Apple's Tiny Revolution: M4-Powered Mac Mini Shrinks to Apple TV Size
Apple is set to dramatically redesign its Mac Mini for the first time since 2010, potentially shrinking it down to the size of an Apple TV while packing in its latest M4 chip. This move could redefine what we expect from compact desktop computers.
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| Comparison of the Apple TV 4K and the new Mac Mini, illustrating the significant size reduction |
Key Points:
- New Mac Mini to be powered by M4 and M4 Pro chips
- Significantly smaller form factor, similar to Apple TV
- Expected launch in late 2024
- First major redesign since 2010
A Miniature Powerhouse
According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a radically redesigned Mac Mini. The new model is expected to be dramatically smaller, with a footprint approaching that of the Apple TV 4K. For reference, the current Mac Mini measures 7.75 inches square, while the Apple TV 4K is just 3.66 inches square.
Despite the shrinkage, the new Mac Mini is rumored to be slightly taller than its predecessor. This upward design could help accommodate cooling and components while reducing the overall footprint.
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| Visual comparison of the Apple TV 4K and the Mac Mini, highlighting the anticipated compact design of the new Mac Mini |
M4 Chip: The Heart of the Matter
At the core of this tiny marvel will be Apple's next-generation M4 chip. Two versions are expected:
- A base model with the standard M4 chip
- A higher-end version featuring the M4 Pro
The M4 chip, already present in the latest iPad Pro, is said to offer significant performance improvements over its predecessors. With a 10-core CPU and GPU, it's reported to deliver up to 50% faster CPU performance and 4x faster rendering compared to the M2.
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| Apple's M4 chip, the powerhouse behind the upcoming Mac Mini's performance enhancements |
Ports and Connectivity
Despite its diminutive size, the new Mac Mini is expected to retain essential connectivity options:
- At least three USB-C ports
- One HDMI port
- Power input
It's unclear whether the Ethernet port and headphone jack will survive the redesign.
Pricing and Availability
While the current M2 Mac Mini starts at $599, pricing for the M4 models remains uncertain. The significant redesign and performance boost could lead to a price increase, but Apple may also pass on potential manufacturing savings to consumers.
The new Mac Mini is expected to launch in late 2024, possibly around October or November, alongside other M4-powered Macs.
The Bigger Picture
This Mac Mini redesign is part of a broader strategy by Apple to refresh its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips over the next year. It represents the first time Apple will use the same chip generation across its entire computer range simultaneously.
The move to smaller, more powerful devices aligns with Apple's focus on efficiency and AI capabilities. Developers working on the project have reportedly described the new Mac Mini as an iPad Pro in a small box, highlighting the convergence of Apple's mobile and desktop technologies.
As we await official confirmation from Apple, this rumored Mac Mini redesign promises to shake up the compact desktop market, offering unprecedented power in an incredibly small package.