Apple Unveils Smaller, Redesigned Mac Mini with M4 and M4 Pro Chips
Apple's new Mac Mini comes with faster chips, compact design, and advanced connectivity.
Apple has officially introduced its redesigned Mac Mini, its first major update to the compact desktop computer in nearly 15 years. Now just 5 inches across, the new Mac Mini is equipped with Apple’s latest M4 and M4 Pro chips, delivering faster performance and increased power in a much smaller form factor, Bloomberg reported on October 29.
Smaller Design with Faster Chips
The new Mac Mini model is less than half the size of its predecessor, standing just 2 inches tall. With a more compact design, it is similar in size to Apple’s TV set-top box, making it an ideal choice for those who need a powerful, compact desktop solution. This smaller Mac Mini is part of Apple’s broader wave of updates featuring the M4 chip generation, a technology upgrade that extends across its latest line of Mac products, including the recently announced iMac.
High Performance with M4 and M4 Pro Chips
Apple’s latest Mac Mini models replace the M2 and M2 Pro chip versions released in early 2023. The base M4 chip configuration includes 10 CPU and 10 GPU cores and is available at a starting price of $599, the same as the previous model. A mid-range M4 option with 512GB of storage is priced at $799.
The M4 Pro edition, starting at $1,399, comes with 12 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, along with 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage. Users can upgrade to a high-end configuration with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, priced at $1,599. The new M4 Pro models also support up to 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage, a first for the Mac Mini series since Apple transitioned to its in-house silicon.
Enhanced Connectivity and New Ports
The latest Mac Mini models include additional connectivity options, mirroring those found on Apple’s higher-end Mac Studio. Each device features two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, along with three Thunderbolt connectors on the back. The M4 models utilize Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro models support Thunderbolt 5, doubling data transfer speeds. Additional ports include HDMI, Ethernet, and a power connector, with the power button now located on the bottom for improved accessibility.
Apple Intelligence and New Accessories
The Mac Mini also supports Apple’s new AI platform, Apple Intelligence, designed to run seamlessly on M4, M4 Pro, and older M1/M2 models. However, the Mac Mini does not come with a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad, so these must be purchased separately. The computer, weighing in at just 1.5 pounds, includes only a power cable in the box.
This week of announcements also introduced new accessories, such as USB-C-compatible keyboards and mice to complement the Mac Mini and other Apple products.
Pricing and Availability
The new Mac Mini is available for preorder now and will reach stores on November 8. Pricing for the base M4 model starts at $599, while the upgraded $799 version includes increased storage. The M4 Pro configurations start at $1,399, with a high-end model priced at $1,599.