Mac mini M4
Foundry
Release date: Apple is reportedly releasing the Mac mini M4 this fall. It will replace the Mac mini M2, which was released in January 2023. And the Mac mini M1 was released in November 2020. Apple could use this opportunity to establish a fall release cycle for the Mac mini, but given the product’s history, the company doesn’t seem to believe that a regular release cycle is necessary for this product.
Design:The Mac mini will undergo a radical change, according to Gurman. It will be even smaller, with a footprint the size of the Apple TV. That would make the Mac mini a competitor to the Raspberry Pi, a small PC often used in special configurations.
Chip:Apple currently offers the Mac mini with either a base M-series or Pro chip, and that trend will continue with the new design. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Mac mini with a base M4 chip will ship “immediately,” while the M4 Pro model won’t be available until late October.
Features:The smaller design could mean the Mac mini doesn’t offer some of the ports the current Mac mini does. Gurman said Apple has tested three models with at least three USB-C ports, a power connector, and an HDMI port. And while Gurman didn’t say, the USB-C ports are likely Thunderbolt ports as well.
The current M2 Mac mini has a Gigabit Ethernet port, USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The latest rumors don’t say whether the lineup will change. While the Ethernet and audio jack are likely to remain, it’s possible that Apple will ditch the USB-A ports. Wi-Fi 7 support is also possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official in early January.
Discover the latest features on the Mac mini M4.