Apple's new Mac mini models feature variable memory bandwidth, Thread support and preinstalled macOS Golden Gate
Apple's latest Mac mini lineup includes M6 and M5 Pro variants with differing memory bandwidth, an N1 chip that adds Thread support, and macOS Golden Gate installed out of the box.
Apple unveiled updated Mac mini models powered by M6 and M5 Pro processors. The base M6 version equipped with 16 GB of RAM provides 153 GB/s of memory bandwidth, while configurations with 24 GB or 32 GB of RAM increase bandwidth to 170 GB/s. The M5 Pro variant reaches a maximum of 307 GB/s, surpassing the earlier M4 models.
In addition to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, the M6 Mac mini incorporates Apple’s N1 chip, which enables Thread connectivity—a protocol previously introduced on iPhone 15 Pro models for smart-home devices.
The new machines ship with macOS Golden Gate preinstalled. Apple confirmed to technology commentator John Gruber that the operating system will be on the devices when they become available on September 22, ahead of the expected macOS 27 release around mid-September.
Pre-orders for the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini start at $899.