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Forward-looking: The Mac mini is getting a new look, according to insiders working on the project. Namely, it will be smaller and feature Apple's M4 silicon. These two changes represent significant steps in Apple's strategy to enhance its desktop and laptop offerings with more compact designs and advanced AI capabilities.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, citing inside sources, has revealed an upcoming development from Cupertino: the Mac mini is set for its first significant design overhaul since 2010, transforming it into Apple's smallest desktop computer to date. This new model will approach the dimensions of an Apple TV set-top box, although it may be slightly taller than the current version, which stands at 1.4 inches.
Insiders involved in the Mac mini's development have likened its design to that of an iPad Pro encased in an aluminum shell that capitalizes on the lower power requirements of Apple's proprietary silicon. While the existing Mac mini starts at $599, it remains uncertain whether the potentially reduced production costs of the new model will result in savings for consumers.
Apple has tested models featuring at least three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a power cable area, although details about an Ethernet port have not been disclosed.
The new Mac mini will be available in two versions: one equipped with the base M4 chip and one featuring the higher-end M4 Pro chip, both codenamed J773. The base model is expected to launch later this year, while the M4 Pro model is anticipated in October.
In fact, Apple plans to integrate the M4 chip across all Mac models over the next year, marking the first time the same chip generation will be used throughout the entire Mac lineup. These plans include updates for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
The M4 silicon, already featured in the iPad Pro, is designed to support the new artificial intelligence capabilities that Apple plans to introduce later this year. Featuring a 10-core CPU and GPU, the M4 chip boosts CPU performance by 50% and quadruples rendering speeds compared to the M2 chip.
While a version with a 9-core CPU exists, it is expected to be reserved for the iPad Pro and a future MacBook Air, rather than the Mac mini. Regardless, the M4 will significantly boost processing power, enabling the Mac mini to handle more demanding tasks and enhance overall efficiency.
The MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini are expected to launch in fall 2024, followed by the MacBook Air in spring 2025, and the Mac Studio and Mac Pro in mid-2025.
The Mac mini last received an update in early 2023, which included the M2 and M2 Pro chips. Previously, in November 2020, it was among the first Macs to feature Apple's M1 chip as part of the initial rollout of Apple silicon.
For those unfamiliar with Gurman's expertise in reporting on Apple products, he has a proven track record of breaking significant stories on the company. Fun fact: he reported on the iPhone 4S and the launch of Siri while still in high school, demonstrating his early talent for uncovering major technological developments.