Apple Unveils Faster Mac Mini and Mac Studio to Capitalize on AI Demand
The tech giant releases updated desktop models with new M6 and M5 chips, signaling potential leadership transition.
Apple announced Tuesday the launch of an upgraded Mac mini and a refreshed Mac Studio desktop, both featuring enhanced processing power aimed at the growing demand for local artificial intelligence applications. The new Mac mini starts at $899, a $100 increase from its predecessor.
These updated devices are designed to support consumers running autonomous AI agents, such as OpenClaw, locally. High consumer interest has reportedly led to depleted inventories of existing models at several Apple stores. Johny Srouji, Apple's hardware chief, stated that the Mac mini is capable of serving as a home computer, powering a professional studio, or functioning as an "always-on agentic device."
The introduction of these products is anticipated to be one of Apple's final major hardware launches before CEO Tim Cook is expected to hand over leadership to hardware executive John Ternus. This transition is among the company's most closely watched leadership changes.
The price increases reflect mounting cost pressures, particularly from rising memory chip prices driven by strong demand from AI data centers. This trend had previously prompted Apple to increase prices on some Mac and iPad models in June.
Mac Mini Enhancements
One configuration of the new Mac mini is equipped with Apple's 2-nanometer M6 chip. The company claims this chip offers up to four times the AI performance and double the graphics and storage speeds compared to the previous M4-powered model. A higher-tier version utilizes the M5 Pro chip, featuring an 18-core central processor and a 20-core graphics processor, targeting professional users engaged in tasks like visual effects.
Mac Studio Updates
Apple also updated its Mac Studio desktop line with versions powered by the M5 Max and the new M5 Ultra chips. These machines are intended for developers and other professional users, enabling them to run large AI models on-device. They also allow for the combined computing power of multiple systems for more intensive AI tasks.
The Mac Studio M5 Max model starts at $2,499, and the M5 Ultra model begins at $5,499. These prices represent an increase from the previous generation's starting price of $1,999.