Apple will kick off the Mac’s transition to the M4 chips subsequent month, and one of many headlining updates would be the Mac mini. With an all-new design, two totally different M4 variations, and extra, right here’s every thing we all know to date in regards to the new Mac mini coming quickly.
New Mac mini design
The Mac mini was first launched in 2005 and underwent its first main redesign in 2010, switching to a unibody aluminum enclosure and ditching the optical drive. That very same footprint has been the idea of the Mac mini for the final 14 years, however that may change subsequent month.
In keeping with Bloomberg, Apple is prepping an entirely redesigned Mac mini. The most important change can be a major dimension discount. The brand new Mac mini will reportedly be “far smaller than its predecessor” and have a kind issue just like the Apple TV.
For context, listed here are the present dimensions of the Apple TV 4K:
- Top: 1.2 inches (31 mm)
- Width: 3.66 inches (93 mm)
- Depth: 3.66 inches (93 mm)
In keeping with the report, the M4 Mac mini’s general footprint can be smaller than the present Mac mini, however it may very well be barely taller. Listed here are the present dimensions of the Mac mini:
- Top: 1.41 inches (3.58 cm)
- Width: 7.75 inches (19.70 cm)
- Depth: 7.75 inches (19.70 cm)
With these numbers in thoughts, the M4 Mac mini may very well be round half the general dimension of the present mannequin. That’s a powerful discount in dimension for what’s already Apple’s smallest Mac.
Efficiency
The Mac mini will reportedly be out there in two totally different variations: the M4 chip and the M4 Professional chip. This aligns with the present Mac mini, which is on the market with both the M2 chip or the M2 Professional.
The bottom mannequin M4 chip within the Mac mini can be just like the M4 chip used within the newest iPad Professional, in response to Bloomberg. The M4 Professional model, in the meantime, can be configurable with larger quantities of unified reminiscence and higher graphics efficiency.
We’re nonetheless ready on extra particulars in regards to the precise configurations for the brand new M4 Mac mini variants. For instance, the present M2 Mac mini maxes out at 16GB of RAM whereas the M2 Professional model maxes out at 32GB of unified reminiscence. Whether or not or not the M4 fashions can scale larger than stays to be seen.
Connectivity
The present M2-powered Mac mini options the next connectivity choices:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Two USB-A ports (as much as 5Gb/s)
- HDMI port
- Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
The M2 Professional Mac mini, in the meantime, gives the identical connectivity choices however with 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports as a substitute of two.
Bloomberg has reported that the Mac mini will lastly ditch its USB-A ports with the redesign this 12 months. Not less than one of many new Mac mini fashions will characteristic 5 USB-C ports, with three positioned on the again and two on the entrance for straightforward entry. Aaron Perris additionally found proof in Apple’s backend confirming a brand new Apple Silicon-powered Mac mini with 5 ports.
What stays to be seen is whether or not the M4 model of the Mac mini could have fewer USB-C ports than the M4 Professional model.
Along with the USB-C ports, the brand new Mac mini will characteristic an HDMI port, headphone jack, and ethernet connectivity. The facility provide will even stay inner.
New Mac mini launch date
Apple is predicted to maintain an occasion in October centered on the M4 transition for the Mac. The brand new Macs, together with the brand new Mac mini, will then start transport to shoppers. One report prompt that transport will begin in November, suggesting the occasion can be held towards the tip of October.
What do you consider the Mac mini redesign rumors? Are you contemplating a purchase order? Tell us within the feedback.
Observe Likelihood: Threads, Twitter, Instagram, and Mastodon.
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
