Apple has just announced the launch of a new Mac mini which gets a huge boost in performance.16:20, 25 Aug 2026We're all expecting Apple to announce big news next month, with the firm expected to reveal a batch of new iPhones, including a model that folds in half. That news could be revealed within weeks, but it's not the only new product arriving in stores this autumn.‌Ahead of that smartphone launch, the company has confirmed a surprise update to its PC range with the launch of a new Mac mini.‌This hugely popular device has now been refreshed and made far more powerful thanks to the introduction of the M6 chip. With this brain inside, the Mini becomes even more mighty, with Apple promising some serious gains. AI performance is boosted, there's faster storage and graphics, plus users will get a 40 per cent jump in CPU performance.‌It also comes with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology inside for improved connectivity, Bluetooth 6, as well as 2.5Gb Ethernet for faster wired connectivity.As standard, owners get 16GB of unified memory, which can be boosted to 32GB for those who need some extra oomph.All of this has been made possible without Apple needing to increase its compact form factor.‌The neat palm-sized design also continues to include USB-C ports on the front for easier access, and it gets the usual aluminium casing.Prices for the M6 Mac mini start from £899. If the M6 doesn't sound like it will cope with your workloads, Apple is also launching an M5 Pro model, which takes performance up another notch.It does, however, start from £1,699.‌Customers can pre-order the new Mac mini now, with it arriving in stores from September 22.“Mac mini has always been our most versatile Mac. Whether it’s being used as a home computer, powering a professional studio, or as an always-on agentic device, it’s the little Mac that can do it all,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s chief hardware officer.“Today, we’re taking this versatility even further. With a more powerful CPU and graphics, Neural Accelerators in the GPU, and higher memory bandwidth, Mac mini with M6 delivers a whole new level of AI performance. And with up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, Mac mini with M5 Pro is an ultracompact powerhouse for complex pro workflows. We can’t wait to see all the incredible ways people will use it next.”‌Along with new Mac mini machines, Apple has also released an upgrade to its more professional Mac Studio.This device can now be purchased with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, which turbocharge the performance.In fact, some tasks can be performed over 10 times faster compared to previous models.Article continues belowThe new Mac Studio also features faster storage and a comprehensive array of pro connectivity.Mac Studio with M5 Max starts at £2,499 and the M5 Ultra starts at £5,499.