Apple is finally set to release an upgraded version of its Mac mini desktop lineup. The last update was in 2023, with the introduction of the M2 and M2 Pro chips. Now, in 2024, Apple is skipping ahead to the M4 chip for the Mac mini. This upgrade will also come with a new, smaller design that is rumored to be closer in size to an Apple TV box. The new mini is expected to have at least three USB-C ports, along with a power connector and an HDMI port.
This redesign will be the first major change to the Mac mini’s design since the original aluminum unibody version was released in 2010. Despite advancements in technology, the basic design and footprint of the Mac mini have remained the same over the years. Other PC makers have been producing smaller computers for years, but Apple’s design philosophy with the Mac mini has always focused on integration and efficiency.
The new Mac mini will continue to offer a base model with a regular Apple M4 processor, as well as an upgraded model with the M4 Pro chip. This will help bridge the gap between the low-end mini and the more powerful Mac Studio. The pricing of the new Mac mini is still unknown, but there is speculation that the new design may allow for cost savings in production.
According to reports, the new Mac mini models will be available later this year. The M4 Pro models may be announced or released after the standard M4 models. In addition to the Mac mini, Apple is also expected to release new iMac and MacBook Pro models with M4-series chips. The MacBook Air with M4 chips is slated for a spring 2025 release, while updates to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro desktops are expected in the middle of next year.
The M4 chip made its debut in this year’s iPad Pro refresh, marking the first time an M-series processor was introduced in a device other than a Mac. This transition to the M4 chip signifies Apple’s commitment to performance and efficiency across its product lineup. With the new Mac mini upgrade on the horizon, users can expect improved speed, power, and functionality in a more compact and innovative design.
