Recent revelations hint at the upcoming evolution of Apple’s Mac computers. The next generation could feature a powerful processor, while also hinting at an innovative design, particularly for the Mac mini. The indications suggest significant changes in size and capabilities. Tech enthusiasts will enjoy the details to come.
Supposedly reliable information has revealed that Apple is working on a major update of its Mac lineup. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these computers will receive the new Apple Silicon M4 chip. Now, according to the analyst, the Cupertino company has also extended this update to the Mac mini. The interesting thing is that the Mac mini’s “box” will be even smaller… it is rumored that it could be the size of an Apple TV.
Mac mini M4
People familiar with the matter told the reporter that the device is “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box.”
According to Gurman, Apple has tested at least three Mac mini models with at least three USB-C ports on the back, an HDMI port, and a power cord. As with the M2 version, Apple also plans to introduce an M4 Pro version of this device.
Rumors say the next Mac mini could be the size of an Apple TV.
Oddly enough, Gurman claims that the base model will start shipping from suppliers this month, ahead of a planned launch later this year. However, the top-of-the-line model won’t be ready until October.
A work computer
The last time the Mac mini underwent a major design change was in 2010, when it became Apple’s most compact desktop computer.
That said, Gurman believes Apple will take a design approach inspired by the Apple TV, with a height of about 1.4 inches. The aluminum casing won’t go away, though it’s possible Apple will announce that this computer is carbon neutral, as it did with the Apple Watch Series 9 last year.
As of now, only the specifications regarding the M4 chip are known. According to Apple, the M4 processor has a new and powerful CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, as well as the latest generation ML generators. It is up to 50% faster than the M2.
With a 10-core GPU, it offers Dynamic Caching and hardware-based ray tracing, with performance 4x faster than the M2 iPad Pro.
The M4 can deliver the same level of performance as the M2 with only half the power. Neural Engine features a 16-core designcapable of performing up to 38 billion operations per second – 60 times faster than Apple’s first Neural Engine.
In addition to the new M4 Mac mini, Apple is expected to introduce the new MacBook Pro and an iMac this year. More Macs are expected to be available in 2025. Below, you can find out when to expect the new M4 Macs.
