Apple’s next Mac mini is going to be much smaller, almost like an Apple TV. It will have a sleek aluminum body. It will also have at least three USB-C ports and an HDMI output.
This tiny desktop is perfect for home entertainment and media centers. It’s powered by Apple’s latest M4 chips. This means it’s both powerful and energy-efficient.
Key Takeaways
- The upcoming Mac mini is rumored to shrink to the size of an Apple TV set-top box.
- The new design will feature a compact aluminum casing with multiple USB-C ports and an HDMI output.
- The Mac mini will be powered by Apple’s latest M4 series of chips, offering a significant performance boost.
- The compact form factor and energy-efficient design make the new Mac mini an ideal choice for home entertainment and media center setups.
- This redesign represents the first major update to the Mac mini since 2010, signaling a new era for Apple’s compact desktop computer.
Apple’s Smallest Mac Gets a Major Redesign
The next-generation Mac mini is getting a big makeover. It will be Apple’s smallest desktop computer yet. It’s rumored to be as small as an Apple TV, just a bit taller than the current 1.4-inch model.
At its core, the compact desktop will have Apple’s latest chip, the M4. There will be two versions: a standard model with the M4 chip and a “Pro” version with the M4 Pro chip.
Aluminum Casing with USB-C Ports and HDMI Output
The new Mac mini will keep its classic aluminum casing. But, Apple is testing new ports, like three USB-C connections and an HDMI output.
This space-saving design makes it perfect for a home theater PC or media center. With HDMI, it’s easy to connect it to your Plex or other systems.
“Developers working on the new Mac mini referred to it as ‘an iPad Pro in a small box.'”
The next-generation Mac mini is set to be a powerful compact desktop. It will appeal to both casual users and professional creators.
The next Mac mini might be nearly as small as an Apple TV
Rumors suggest Apple’s next compact desktop Mac mini will be much smaller. It might be almost as tiny as an Apple TV set-top box. This change would make the Mac mini perfect for tight spaces, like home entertainment setups or small work areas.
The current Mac mini, from 2020, is already small, measuring 7.7 inches wide and 1.4 inches tall. But the new one could be even smaller, maybe less than four inches across, like the Apple TV.
Apple’s chip technology advancements make this miniaturization possible. The new Mac mini will likely use the M4 processor. It’s expected to offer better performance in a tiny package.
“The new Mac mini will come in two versions, a basic configuration, and a higher-end ‘Pro’ model with more memory.”
The updated Mac mini will have a sleek aluminum body and fewer ports, like USB-C and HDMI. This design highlights its space-saving and versatile nature. It will appeal to those wanting a strong yet unobtrusive desktop, fitting well in various settings.
The Mac mini hasn’t seen a major update since 2010. The rumored redesign is a long time coming. It promises to usher the Mac mini into a new era of portable computing. As Apple’s smallest Mac, the next Mac mini could set new standards for compact desktops, offering a space-saving and powerful option, similar to an Apple TV size device.
Powered by the M4 Chip for Enhanced Performance
The new Mac mini is getting a big upgrade thanks to the M4 chip. This chip is Apple’s latest innovation. It’s going to make the Mac mini even better for both home and office use.
M4 Processor Upgrade for Desktops and Laptops
The M4 chip is making waves in the tech world. It’s known for being powerful and efficient. It will soon be in all Apple desktops and laptops, like the MacBook Pro and maybe the iMac M4.
Reports say the M4 Mac mini will be much faster than before. It might even match the speed of bigger desktops. This makes it perfect for many tasks, from simple work to complex projects.
| Feature | Current M2 Mac Mini | Rumored M4 Mac Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M2 chip | Apple M4 chip |
| Performance | Praised as the “best PC you can buy” | Rumored to offer enhanced performance levels |
| Release Date | 2022 | October 2024 (rumored) |
| Pricing | Starting at $699 | Expected to be more affordable |
| Size | Compact desktop | Rumored to be Apple’s “smallest computer ever” |
| Ports | 4 ports | Rumored to have 5 ports |
| Configurations | M2 and M2 Pro | Rumored to offer M4 and M4 Pro versions |
With the M4 chip, Apple is set to lead in desktop and laptop markets. It promises a strong and compact computing experience. This experience will fit perfectly with the Apple ecosystem.
Two Configurations: Standard and Pro Models
Apple’s latest Mac mini lineup will have two main options: a standard model and a pro model. This lets users pick the Mac mini that fits their needs and performance needs best.
The standard Mac mini will likely use the M4 chip. It offers a good mix of size and performance. It’s perfect for general users, home media centers, and those who need it for light tasks. On the other hand, the pro model is for power users, creative pros, and those who need more computing power.
| Specification | Standard Model | Pro Model |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | M4 chip | M4 Pro chip |
| Memory | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Ports | 5 Thunderbolt 4 ports | 6 Thunderbolt 4 ports |
| Display Support | Up to 2 displays | Up to 3 displays |
| Price | Starting at $599 | Starting at $1,299 |
Apple offers two performance levels to meet different user needs. From casual home media fans to professional creatives, there’s a Mac mini for everyone. This way, customers can choose the Mac mini that matches their specific needs and workloads.
A Compact Powerhouse for Home Entertainment
The new Mac mini is small but packs a big punch. It has a powerful M4 chip and lots of ways to connect to devices. This makes it perfect for home entertainment and media centers. It fits well in any setup and doesn’t take up much space.
Ideal for Plex Lovers and Media Centers
The Mac mini is great for those who love home entertainment and media centers. Plex users will find it especially useful. It makes streaming and managing media easy, turning the Mac mini into a central hub for entertainment.
Its small size is perfect for media centers where space is limited. The M4 chip ensures smooth playback of all kinds of media. This meets the needs of those who love home entertainment.
“The new Mac mini is a game-changer for anyone looking to build a compact, high-performance home entertainment system. Its impressive capabilities and tiny form factor make it an ideal choice for Plex enthusiasts and media center aficionados alike.”
If you’re into Plex or just want a powerful, space-saving solution, the Mac mini is for you. It offers a great experience for today’s media lovers.
Redesign Overdue: First Major Update Since 2010
The Mac mini has been in dire need of a redesign for over a decade. The last major update was in 2010. This left it severely outdated for today’s computing needs. The upcoming M4 Mac mini aims to fix this, bringing a much-needed overhaul to the compact desktop world.
The new M4 Mac mini is expected to be about half the size of its predecessor. It will be similar in size to an Apple TV set-top box. This size reduction is thanks to new chip technology and design improvements. It will appeal to those looking for a small yet powerful desktop.
The M4 Mac mini will be powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip. This chip promises 2x faster performance than the M2 model. It has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. With more RAM and storage, the Mac mini will become a powerful tool for various tasks.
The redesigned M4 Mac mini will also have better connectivity options. It will have at least three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. These options will meet the diverse needs of users, from fast internet to external storage.
The long-awaited redesign of the Mac mini shows Apple’s dedication to innovation. After 14 years without a major update, the M4 Mac mini is set to modernize the compact desktop. It will meet the changing needs and preferences of today’s users.
Pricing and Availability
Apple is getting ready to launch the Mac mini with the M4 chip. People are curious about the price and when they can buy it. The cost for the basic M4 Mac mini might start at $599, similar to the M2 model.
The “Pro” version of the Mac mini M4 might cost a bit more. This is because it has more features and better specs. We can expect to see the new Mac mini in late 2024. It might come out with other Apple devices that use the M4 chip.
Expected Launch in Late 2024
The M4 Mac mini is set to arrive in late 2024. It promises better performance and a smaller size. It could even be as small as the Apple TV box.
The release date fits Apple’s usual pattern. The last Mac mini update was in January 2023. Fans should watch for Apple’s announcements in the second half of 2024 for the exact date and details.
| Feature | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Pricing |
|
| Launch Timeframe | Late 2024, potentially alongside other M4-powered Apple devices |
| Design Changes | Significantly downsized, potentially around the size of an Apple TV set-top box |
| Port Configuration | Speculation of up to five ports, with two on the front and three on the back |
| Processor Options | Potential for both standard M4 and higher-end M4 Pro versions |
Conclusion
The Mac mini is getting a big change. It will be smaller, like the Apple TV box, and will use the M4 chip. This makes it a great choice for those who want a small but powerful computer.
It will have lots of ways to connect devices, like USB-C ports and HDMI. This makes it easy to use for watching movies and playing games. Apple is making big changes to make the Mac mini better for everyone.
The new Mac mini will be perfect for those who love watching movies and playing games at home. It shows Apple’s commitment to making great computers. They want to meet the needs of all users, big or small.
