Apple may give its biggest ever overhaul to Mac mini family. The Cupertino giant is said to be readying a new version of the Mac mini, which will be its smallest desktop computer ever.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman report, this update, will mark the first significant design change since Steve Jobs’ era in 2010, will see the Mac mini shrink to a size comparable to an Apple TV set-top box.
The new Mac mini will be part of a broader refresh of Apple’s Mac lineup, all integrating the AI-focused M4 processors. These chips, also set to power upcoming iMac desktops, MacBook Pros, and potentially MacBook Airs and Mac Pro models, represent a major shift as Apple standardises its chip generation across all its Mac products for the first time. The M4 processors, already featured in the iPad Pro, are designed to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities.
Apple has tested models of the new Mac mini with multiple USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a power cable connection. The new mini will be available in two versions: a base model with the standard M4 chip and a higher-end variant with the M4 Pro chip, offering more memory and graphics power.
Apple will begin updating its Mac lineup with the new M4 chips starting in late 2024 and extending into early 2025. The 24-inch iMac will be upgraded to feature the next-generation M4 chip, expected to enhance AI performance with a potentially improved Neural Engine. The MacBook Pro lineup will also see a refresh, with the entry-level 14-inch model receiving the M4 chip, while the 14-inch and 16-inch high-end models will be equipped with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The Mac mini will be updated to include both M4 and M4 Pro options, aligning with the new MacBook Pro releases.
