Apple’s Mac Mini Gets M6 Power, While Mac Studio Goes All-Out For Local AI models With The M5 Ultra

Apple has made its latest desktop Macs available in India, bringing the new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chips, alongside refreshed Mac Studio models powered by M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors.

The new Mac mini starts at ₹99,900, while the M5 Pro-powered version starts at ₹2,09,900. The Mac Studio, aimed at demanding creative and professional workflows, starts at ₹2,79,900 with the M5 Max, rising to ₹6,29,900 for the M5 Ultra variant.

Both desktops are now available through Apple Store locations, Apple’s online store, the Apple Store app and authorised resellers.

Mac mini gets M6 chip, faster AI performance

The updated Mac mini retains its compact design but receives Apple’s new M6 chip, which promises significant gains in AI, graphics and CPU performance over the previous generation.

Apple says the M6 version delivers up to four times faster AI performance, twice the graphics and storage performance, and up to 40 per cent faster CPU performance. It features a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every core, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine.

The base model starts with 16GB of unified memory and can be configured with up to 32GB. The M5 Pro model is intended for users with heavier workloads, offering up to an 18-core CPU, a 20-core GPU and support for up to 64GB of unified memory.

Both versions include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet, with a 10Gb Ethernet option also available. Students and educators can purchase the M6 Mac mini from ₹88,900 through Apple’s education store.

Mac Studio targets video editors, VFX artists and AI users

The Mac Studio remains Apple’s most capable desktop for professional users, and is now available with either the M5 Max or the new M5 Ultra chip.

The M5 Max model features an 18-core CPU, up to a 40-core GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory. It is designed for workflows including music production, photography, software development, 3D work and motion graphics.

For users with far more demanding requirements, the M5 Ultra Mac Studio can be configured with up to a 36-core CPU, an 80-core GPU and a massive 512GB of unified memory. Apple says this makes it suitable for real-time 8K colour grading, complex VFX rendering and running large language models locally.

Both Mac Studio models feature Thunderbolt 5 ports with transfer speeds of up to 120Gbps. They can also support up to eight displays, or four Studio Display XDR monitors at 5K resolution and 120Hz.

macOS 27 and Apple Intelligence features included

The new desktops ship with macOS 27 Golden Gate, which introduces updated Apple Intelligence tools and a more capable Siri AI experience.

Apple says Siri AI can use personal context across messages, emails and photos, while also working across apps. It is integrated into Spotlight and system-wide context menus, and can answer questions about on-screen content through Visual Intelligence.

Other additions include AI-powered tab organisation and website-change alerts in Safari, natural-language automation creation in Shortcuts, and enhanced editing tools in Photos. Apple has also introduced more customisation for its Liquid Glass interface, including a slider that lets users adjust its transparency.