Review verdict for the Apple Mac mini 2026 - Enormous M6 performance in a familiar chassis

This year, the Apple Mac mini features the brand-new M6 processor or, alternatively, the proven and more powerful M5 Pro, already familiar from MacBook Pro models. While the chassis remains visually identical, the innovations lie within. Our test unit was equipped with the newer M6 processor, the first laptop processor manufactured using the highly efficient 2 nm process. This new manufacturing process has allowed Apple to noticeably boost both performance and efficiency.

Single-core performance has increased by 10% compared to the M5, making it the processor with the highest single-core performance on the current market. In terms of multi-core performance, the chip is 20% faster than its predecessor, significantly outperforming direct competition from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. Achieving higher multi-core performance requires significantly more expensive competing products, which lack such a compact design. Graphics performance has also improved by 30%, placing it close to the fast Intel Arc B390.

Overall, this level of performance is tremendous for such a compact device, especially considering it is Apple's new entry-level chip. Those requiring even more power can order the Mac mini with the M5 Pro, which offers further gains in multi-core and graphics performance.

In daily use, the Mac mini remains virtually silent; only under heavy load you can hear the fan running. On the downside, however, the base price has risen significantly, though this affects all devices in the current economic climate. The surcharges for additional RAM and storage are also still very high.

The M6 ​​can only be equipped with up to 32 GB of RAM. Anyone needing more memory is forced to choose the model with the M5 Pro. Furthermore, there are no options for future upgrades, and the installed Wi-Fi 7 module operates at only 160 MHz. Please see our in-depth review for more information about the Mac mini with the new M6 SoC.