Why is the Mac mini M5 Pro more expensive than the M6?
Apple’s new Mac mini range includes a cheaper model using the newer M6 chip and a more expensive version using the older M5 Pro. The price difference reflects their intended markets: the M6 prioritises efficiency and everyday performance, while the M5 Pro is built for more demanding professional workloads.
The M6 model starts at $899 with up to a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, 16GB of memory and 256GB storage. The $1,699 M5 Pro starts with a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory and 512GB storage, with options reaching 18 CPU cores, 20 GPU cores, 64GB memory and 8TB storage; it is therefore better suited to tasks such as 3D work, local AI and engineering software.
- M5 Pro costs more because it offers substantially greater performance and capacity.
- M6 is newer and more efficient, aimed at everyday users.
- Choose M5 Pro for intensive professional or AI workloads.
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Apple sells Mac minis with different chips and specifications for different kinds of work. The M6 is a newer, lower-cost chip aimed at everyday use, while the M5 Pro is an older chip designed for more demanding professional tasks.
The M5 Pro model also starts with more processor and graphics cores, memory and storage than the M6 model. Those extra resources can help with work such as 3D design, running AI tools on the computer and engineering software, and add to the cost.
The model names indicate different product tiers as well as different generations, so a newer chip does not necessarily mean a more powerful or more expensive computer. Which Mac mini suits someone depends on the work they need it to do.