Apple's Mac Mini and Studio price hike
Apple updated its Mac Mini and Mac Studio with new chips at higher starting prices. The new Mac Mini models with M6 and M5 Pro chips arrive September 22nd.
Apple has announced two updated small-form-factor computers, the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio. The new Mac Mini models can be preordered with either a new M6 chip or an M5 Pro chip. According to The Verge's Installer newsletter, these new models have starting prices that are $100 more expensive than the previous generation. The release date is set for September 22nd. Apple also refreshed the Mac Studio, which is now available for preorder with a new M5 Ultra chip.
The Updated Models
The report from The Verge outlines the key updates for Apple's compact desktop line. The focus is on new silicon and increased costs. The Mac Mini, a longtime favorite for its tiny footprint, now commands a premium. The Mac Studio, positioned as a more powerful desktop option, also receives a chip upgrade. No other specification changes for these systems are detailed in the source.
| Model | New Chip Option | Key Detail from Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini | M6, M5 Pro | Starting price is $100 more than previous generation; release date September 22nd. |
| Mac Studio | M5 Ultra | Refreshed model available for preorder. |
Other Tech Highlights
The Installer newsletter also highlighted several other new products, though these are not computer appliances. A new Wyze Indoor Cam Pan security camera was noted. It costs $39.98. This camera can tilt 360 degrees horizontally and 103 degrees vertically. It includes a privacy mode that tilts the lens fully downward into the camera body so it cannot see anything. The report calls this a "great feature."
Garmin introduced new Fenix 9 smartwatches. The Fenix 9 and 9 Pro models have OLED screens and 64GB of storage. For the two larger sizes of the Fenix 9 Pro, there is an option to get solar-charging displays. The report states the watches are not cheap. The Fenix 9 starts at $999.99, while the Pro model starts at $1,099.99.
HMD Global launched a Nokia 300 Charge phone. This is described as an old-school, candybar-style dumbphone. It doubles as a power bank and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The newsletter briefly mentions a new Star Wars game titled Star Wars: Zero Company, which is reportedly getting rave reviews. It also notes the upcoming release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. Whoop released a $149 Meridian Band made from Milanese mesh for its fitness tracker. However, you cannot charge the Whoop tracker while it is in this band.
Publication Context
As a publication focused on home appliances, their running costs, and resilience, only the computing products are directly relevant. The new Mac Mini and Mac Studio are compact, powerful appliances for the home office. Their increased purchase price will impact the total cost of ownership. Their performance and efficiency, driven by Apple's new chips, could affect energy consumption relative to their workload. The other items, like security cameras, smartwatches, and phones, fall outside this specialist publication's core remit.
The report finishes with a personal detail from the newsletter's author about vacation plans to unplug by hiding gadgets in a closet.
