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Apple is testing M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models
Apple appears to be preparing a hardware refresh for its compact desktop line: insiders say new Mac mini models running Apple Silicon M5 and M5 Pro chips are currently in internal testing. Earlier reports revealed Apple had a slate of more than a dozen Mac prototypes in development, and new identifiers tied to the Mac mini family have now surfaced.
Development identifiers and what they mean
Sources familiar with Apple’s hardware testing tell us two device IDs are in circulation: J873s and J873g. Based on Apple’s established naming conventions, J873s most likely corresponds to an M5 Pro-equipped Mac mini, while J873g aligns with the base M5 Mac mini. For comparison, the existing M4 Pro Mac mini is known internally as J773s and the standard M4 Mac mini as J773g.
The current M4-series mini, redesigned in October 2024, introduced a smaller chassis than the M2 predecessor.
Expectations: mostly internal upgrades, not a redesign
Given the recent housing redesign for M4 models, the M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini updates are widely expected to be performance-oriented spec bumps rather than visual overhauls. Unlike the rumored M6 MacBook Pro — which may include a lighter chassis and an OLED display — the incoming Mac mini refresh will likely focus on processor and efficiency gains, thermal tuning, and support for updated macOS features.
Key product features and hardware upgrades
- New Apple Silicon: M5 and M5 Pro chips tuned for better CPU/GPU performance and power efficiency.
- Improved thermal and power management to sustain higher sustained workloads in a compact chassis.
- Possible I/O and connectivity optimizations, though major port changes are unlikely.
- Full compatibility with upcoming macOS releases and developer betas.
Software roadmap: macOS 26.x and beyond
Alongside hardware testing, Apple continues internal trials of multiple macOS builds. Sources indicate active internal testing of macOS 26.1, macOS 26.4 and early work on macOS 27. These OS updates are expected to enter public developer betas in the coming months, and rumors suggest enhancements to Siri and additional emoji among other feature tweaks. Public release windows point to a possible rollout around spring 2026 for some updates.
Comparisons, advantages and use cases
Compared with the previous M4 Mac mini, M5 variants will likely deliver better multi-core performance, enhanced machine-learning throughput, and improved graphics performance — advantages that appeal to creative pros, developers, and small business users. The Mac mini’s compact form factor makes it ideal as a home workstation, media server, or as a node in a multi-device development setup. For users seeking a thinner redesign or a larger OLED display, the MacBook Pro M6 line is the more relevant upgrade.
Market relevance and product lineup context
The M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini won’t be Apple’s only releases through 2025–2026. Expect additional launches such as M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, a refreshed Mac Pro, and other Apple Silicon variants. For buyers and IT managers, the upcoming Mac mini refresh signals steady evolution of Apple Silicon across desktop and mobile Macs—emphasizing performance-per-watt and ecosystem integration rather than cosmetic changes.
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