Apple's iconic Mac Mini is poised for a significant redesign, potentially arriving as early as late 2024. According to recent reports, the next iteration of Apple's compact desktop computer will feature the upcoming M4 chip and could be dramatically smaller than its predecessor.
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| The redesigned Mac Mini, showcasing its sleek and minimalist style |
A Radical Redesign
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests the new Mac Mini may shrink to roughly the size of an Apple TV 4K. This would be a drastic reduction from the current 7.75 x 7.75 x 1.41 inch dimensions to something closer to 3.66 x 3.66 x 1.2 inches. Such a change would make the Mac Mini truly competitive in the growing mini PC market.
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| The Apple TV 4K, a reference point for the anticipated size of the new Mac Mini |
Farewell to USB-A?
In a move that may prove controversial, Apple is rumored to be eliminating USB-A ports entirely from the new Mac Mini. This aligns with Apple's gradual shift towards USB-C across its product lines. However, the higher-end M4 Pro variant is expected to retain a robust port selection, including:
- 5 USB-C ports (2 front, 3 rear)
- Ethernet port
- HDMI port
- Headphone jack
Interestingly, the new design is said to incorporate an internal power supply, potentially eliminating the need for an external power brick.
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| Current Mac Mini ports, highlighting the connectivity changes expected in the redesign |
M4 Chip: The Next Generation
The inclusion of Apple's yet-to-be-announced M4 chip could bring significant performance improvements. While details are scarce, expectations are high following the recent debut of the M3 chip in other Mac models. The M4 is likely to build upon advancements in AI processing, graphics capabilities, and overall efficiency.
Potential Improvements
Tech enthusiasts have a wishlist for the new Mac Mini, including:
- Increased base memory (16GB instead of 8GB)
- Improved multi-display support
- New color options beyond silver and space gray
- Thunderbolt 5 support (though this may be a long shot)
Release Timeline
Current rumors suggest the new Mac Mini could begin arriving in Apple's warehouses as early as September, with the M4 Pro variant following in October. However, an official launch may not occur until late 2024 or early 2025.
While these reports are exciting, it's important to remember that they are still rumors. Apple has not officially confirmed any details about the next-generation Mac Mini. As always, potential buyers should wait for official announcements before making purchasing decisions.