Apple has informed some customers who recently ordered a Mac mini with an M4 chip that has yet to ship that it will be upgrading their order to an equivalent version of the new Mac mini with an M6 chip at no additional cost.

Apple's email to customers:

Thank you for your recent Mac order. We know you're looking forward to receiving your purchase.

As you may know, Apple recently announced the new Mac mini. Since your order has yet to ship, we automatically upgraded you to the new Mac mini at no additional cost.

Given the Mac mini now starts at $899 instead of $799 in the U.S., some customers are effectively receiving a $100 discount on the new model.

One customer on social media was delighted to learn that they would not only be receiving the new Mac mini at no additional cost, but also saw their delivery estimate bumped up from October to September. On the other hand, a student emailed us to complain that their delivery estimate was pushed back by several weeks as a result of the free upgrade, as they said they need the computer imminently for their studies. The student said Apple did not offer them a choice to accept or decline the free upgrade.

Apple announced the new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options this week, alongside a new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options. Both new Macs are available to pre-order now ahead and launch on Tuesday, September 22.

The previous-generation Mac mini was released in November 2024.