Apple is planning to redesign the M4 Mac Mini to make it the smallest Apple desktop computer ever. The goal is to make the Mini about the size of the current Apple TV, with a NUC-sized aluminum shell.
It’s expected to be available starting in October. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On Newsletter at Bloomberg, this will be the first redesign of the MacMini since 2010.
Image Credit – Apple
Two models are planned: one with a standard consumer-grade M4 chip for regular use, and a higher-end model with an M4 Pro chip. The Pro model will have support for more RAM and a more powerful graphics chip.
This update comes after the refresh to the initial in-house developed Apple Silicon M1 design in 2020 and the M2 platform in 2023.
The earlier-than-expected release in 2024 suggests that Apple has streamlined the development process since it no longer has to rely on a third-party development schedule for its processors.
Image Credit – Apple
The M4 Mac Mini, codenamed “J773,” will also be half the current model’s size, making it similar in dimension to the Apple TV.
The current design of the Apple TV is about 3.7 inches across and 1.4 inches high.
Image Credit – Apple
“The power-efficient performance of M4, along with its new display engine, fundamental improvements to the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memory system make M4 extremely well suited for the latest applications leveraging AI,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies.
Image Credit – Apple
The new design has been tested with up to three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a plug for AC power. Sources within Apple say that the M4 Mini will essentially be what Apple calls “an iPad Pro in a box.”
Gurman also mentioned that the Mac Mini will be the cornerstone for the entire M4 line, which will include the development of MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, a Mac Pro, and a Mini-based Mac Studio, all planned for a gradual rollout through the next year.
This mass upgrade to the M4 is the first time Cupertino has planned to upgrade the entire line of Mac computers to a single Apple Silicon generation.
All images by Apple
The M4 design will heavily focus on AI applications, much like the plan for the M4 iPad Pro, which will roll out later this fall, starting in October. There is no clear word on what the price will be, but the current Mac Mini starts at $599.
Therefore, it’s a safe bet to assume that barring a simple press release announcement by September, a new Apple event will be in the making.
Either way, it’s probably safe to assume that one should keep their powder dry on upgrading the Mac Mini until October.
[source: Power On]
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