M6 vs M4. isnt the M6 an updgrade?

Yes, the M6, is a newer, faster, better CPU.

Why it's cheaper will depend on what exactly you are looking at.

The only thing with an M6 CPU at this point is the Mac mini which is by defintion the entry level cheap computer option. The fact the M6 is better than the M4 in most cases does not imply it should be more expensive. Specially considering the fact the Mac mini has no screen, and no other add-ons. MacBooks, iMacs and Mac Studios will be more expensive because they include more stuff even if they use an older CPU.

jeffg59 wrote: What did I miss?

Both of those Base-model Mac mini's are fairly close in the initial price.

The difference in price can very a lot if either has a larger SSD and more RAM.

Double check the internal Storage size and the amount of RAM in both of those Mac mini's.

Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support

jeffg59 wrote:

Why is the M6 mini less expensive that the M4? ...50%.... Isnt the M4 an older model of the M6?

Before Apple increased prices on the M4 Mac mini, I believe that a M4 Mac mini with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage went for $599 USD. For a while, Apple discontinued the 256 GB models, and the entry-level price went up to $799 – but that got you 512 GB of SSD storage.

Then price increases hit, and a M4 Mac mini with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage was $799 USD. Now a M6 Mac mini with the same amount of RAM and storage is $899 USD. Prices didn't go down. They went up, twice.

What did I miss?

If you are thinking of 24" M4 iMacs – the only Macs in Apple's new lineup that still use the older M4 chips – those have built-in 24" 4.5K Retina screens, and come with Magic Keyboards and Magic Mice.

Mac minis don't come with screens, keyboards, or mice. You must add your own.

Not sure what you are comparing but the M6 Mac mini is more expensive then the previous M4 Mac Mini but the M6 is new and improved if you need added speed.

Probably cheaper to manufacture, etc. Do 🪢 🔭 a 🎁 🐎 in the 😮,