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I have the M1 Mac mini. Perhaps Apple isn't eager to change the design because it is timeless. Smaller and thinner could be the next leap.

One feature I would like to see in a future mini is 3 more USB ports, 1 one each of the 3 sides.
 
It feels like Apple fired their whole design team...wild.

Apple didn't fire them. They quit.

"A key reason for so many departures is that the autonomy the team enjoyed under Ive has been significantly reduced, with Operations reportedly having a bigger say, and greater emphasis on reducing manufacturing costs."

 
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14 years, no redesign, must be a record? It's the only form factor from when Steve Jobs was alive.
The current size is fine. But having seen the original 2005-09 Mini, I'd like if it were that shape, a bit smaller and a bit taller. It's more cute.
 
14 years, no redesign, must be a record? It's the only form factor from when Steve Jobs was alive.
The current size is fine. But having seen the original 2005-09 Mini, I'd like if it were that shape, a bit smaller and a bit taller. It's more cute.

I prefer the current design to the Mac mini G4 design (which was carried on over to the first Intel Macs). However, I do think Apple runs the risk of becoming stagnant. They were the design leader in consumer electronics.

At some point, they have to ask themselves "Are we keeping this design because it's iconic and it works?" or "Are we keeping this design because our design team hasn't had a better idea?"

If it's the latter, they need to ask themselves why?

If you look back at the Power Mac G4, Apple was constantly innovating on that form factor. It had many interactions from the original, to the Quicksilver and the Mirrored Drive Doors. You don't see that from today's Apple.
 
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14 years, no redesign, must be a record? It's the only form factor from when Steve Jobs was alive.
The current size is fine. But having seen the original 2005-09 Mini, I'd like if it were that shape, a bit smaller and a bit taller. It's more cute.

Yeah, I don't want a redesign. This design is fairly perfect and minimal. Not to mention that there's been some redesign predictions that have a power brick; NO THANK YOU, let's keep the built in power supply to keep installations neat.
 
Does it need to be changed though? Sure, it is an old design but it doesn’t look old. Also, do you really need an ultra thin enclosure on a desktop? I feel there are very few scenarios where the current design is too thick and many more where changing would cause issues. For instance, it i s very nice that I (and others) can use the same mount that I have used ever since 2011 for my Mac in case I feel like upgrading. This is just an example. You could easily take a 2010 Server (no superdrive) to someone and pass it off as a modern computer because it still looks new.
 
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Yeah, I don't want a redesign. This design is fairly perfect and minimal. Not to mention that there's been some redesign predictions that have a power brick; NO THANK YOU, let's keep the built in power supply to keep installations neat.
Good point. I am pretty annoyed with the external brick for the M1 iMac. Really reduces its portability, which I thought was meant to be a feature of its light design.
 
Well, I mean, at least show the back of the current Mac mini? :)
This IS the back of the current one? Oh, well then nevermind :D
Here are the backs as posted to Apple.com. the M2 Pro version now has 4 thunderbolt ports!

Mini M2
MiniM2.jpg


Mini M2 Pro
MiniM2Pro.jpg
 
At least add more TB ports. That's the biggest headache with my M1. I have to spend $'s for a hub (and have added clutter) for just that oooone more connection. :(
They put 4 thunderbolt ports (and HDMI 2.1) on the M2 Pro version. Do you want more?
The base M2 version only has two thunderbolt ports as that is all that are available on that chipset.
 
Honestly if it ain't broke don't fix it.

One day I'd love a Mac Mini that was fitted entirely within a keyboard, like the Apple II
While that would be cool, that is probably a different product. Would you want all the cables for those ports connected to your keyboard? One of the benefits of the desktop mini is the expandability/connectivity of all those ports. That is why I don't see much value in any design change that would make the mini smaller at the cost of ports.
 
The problem with the price decrease is that it's for the most basic of systems, - 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. You add an extra 8GB and an extra 256GB and all of a sudden your entry-level system is $1000, which is insanity.

The insanity is they knee-capped the system with 32GB of RAM, down from 64GB on the Intel.
 
I prefer the current design to the Mac mini G4 design (which was carried on over to the first Intel Macs). However, I do think Apple runs the risk of becoming stagnant. They were the design leader in consumer electronics.

At some point, they have to ask themselves "Are we keeping this design because it's iconic and it works?" or "Are we keeping this design because our design team hasn't had a better idea?"

If it's the latter, they need to ask themselves why?

If you look back at the Power Mac G4, Apple was constantly innovating on that form factor. It had many interactions from the original, to the Quicksilver and the Mirrored Drive Doors. You don't see that from today's Apple.
Most of the design work is going into the laptops, Mac Studio, and other products with a higher profile. The Mini is a simple design that is very functional, aesthetically clean, and meets the needs of it's customers.
 
The Apple TV gets pushed around by the cables, it needs a suction cup on the bottom. My fear with a Mac mini redesign is they might get rid of the internal power supply to make it smaller than it needs to be. I like not having a power brick.
Agree. Apple TV could just benefit from being heavier. Who cares about weight with that sort of device?
 
My 2018 seems to freeze when it gets too hot. Putting it on its side seems to fix it. So I would prefer them to fix the thermal problems. That, or I’ll just look at the Studio that seems to have more thought put into keeping it thermally cool.
Well, you are dealing with an older, hotting running Intel CPU. The M1 and M2/M2 Pro SoC's run a lot cooler and shouldn't have freezing issues.
 
14 years, no redesign, must be a record? It's the only form factor from when Steve Jobs was alive.
The current size is fine. But having seen the original 2005-09 Mini, I'd like if it were that shape, a bit smaller and a bit taller. It's more cute.

This might be an unpopular opinion after reading most of the comments, but I would really like a slight redesign, at least with the polycarbonate top plate. If that makes the wireless communications more reliable and also gives it a fresh new look, I would be more than happy.

Also, with the M3 being potentially so, so power efficient thanks to the 3nm process, it would allow a smaller heatsink, a smaller power supply, and overall a smaller, thinner and lighter design.
 
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Finally 240Hz over HDMI on the Pro chip, time for me to upgrade after all these years! Just put in an order for a 4TB Mac Mini with everything else maxed out. Should last me for the next 9 years. 👍🏻
 
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