Apple rolls out M6 chip in Mac Mini and high-end M5 Ultra for AI workloads

Apple has unveiled its latest silicon, introducing the M6 processor for the refreshed Mac Mini alongside a top-tier M5 Ultra variant destined for the updated Mac Studio. Both chips are engineered to handle intensive workloads, with particular emphasis on AI capabilities and performance efficiency.

M6: A step forward in core count and neural processing#

The M6 represents Apple's first foray into 2nm process technology, translating to both faster speeds and lower power consumption. The processor packs a 12-core CPU—an increase from the M5's 10-core setup—arranged as two super cores for single-threaded tasks, four performance-oriented cores for demanding applications, and six efficiency cores for routine computing. Apple claims the result is the fastest single-threaded performance available, plus multithreaded speed gains of up to 20% versus its predecessor.

The GPU receives a similar boost, jumping from 10 to 12 cores. A key addition is a dual 16-core Neural Engine, enabling on-device AI processing without reliance on cloud services. The base configuration supports up to 32GB of unified memory.

M5 Ultra: Professional-grade silicon for demanding tasks#

The M5 Ultra takes a different approach, combining two dual-die M5 Max chips into a single quad-die system using Apple's UltraFusion interconnect. This architecture yields up to 36 CPU cores (12 super cores and 24 performance cores) alongside as many as 80 GPU cores. The 32-core Neural Engine supports running frontier AI models and handling 3D rendering workloads that demand exceptional computational power. Memory options extend to 512GB of unified memory, though this cannot be expanded after purchase.

Availability and pricing#

Both chips are coming to consumer hands starting September 22nd, with preorders opening Tuesday. The M6 debuts in a newly redesigned Mac Mini, while the M5 Ultra powers an updated Mac Studio.