Apple launches new Mac mini with M6 processor, raises price to $799

Apple unveiled the latest Mac mini on Tuesday, equipping it with its new M6 processor and raising the base price to $799, a $100 jump from the previous model. The compact desktop ships with 8 GB of unified memory, a 256 GB SSD, and support for up to two 4K displays, positioning it as the entry point for Apple’s silicon lineup.

The change matters because the 2023 Mac mini with the M4 chip was hailed as one of Apple’s best‑value computers. It combined strong performance with a $599 starting price, attracting students, freelancers, and small businesses. Over the past year, Apple has refined its chip architecture, adding more transistors and a higher clock speed to the M6. The company also faced rising component costs and a crowded market for low‑cost desktops, prompting the price hike.

In testing, the M6 delivers roughly 20 percent faster single‑core performance and 30 percent better graphics throughput than the M4, according to Ars Technica’s benchmarks. Real‑world tasks like video rendering and code compilation show noticeable speed gains, while everyday web browsing and office work feel similar. Critics praise the speed but warn that the higher price narrows the Mac mini’s appeal. Early buyer sentiment is mixed; power users welcome the upgrade, but budget‑conscious shoppers question whether the performance jump justifies the added cost.

Apple will begin shipping the new Mac mini next week, and retailers are already promoting bundle deals that include extra memory or storage upgrades. Analysts expect the price increase to push some price‑sensitive buyers toward competing Windows mini‑PCs, but Apple hopes the performance edge will retain its core audience. The company may adjust pricing later in the year if sales lag, while the M6’s capabilities set a new benchmark for future Mac mini revisions.