M6 Mac mini Launches with Steep Price Hike and Soldered SSDs
Apple’s new M6 Mac mini launched on September 22, 2026, with a starting price of $899, marking a $300 increase over the previous generation. While the M6 chip offers significant performance gains, including 12 CPU cores and 12 GPU cores, the device faces criticism for its higher cost and the return of soldered SSDs, which prevents user upgrades. Amazon is currently offering the base model for $879.99, a $20 discount, though shipping for higher-spec models is delayed until October.
Key points
- The M6 Mac mini starts at $899 for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, up from $599 for the M4 model.
- Amazon is selling the base model for $879.99, while the 512GB version is $1,069.99.
- The M6 chip features 12 CPU cores (2 Super, 4 Performance, 6 Efficiency) and 12 GPU cores.
- Apple has reverted to soldered SSDs in the M6 and M5 Pro models, ending the upgradable design of the M4.
- Shipping for the 24GB/512GB configuration is delayed until mid-to-late October 2026.
Background
Apple unveiled the M6 Mac mini and new Mac Studio in late August 2026, with pre-orders opening on Amazon. The launch followed a period of discounted pre-order pricing, with the base model dropping to $879.99 ahead of the September 22 release. The M6 chip was highlighted for its AI optimizations and performance improvements over the M4 generation.
How outlets are covering it
Ars Technica criticizes the $300 price hike, noting that the M4 Mac mini was a strong value proposition, whereas the M6 is significantly more expensive for similar base specs. Macworld highlights the return of soldered SSDs as a major drawback, contrasting it with the upgradable modules in the M4 model. AppleInsider focuses on the immediate availability of discounts, noting that the $879.99 price is the lowest available for the 2026 model, despite the overall price increase from the previous generation.
Why it matters
The M6 Mac mini’s higher price and reduced upgradability may deter budget-conscious buyers and enthusiasts who value hardware modularity. The performance gains, however, position it as a strong option for AI and creative workloads, though the cost-to-performance ratio is under scrutiny.
What to watch
Consumers should monitor Amazon for further discounts, as shipping delays for higher-spec models may affect availability. Apple may address the SSD design in future updates, but no immediate changes are expected. The M5 Pro Mac mini remains available for those seeking Thunderbolt 5 support.
- Brand-New M6 Mac mini Starts at $879.99 at Amazon AppleInsider
- Apple M6 Mac mini review: $300 price hike spoils a nice upgrade Ars Technica
- With new Macs, Apple aims to take on Microsoft, Nvidia in a rush to lower AI costs Reuters
- The new Mac mini and Mac Studio are available today Apple
- The new Mac mini hides an ugly SSD secret Macworld
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