Apple's Tiniest Mac Mini Yet: M4-Powered and Coming Soon
Apple is set to push the boundaries of compact computing even further with its upcoming Mac Mini, according to recent reports. The tech giant is reportedly working on a redesigned version of its popular desktop computer that could be its smallest offering yet.
Key Points:
- New Mac Mini rumored to be dramatically smaller, possibly approaching the size of an Apple TV box
- Will feature Apple's next-generation M4 chip
- Two versions planned: standard M4 and more powerful M4 Pro
- Release expected later this year, with the Pro version possibly launching in October
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| The small form factor of the upcoming Mac Mini may soon rival that of the Apple TV, shown here alongside a PlayStation 5 and AirPods Max for scale |
A Miniature Powerhouse
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, known for his reliable Apple insider information, reports that the new Mac Mini is approaching the size of an Apple TV set-top box. This would mark a significant reduction from the current model's already compact form factor.
The device is said to be powered by Apple's upcoming M4 chip, marking the first time Apple has used the same generation of silicon across its entire product line. This suggests a potential boost in performance and efficiency compared to the current M2-based models.
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| The new Mac Mini aims for a sleek, compact design, inspired by the aesthetic of previous models like this M2 variant on display |
Two Flavors of M4
According to the report, Apple plans to release two versions of this ultra-compact Mac Mini:
- A standard model with the base M4 chip
- A more powerful variant featuring the yet-to-be-announced M4 Pro
The base model is expected to launch later in the year, while the M4 Pro version could debut in October.
Building on Success
The current M2-powered Mac Mini has received praise for its performance and value, with some reviewers calling it the best desktop under $600. This sets high expectations for the M4 version, especially considering its potentially even more compact design.
Outlook
While a smaller form factor is intriguing, it remains to be seen how this will impact pricing and thermal performance. The Mac Mini's affordability has been a key selling point, and maintaining this balance will be crucial for the success of the new model.
As always with pre-release rumors, it's important to approach this information with some skepticism. However, if these reports prove accurate, Apple could be on the verge of redefining what's possible in the realm of ultra-compact desktop computing.