# Apple Mac mini (2026, M6) Review Summary: Midrange Muscle at a Higher Starting Price

Canonical page: https://savlume.com/items/m4wklro7zdqjxxdkiyyxrzwxl
Publisher: Savlume
Published on Savlume: 2026-09-21T13:01:01.000Z
Content updated: 2026-10-13T20:11:21.722Z
Source publication time: 2026-09-21T13:01:01.000Z
Offer status: Unverified

PCMag tested the 2026 Apple Mac mini featuring the M6 chip, awarding it an Editors' Choice for outperforming competing mini PCs while keeping a quiet, compact 5-by-5-inch aluminum design. The review emphasizes that the starting price has climbed to $899 with an impractical 256GB base storage capacity, and memory or storage cannot be upgraded after purchase. The source considers the desktop a compelling upgrade for owners of older M1 or M2 models, but cautions that configuring adequate storage and RAM significantly raises the final checkout price.

## Media review

PCMag gives the Apple Mac mini (2026, M6) an Editors’ Choice award, concluding that its performance makes it a strong mini desktop despite its higher starting price and limited base storage.

Attribution: PCMag Reviews · Joe Osborne
AI-assisted summary of source text, not a Savlume hands-on test.

- Source-reported strength: The reviewer reports that the M6 Mac mini outperformed several tested mini PCs, including more expensive configurations.
- Source-reported strength: The reviewer describes the system as staying cool and quiet, with a low hum during extended multi-core tests.
- Source-reported strength: The reviewer highlights its unchanged 5-by-5-inch enclosure and connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.
- Source-reported limitation: The reviewer considers the base 256GB SSD too small for a modern desktop and notes that storage upgrades increase the cost.
- Source-reported limitation: The reviewer says the M5 Pro is considerably more powerful in multi-core tasks.
- Source-reported limitation: The reviewer says Mac gaming remains a secondary use case rather than a destination for computer gaming.

### What storage comes with the base configuration?

The article says the $899 base configuration includes a 256GB SSD.

### Does the Mac mini include a keyboard, monitor, or mouse?

No. The review says those accessories are not included.

### Can you upgrade its memory or storage after purchase?

The reviewer says there are no turnkey memory or storage upgrade options after purchase.
## Evidence and sources

Source report only. Merchant price, availability, seller, and conditions have not been independently confirmed.
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PCMag Reviews: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2026-m6

AI-assisted summary of cited source material. Not a hands-on review. Prices and availability can change.