and 24 performance cores) and up to 80 GPU cores, with a maximum unified memory capacity of 512GB1
5
. The chip achieves up to 1.2TB per second in unified memory bandwidth, representing 50% more than the M3 Ultra released approximately a year and a half ago2
.
Source: MacRumors
Apple's Ultra chips have traditionally connected two Max dies using UltraFusion technology across a high-speed interconnect. The M5 Ultra increases inter-die bandwidth to over 4.4TB per second, allowing the four dies to function as a single CPU
3
. The Mac Studio with M5 Max starts at $2,499, while M5 Ultra configurations start at $5,4991
4
. The M5 Ultra delivers four times faster large language model prompt performance compared to the M3 Ultra5
.Local AI inference drives Mac Mini and Mac Studio popularity
The Mac Mini and Mac Studio have gained traction for local AI workloads and software development, capitalizing on the advantages of their unified memory architecture and the fast CPUs and GPUs on their AI-ready chips
1
. The devices' popularity for production inference accelerated after macOS 26.2 shipped in December, which enabled "low-latency communication between Thunderbolt 5 hosts for use cases including distributed AI inference using MLX," according to Apple's release notes1
. Thunderbolt 5 provides very fast wired data connection, and MLX is an open source array framework designed to help machine learning workflows take full advantage of the M-series chips' unified memory1
.
Source: Gadgets 360
Both hobbyists and professional developers have been daisy-chaining Mac Mini or Mac Studio devices to run inference on local large language models that are much bigger than anything that could run on a single mass-market device, providing an alternative to specialized hardware featuring Nvidia GPUs
1
. In a briefing on the Mac Studio, Apple discussed the ability to connect multiple Mac Studios together over Thunderbolt 5 to run frontier-level large language models with over a trillion parameters locally, allowing the four systems to share memory3
. The Mac Minis have grown popular over the past year among tech enthusiasts for running local AI agents such as OpenClaw and Hermes, with people selling Mac Minis at marked-up prices on platforms like eBay earlier this year due to rising demand4
.Related Stories
On-device AI processing targets developers and AI workloads
Apple emphasized on-device AI processing capabilities as developers increasingly incorporate AI coding agents into their workflows, thanks to powerful frontier large language models and sophisticated harnesses like Claude Code or Codex
1
. However, the cost of running cloud models is steep, and many developers are questioning whether it will remain practical. Open-weight models that can be run locally, like some of the latest Qwen and DeepSeek models, can accomplish many of the same tasks without charging for tokens, as they're smaller and driven by the user's own local energy and compute1
."With these frameworks and new chips, developers can run and fine-tune large AI models locally on their Mac," Apple wrote in a press release. "Apple's developer tools and frameworks automatically optimize performance across the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, and give developers the ability to use Apple Foundation Models, App Intents to tap into Apple Intelligence features, or their own proprietary AI models to build and run powerful AI workloads entirely on device"
2
. The M6 Mac Mini features a dual 16-core Neural Engine, which doubles the peak AI performance3
.macOS 27 and new connectivity features enhance AI capabilities
Both the Mac Mini and Mac Studio will ship with macOS 27 Golden Gate preinstalled, suggesting that the annual OS update may arrive by September 22 for other Mac users
1
3
. Both devices feature Apple's N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 61
5
. Apple claims the storage is up to twice as fast, at 15GB/s1
. The Mac Mini ships with 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with the option to upgrade to 10Gb1
.The M5 Ultra chip supports up to six Thunderbolt 5 ports with transfer speeds up to 120Gb/s of bandwidth, which can drive up to eight external displays, or four Studio Display XDR displays at 5K resolution and 120Hz refresh
5
. Preorders for both Mac Mini and Mac Studio start on August 25, with shipping beginning on September 22, though the 512GB memory configuration for the M5 Max won't ship until late October1
5
. The new devices include Siri AI capabilities, and configurations with M5 Pro start at $1,6991
4
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