John TernusTim CookApple Inc.Bloomberg L.P.

Apple reportedly gears up to launch new Mac mini within days, first update in two years, as AI demand drives refresh; M5 and M6 chips tested

Apple is set to launch a new Mac mini within days, marking its first update in nearly two years. The refresh comes amid rising demand for AI applications, with the new model reportedly tested with M5 and M6 chips, according to sources familiar with the plans.

BW Businessworld+2 sources25 August 2026 · 04:58 UTC
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Apple is preparing to unveil a new Mac mini in the coming days, marking the first update in nearly two years. This refresh is driven by increased demand for AI applications, as users seek to run these workloads locally. The new model is expected to be revealed before Apple's anticipated September iPhone event.1

Sources indicate that Apple has tested versions of the Mac mini with both M5 and M6 processors, although it remains unclear which chip will be used in the final product. The timing of this launch is significant, as the current Mac mini has seen strong demand, particularly among those interested in AI capabilities.

However, Apple faces challenges with supply chain issues, particularly a shortage of memory chips, which has made it difficult to maintain consistent availability of the current model. Some customers have reported long wait times for deliveries, with some taking weeks or even months.6

Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that resolving these supply issues will take time. The new Mac mini could also represent the final major product launch under Cook's leadership as CEO, as the company gears up for a busy second half of 2026, which may include the introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and a foldable iPhone.5

So far, Apple has not officially confirmed these plans, and users are advised to remain cautious about the details.

Key Insight
“The new Mac mini could be one of the final products under Tim Cook's leadership, with John Ternus taking over as CEO on September 1. Apple also plans to begin producing the computer in Houston later this year as part of its US manufacturing push.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
BW Businessworld
“Apple is preparing to launch an updated version of its Mac mini desktop computer within days, people familiar with the matter said, as the company moves to refresh one of its most popular devices for running artificial intelligence applications locally, as per a Bloomberg report.”
BW Businessworld →
2
India TodayIndia Today
“Apple could be preparing to launch a new Mac mini in the coming days, giving its compact desktop a major refresh nearly two years after the current model arrived.”
India Today →
3
BloombergBloomberg
“Apple Inc. is gearing up to launch a new version of its Mac mini desktop computer for the first time in almost two years, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Bloomberg →
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