TL;DR:
- Apple unveils redesigned Mac Mini with M4 chip, featuring a compact 5-inch square design, improved thermal architecture, and enhanced I/O with up to five Thunderbolt ports
- Two models available: base M4 ($599) with Thunderbolt 4 and M4 Pro ($1,399) with Thunderbolt 5, both now including 16GB RAM as standard, configurable up to 32GB (M4) or 64GB (M4 Pro)
- M4 Pro model boasts 14 CPU cores, 20 GPU cores, and storage options up to 8TB, delivering substantial performance gains for demanding tasks
- Mac Mini release coincides with M4 iMac announcement and introduction of Apple Intelligence software capabilities, with upgraded M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros expected later this week
Apple has introduced a significantly redesigned Mac Mini, featuring the latest M4 chip and a remarkably compact form factor. The announcement comes as part of the company’s week-long series of Mac-focused revelations, showcasing Apple’s continued innovation in its desktop lineup.
The new Mac Mini, available for preorder immediately and set to hit stores on November 8th, boasts a dramatic reduction in size. The device now measures just five inches in both length and width, making it substantially smaller than its predecessor. Despite its diminutive stature, Apple assures that the M4’s efficiency and “an innovative thermal architecture” maintain optimal performance.
In terms of connectivity, the Mac Mini offers an impressive array of ports. The front features two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the rear houses Ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. Notably, USB-A ports have been eliminated, but the total number of Thunderbolt ports has increased to five, up from the previous model’s two.
The base model, equipped with the standard M4 chip, starts at $599 and includes Thunderbolt 4 ports. For those seeking higher performance, the M4 Pro variant begins at $1,399 and features the latest Thunderbolt 5 technology. The M4 Pro version boasts 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, offering substantial power for demanding tasks.
Both models now come standard with 16GB of RAM, a notable upgrade that aligns with the requirements of Apple’s new AI-focused features. Memory can be configured up to 32GB for the regular M4 and 64GB for the M4 Pro. Storage options are equally impressive, with configurations available up to a massive 8TB.
Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering stated, “The new Mac Mini represents a leap forward in compact computing, delivering unprecedented power in an incredibly small package.”
The redesigned Mac Mini arrives alongside other significant Apple announcements, including the M4 iMac unveiled on Monday and the introduction of Apple Intelligence software capabilities across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Industry analysts expect Apple to round out the week with the reveal of upgraded MacBook Pros featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
As Apple prepares to report its quarterly earnings on Thursday, the company is poised to highlight its refreshed Mac lineup as a testament to its ongoing commitment to innovation and performance in the personal computing space.
