Ahead-looking: The Mac mini is getting a brand new look, in accordance with insiders engaged on the venture. Specifically, it will likely be smaller and have Apple’s M4 silicon. These two adjustments signify important steps in Apple’s technique to reinforce its desktop and laptop computer choices with extra compact designs and superior AI capabilities.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, citing inside sources, has revealed an upcoming development from Cupertino: the Mac mini is about for its first important design overhaul since 2010, reworking it into Apple’s smallest desktop laptop thus far. This new mannequin will strategy the scale of an Apple TV set-top field, though it might be barely taller than the present model, which stands at 1.4 inches.
Insiders concerned within the Mac mini’s growth have likened its design to that of an iPad Professional encased in an aluminum shell that capitalizes on the decrease energy necessities of Apple’s proprietary silicon. Whereas the present Mac mini begins at $599, it stays unsure whether or not the possibly lowered manufacturing prices of the brand new mannequin will end in financial savings for shoppers.
Apple has examined fashions that includes no less than three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an influence cable space, though particulars about an Ethernet port haven’t been disclosed.
The brand new Mac mini will probably be accessible in two variations: one outfitted with the bottom M4 chip and one that includes the higher-end M4 Professional chip, each codenamed J773. The bottom mannequin is anticipated to launch later this yr, whereas the M4 Professional mannequin is anticipated in October.
In actual fact, Apple plans to integrate the M4 chip throughout all Mac fashions over the following yr, marking the primary time the identical chip era will probably be used all through the complete Mac lineup. These plans embrace updates for the MacBook Air, MacBook Professional, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Professional.
The M4 silicon, already featured within the iPad Professional, is designed to help the brand new synthetic intelligence capabilities that Apple plans to introduce later this yr. That includes a 10-core CPU and GPU, the M4 chip boosts CPU efficiency by 50% and quadruples rendering speeds in comparison with the M2 chip.
Whereas a model with a 9-core CPU exists, it’s anticipated to be reserved for the iPad Professional and a future MacBook Air, reasonably than the Mac mini. Regardless, the M4 will considerably increase processing energy, enabling the Mac mini to deal with extra demanding duties and improve general effectivity.
The MacBook Professional, iMac, and Mac mini are anticipated to launch in fall 2024, adopted by the MacBook Air in spring 2025, and the Mac Studio and Mac Professional in mid-2025.
The Mac mini final obtained an replace in early 2023, which included the M2 and M2 Professional chips. Beforehand, in November 2020, it was among the many first Macs to characteristic Apple’s M1 chip as a part of the preliminary rollout of Apple silicon.
For these unfamiliar with Gurman’s experience in reporting on Apple merchandise, he has a confirmed observe report of breaking important tales on the corporate. Enjoyable reality: he reported on the iPhone 4S and the launch of Siri whereas nonetheless in high school, demonstrating his early expertise for uncovering main technological developments.
