Mac mini (late 2026) review: strong M6 performance, faster storage over the M4, and small footprint, but pricey storage and memory erode its value proposition

The starting price for a Mac mini has increased by $300, making it significantly less accessible.

Apple's latest Mac mini, released in late 2026, offers significant performance gains powered by its new M6 chip, exceeding the M4 model's capabilities, particularly in storage speed. Despite maintaining its compact, minimalist design with a 5-inch square footprint and 2-inch height, the device faces a substantial price increase. The starting price has jumped from $599 for the M4 model in early November 2024 to $899 for the new M6 version. This $300 hike is attributed to escalating component costs driven by high demand in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. While the internal hardware has been upgraded, delivering notable performance improvements, the increased cost of memory and storage options further erodes the Mac mini's traditional value proposition.

The Mac mini's value proposition has been significantly impacted by a $300 price increase, bringing its starting price to $899, a stark contrast to the $599 M4 model launched in late 2024. This surge is attributed to rising component costs driven by the high demand for AI-related hardware. While the M6 chip delivers strong performance and improved storage speeds, the increased cost of essential upgrades like memory and storage further diminishes its appeal as a budget-friendly option.

This pricing shift signals a broader trend in the personal computing market where the demand for AI-capable components is driving up overall hardware costs. Consumers looking for affordable, high-performance compact desktops will need to adjust their expectations or explore older models. It also suggests that Apple is prioritizing higher-margin configurations, making the base model less competitive on value.