Mac Mini with M5 and M5 Pro just tipped to launch this year — here's what we know

Mac mini M4 in hand
(Image credit: Apple)

A new report from AppleInsider claims Apple is working on an upgraded Mac mini that would feature an M5 or M5 Pro chipset. The latest leak is a follow-up to a July rumor that revealed the entire forthcoming Mac lineup through 2026.

The roadmap revealed a Mac mini codenamed J837s, set to release next year. However, this new leak suggests the upgraded tiny computer might launch before the end of 2025, likely in October when Apple typically debuts its next-generation Macs.

The currently available M4 Pro Mac mini had the codename J773s, with the M4 Mac Mini dubbed J773g, which lends credence to the assumption that the J837s is the M5 Pro Mac Mini.

The rear ports of the Mac mini M4

(Image credit: Apple)

The Mac mini M4 introduced a huge redesign with plenty of ports on both the front and back of the device, more memory and a smaller footprint compared to the 2023 M2 Mac mini. It’s our pick for the best mini PC, especially if you prefer Apple’s OS over Windows.

Coupled with the M4 chipset, it's a powerhouse, even with its controversial power button placement. That glaring flaw is fixable with some fun and clever solutions.

According to AppleInsiders, the M5 mini likely won’t get any design changes at the level of the M4 Mac Mini. Instead, all of the upgrades will be internal, though beyond the new chip, we’re not sure what other upgrades the device is slated to receive.

macOS Tahoe

(Image credit: Apple)

As for the M5 chip, it’s supposedly being manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process and is meant to “enhance artificial intelligence performance.” We do know that any new Macs will launch with macOS 26 Tahoe. Tahoe adds new Apple Intelligence features, including a better Image Playground, better Writing Tools and access to an improved Genmoji.

Apple’s “liquid glass” design is coming to Macs, bringing the cross-platform crystalline liquidity to Macs, meaning more transparent menu bars and customizable menus. We’ve tested Tahoe in beta, and it may be our favorite macOS update in years.

The M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini are unlikely to be the only new Macs Apple launches this year. Based on the previous roadmap, we should also see a MacBook Pro M5 and M5 Max, a new Mac Pro.

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Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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