Rumors are swirling about Apple’s upcoming Mac mini redesign, and it looks like the tech giant is gearing up to deliver its most compact desktop computer yet.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple insider, the next-generation M4-powered Mac mini is expected to be Apple’s “smallest desktop computer ever.” In fact, The new Mac mini would be close to the size of Apple’s Apple TV set-top box, making it a true pocket computer.
While the current Mac mini measures 1970 x 1970 x 358 mm, the revamped version is expected to have a significantly smaller footprint, although it may be taller than the existing model in order to achieve this more compact form factor.
The M4 chip is said to be behind this design change
The driving force behind the Mac mini’s shrinkage is expected to be the M4 chip, which is said to have lower power requirements than previous versions of the Mac mini. Gurman’s sources even describe the new Mac mini as “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box”hinting at the impressive efficiency and performance capabilities of Apple’s latest silicon.
Beyond its new design, the Mac mini M4 is also expected to be very capable in terms of features and connectivity. Rumor has it that Apple has been testing versions with three USB-C ports on the rearas opposed to the two Thunderbolt 4 ports found on the current M2 model. Additionally, the HDMI port is expected to return, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of displays.
Interestingly, Apple is reportedly developing two separate versions of the M4 Mac mini. The first, powered by the base M4 chip, is expected to be the more widely available and affordable option, production will accelerate from August for a release “during the year”The second version, equipped with the unannounced M4 Pro chip, is expected to arrive a little later, potentially in October.
The question that remains is whether Apple plans to maintain the Mac mini’s attractive price or increase it. The current M2 model starts at a reasonable $699, and since the report suggests the new version could be cheaper to produce, it’s possible that Apple will pass on those savings to consumers. However, the significant design overhaul and potential performance improvements could also justify a slight price increase.
