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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Published October 9, 2026
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What are all the differences between the "2026 M5 Pro/M6" Mac mini and the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini replaced?
There are three "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 2024, "M4 Pro" 12 CPU/16 GPU 2024, and "M4 Pro" 14 CPU/20 GPU 2024.
These Macs were replaced by the "2026 M5 Pro/M6" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M5 Pro" 15 CPU/16 GPU 2026, "M5 Pro" 18 CPU/20 GPU 2026, and "M6" 12 CPU/12 GPU 2026.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini 2024/2026 - Front)
The "2024" and "2026" Mac mini models look identical, but there are notable internal differences.
Especially because the difference are not visible, a detailed comparison is particularly worthwhile.
External Differences
The "2024" and "2026" Mac mini models all effectively use the same tiny "cuboid" aluminum case design that is 5.0 inches across and deep and 2.0 inches tall. The "M4 Pro and "M5 Pro" models are slightly heavier (0.1 of a pound), but it is not noticeable. It is not especially important for a desktop Mac, either.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is an important difference between the "2024" and "2026" Mac mini -- and differences between models in each line -- but it is subtle and not possible to spot visually.
In addition to two front-mounted USB-C (USB 3) ports and 3.5 mm headphone jack on all of these models, the Thunderbolt ports are faster on the "M4 Pro" and "M5 Pro" options. The newer "2026" Mac mini have newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet standards, too.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini 2024/2026 - Back)
These connectivity differences are summarized accordingly:
| Mac mini | 2024 M4 | 2024 M4 Pro | 2026 M5 Pro | 2026 M6 |
| USB-C | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 3 | No | No | 3 |
| Thunderbolt 5 | No | 3 | 3 | No |
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Wi-Fi | 6E | 6E | 7 | 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6 | 6 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit | Gigabit | 2.5Gb | 2.5Gb |
| Display Support | 2 6K/1 5K | 3 6K | 3 6K | 2 6K/1 5K |
Identification Differences
It is easy to mix up the "2024" and "2026" Mac mini models. In fact, it is impossible to tell them apart from appearance alone.
However, these models have different Model Numbers and EMC Numbers externally on the underside. As the site has done for decades now, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented these identifiers for your reference. You're welcome.
These identifiers are unique to all of these models and are suitable for specific identification, but the Model Identifier in software also is a reliable way to differentiate between these systems and others for the long-term:
| Mac mini | Model No. | EMC No. | Model ID |
| 2024 M4 | A3238 | 8739 | Mac16,10 |
| 2024 M4 Pro | A3239 | 8852 | Mac16,11* |
| 2026 M5 Pro | A3535 | 9034 | Mac17,16 |
| 2026 M6 | A3534 | 9032 | Mac18,5 |
* Based on hands-on inspection of the hardware itself, EveryMac.com visually determined that the Model Identifier of Mac mini models equipped with M4 Pro processors is Mac16,11. However, in some official Apple documentation, the company originally reported the Model Identifier as "Mac16,15". Apple's documentation was incorrect and this error was corrected subsequently.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify all of these Mac mini models by other identifiers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Internally, the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" and "2026 M5 Pro/M6" Mac mini models are similar, but there also is one especially sad difference.
All of these Mac mini models are nearly sealed and disposable -- the processor, graphics processor, and RAM are not upgradable -- but the "2024" models have storage on a removable board and it can be upgraded whereas the newer "2026" models have the storage soldered in place.
The newer "2026" Mac mini models use newer, faster architectures with more CPU cores, more GPU cores, and faster clockspeeds, but are nearly identical to their predecessors for RAM and SSD options.
In terms of performance, according to Geekbench 7, the entry-level "M6" Mac mini is roughly 23% faster in single core and 44% faster in multicore tasks than the "M4" model it replaced. Likewise, the higher-end stock "M5 Pro" model is around 12% faster in single score tasks and a massive 37% faster in multicore tasks than the "M4 Pro" that it replaced.
Comparison Chart
The specific differences between processors, architectures, configurations, connectivity, identifiers, and prices for the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" and "2026 M5 Pro/M6" Mac mini models are summarized below:
 "2024 M4/M4 Pro" |
"2026 M5 Pro/M6" |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Apple M4/M4 Pro | Apple M5 Pro/M6 |
| Processor Cores: | 10, 12, 14 | 12, 15, 18 |
| Graphics Cores: | 10, 16, 20 | 12, 16, 20 |
| Std. RAM: | 16, 24 GB | 16, 24 GB |
| Max. RAM: | 24, 32 GB* | 32, 64 GB* |
| Std. Storage: | 256, 512 GB† | 256, 512 GB* |
| Max. Storage: | 8 TB† | 8 TB* |
| Ext. Displays: | Three | Three |
| Wi-Fi: | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth: | 5.3 | 6 |
| Ethernet: | Gigabit | 2.5Gb |
| USB-C: | 2 | 2 |
| Thunderbolt 4/5: | 3 | 3 |
| HDMI: | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Order Number: | MU9D3LL/A MU9E3LL/A MCYT4LL/A MCX44LL/A |
MHQN4LL/A MHQK4LL/A MHQL4LL/A MHQM4LL/A |
| Model Number: | A3238, A3239 | A3535, A3534 |
| EMC Number: | 8739, 8852 | 9034, 9032 |
| Model Identifier: | Mac16,10, Mac16,11 | Mac17,16, Mac18,5 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$599-US$1599 | US$899-US$1899 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$799-C$2149 | C$1249-C$2699 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £599-£1599 | £899-£1899 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$999-A$2499 | A$1449-A$2999 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$849-S$2299 | S$1299-S$2799 |
* At the time of initial system purchase, the RAM and storage can, or could, be custom configured with higher capacity options. Neither the RAM nor the storage can be upgraded later at all.
† The storage is mounted on a removable module and upgrades are possible.
For pricing information in dozens of other countries, refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Summary
Compared to the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" models replaced, the "2026 M5 Pro/M6" models are a mixed bag. The newer models look the same, but are (1) significantly faster and have (2) newer wireless connectivity, (3) faster Ethernet, and (4) better display support. Unfortunately, they also (5) lose the removable SSD and (6) cost a lot more.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.
Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac mini model to any other Mac.
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