- The new Mac Mini will be Apple's smallest desktop yet, with a major redesign that brings it close to the size of an Apple TV.
- Equipped with the powerful M4 chip, the Mac Mini will support advanced AI features and enhance overall performance.
- Apple will offer a base model with the M4 chip and a higher-end version with the M4 Pro chip, catering to different performance needs.
Apple is preparing to expand its desktop lineup with the new Apple Mac mini M4, as the name suggests, the rumored Mac mini will feature the upcoming M4 chipset.
This upcoming release is expected to be Apple’s smallest desktop computer yet, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI-focused chips into its products.
The new Mac mini will be the first major redesign since Steve Jobs overhauled the product line in 2010. Bloomberg reports that the new model will be substantially smaller than its predecessors, with a form factor close to that of an Apple TV set-top box.
Apple Mac Mini M4: The smallest desktop with the strongest chipset
One of many Mac lineup updates that will make a difference in the coming months. Besides that, the new versions of the iMac desktop and MacBook Pro with the M4 chip, reportedly ready to hit the shelves towards the end of this year.
Furthermore, the new MacBook Airs‘ are in development for spring and Mac Pro and Mac Studio versions expected for mid-2025.
The upcoming release of the M4 processor across the entire Mac line marks a significant achievement for Apple. This is the first time Apple will equip all its Macs with the same chip generation.
The M4 silicon, already featured in the iPad Pro, is designed to support cutting-edge artificial intelligence features that Apple plans to introduce later this year.
Despite the new Mac mini’s reduced size, it may be slightly taller than the current model, which stands at about 1.4-inch. The updated design will maintain its signature aluminum shell, a staple of Apple’s sleek aesthetic.
Enhanced connectivity and features
The new Mac mini will include at least three USB-C ports on the back, along with an HDMI port for connecting to TVs and monitors, and a dedicated area for the power cable. These features highlight Apple’s commitment to providing versatile connectivity options for its users.
A Mac mini powerhouse
Insiders involved in the development describe the new Mac mini as essentially an iPad Pro encased in a compact box, thanks to the lower power requirements of Apple’s in-house silicon. While the current Mac mini starts at $599, it remains uncertain if Apple will pass any cost savings from the new design onto consumers.
Two versions: Base and Pro
Apple is preparing two versions of the new Mac mini, both code-named J773. The base version will feature the standard M4 chip configuration, akin to the iPad Pro’s component. In contrast, the higher-end version will boast the unannounced M4 Pro chip, which promises additional memory support and enhanced graphics capabilities.
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Production and release timeline
Apple’s chip manufacturer is gearing up to ship units of the standard M4 Mac mini this month, with a consumer release expected later this year. The higher-end M4 Pro version is anticipated to be available to consumers in October. This marks the first major update since early 2023 when the Mac mini was equipped with the M2 and M2 Pro chips.
Apple’s transition to in-house processors has been a game-changer, boosting sales and accelerating upgrade cycles. Despite a recent slowdown in Mac demand post-pandemic, the category generated approximately $7 billion in revenue last quarter, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
With the introduction of the new M4-powered Mac mini, Apple continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in desktop computing.
