The Mac mini, perhaps the most overlooked product in Apple's portfolio, is set for a significant redesign. This new model will be the first update since 2023 when Apple discontinued the Intel-powered versions and introduced models with M2 and M2 Pro processors. Now, Apple seems poised to skip the M3 generation entirely, moving directly to the M4 series for the Mac mini, including an M4 Pro variant. This upcoming release promises to be a dramatically different machine, with a design overhaul that will reduce its size to nearly that of an Apple TV set-top box.
The last time the Mac mini saw a design change was in 2018, introduced alongside the redesigned iPad Pro and MacBook Air models. Ironically, both of those devices have been updated more recently, with the iPad receiving its much-anticipated redesign earlier this year. The forthcoming Mac mini will be the first to feature a new design since the original aluminum unibody model debuted in June 2010—a model that even included a now-obsolete SuperDrive DVD burner.
This new iteration of the Mac mini is expected to include up to three USB Type-C ports, a power connector, and an HDMI port for display connectivity. However, the reduced size may come with trade-offs, such as the likely removal of the Ethernet port, as Apple continues to push towards a wireless future.
In its current form, the Mac mini has maintained a similar footprint since 2010, even as other compact PCs, like Intel's now-discontinued NUC, have become smaller. Many competing devices achieve their smaller size by using external power supplies. However, the Mac mini has always housed its power supply internally, a design choice that is expected to continue with the new model, thanks to the lower power requirements of ARM-based Apple Silicon.
Apple's focus on miniaturization will likely make the new Mac mini an appealing option for those looking for a compact yet powerful desktop computer. This redesign will help bridge the gap between the iMac and the Mac Studio, appealing to users who need more than what an iMac offers but do not require the full capabilities of a Mac Studio.
Apple's Mac sales saw a significant increase in the last quarter, with revenues up by $200 million year-on-year, rising from $6.8 billion to $7 billion. The Mac mini, being the most affordable Mac in the lineup, could play a crucial role in driving these revenues further, especially with the anticipated boost from the new M4-powered models. It also flows in on Apple's doubling down on generative AI as the new M4 processor already has an NPU that supports up to 38 trillion operations per second, and the M4 Pro models are likely to be even faster for Apple Intelligence which many believe could be offered as a subscription service which is Apple's second highest source of revenue growing to $24.2 billion up from $21.1 billion last year.
The redesigned Mac mini is expected to launch later this year, coinciding with the release of new MacBook Pro models featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets. M4-powered MacBook Air models are anticipated to follow in 2025, with updates to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro lines expected next year.
The M4 chipset made its debut earlier this year with the newly designed iPad Pro, marking a rapid progression from the M3 series, which was introduced at the "Scary Fast" event in October 2023. Apple's decision to expedite the M4's release underscores its commitment to maintaining a leading edge in performance and innovation across its product lineup.
_20241105050347_original_image_18.webp)
 (1)_20241105032513_original_image_28.webp)