Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is preparing a new Mac Mini, set to be the smallest desktop computer in its lineup. This upcoming model is part of a broader Mac revamp, featuring the new M4 chip, designed to enhance AI capabilities across Apple devices. The launch is anticipated later this year, marking the first significant design change since 2010.
A New Era for Mac Mini Design
The updated Mac Mini will be significantly smaller than its predecessor, almost reaching the size of an Apple TV set-top box. Sources suggest the new design will still feature an aluminum shell but might be slightly taller than the current model, which is 1.4 inches high. The Apple TV box, by comparison, measures about 3.7 inches across, making the new Mac Mini’s footprint considerably smaller.
Apple has reportedly tested new Mac Mini models with at least three USB-C ports on the back, along with a power cable slot and an HDMI port for connecting to monitors and TVs. These improvements demonstrate Apple’s commitment to keeping the Mac Mini versatile while modernizing its design.
The Power of the M4 Chip
The inclusion of the M4 chip in the new Mac Mini marks a significant step for Apple. Already featured in the iPad Pro, the M4 silicon will power new AI-focused features that Apple plans to introduce later this year. This upgrade signifies the first time Apple has incorporated the same chip generation across its entire Mac lineup, reflecting a unified approach to hardware development.
The current Mac Mini, last updated in early 2023 with the M2 and M2 Pro chips, will now experience a performance leap with the M4 chip. Apple is preparing two versions of the new Mac Mini, both codenamed J773. The base model will utilize the standard M4 chip, similar to the one in the iPad Pro, while a higher-end version will feature a yet-to-be-announced M4 Pro chip. This Pro version is expected to include support for increased memory and improved graphics capabilities, catering to users needing more performance from their desktop machines.
Production and Release Timeline
Apple’s suppliers are preparing to begin shipping units of the standard M4 version of the Mac Mini this month, with a planned release later this year. The higher-end M4 Pro models are scheduled for consumer availability in October. While the new model might be cheaper to produce due to its smaller size and the efficiencies gained from the M4 chip, it remains uncertain whether Apple will pass these savings onto consumers. The current Mac Mini starts at $599, and it’s unclear if the new version will be priced similarly.
Impact on Apple’s Mac Lineup
The Mac Mini is just one piece of Apple’s larger strategy to integrate the M4 chip across its Mac lineup. Over the next few months, the company plans to unveil new versions of the iMac desktop and MacBook Pro, both featuring the M4 chip. Additionally, new MacBook Air models are expected in the spring, and upgraded Mac Pro and Mac Studio models are anticipated by mid-next year.
Apple’s transition to in-house silicon, beginning with the M1 chip in 2020, has played a critical role in boosting Mac sales and accelerating the pace of upgrades. However, Mac demand has slowed since the pandemic-driven surge, as consumers are no longer as urgently equipping home offices. Despite this, the Mac category still generated about $7 billion in revenue last quarter, representing a 2.5% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Conclusion
Apple’s new Mac Mini with the M4 chip is poised to be a game-changer, not just for its compact size but for the advanced AI capabilities it will bring to the desktop market. As Apple continues to refine and expand its Mac lineup, the integration of the M4 chip across all its devices marks a significant step in the company’s technological evolution. Whether consumers will embrace these changes remains to be seen, but the new Mac Mini is certainly a product to watch as its release approaches.