According to Apple, Mac mini and iMac (2024) can be powered by USB-C?

[wmy5]

In the spec page of Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter, Mac mini (2024) and iMac (24‑inch, M4, 2024) are listed as compatible devices:

96W USB-C Power Adapter

The 96W USB-C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go. While this power adapter is compatible with any USB-C–enabled device, Apple recommends pairing it with your 16-inch MacBook Pro for optimal charging performance.

www.apple.com

Not sure whether this is a mistake.

 

[Robotronic]

That is interesting, and would open up some cool possibilities, especially for the mini, but I think it might be a mistake. The spec pages for both the 70W and 140W adapters show the same compatibility, while the 20W, 30W, and 35W do not. However, the tech specs for the iMac state that it includes a 143W power adapter, so maybe the 140W would be sufficient, but the 70W and 96W certainly would not.

 

[Macalway]

But why? It's got a supply built-in. You would need a wall wart 1/4 the size of the Mini, compared to nothing (oh yes, sorry the cable. Those USB cables are cool

I mean, it's doesn't even fall into the 'options are good' category. LOL . I would be happy if you could power it with a really small adapter, or a MacBook, but no of course.

 

[Fishrrman]

Sounds like a waste of a USBc port to power it that way...

 

[tskwara]

Connecting a Mac mini to an external XDR or Studio display using a single Thunderbolt cable for power and video would be a very clean setup.

Another interesting scenario could be powering the Mac mini with a power bank, both in your backpack, and using an 13" iPad Pro with Mac Virtual Display (or Apple Vision Pro with Mac Virtual Display).

 

[Macalway]

So you would power the Mini with your monitor? There's going to be a cable regardless.

But without a built in battery, these types of portable hacks can work fine, but can be messy. A laptop would be so much better.

 

[CVC]

Not any more apparently. It's been taken off the 96 watt and 140 watt pages

 

[xraydoc]

Sounds like a waste of a USBc port to power it that way...

It would have been interesting to be able to power the Mac mini from a display like the Studio Display.
As it is, my Studio Display powers my 14" M3 Max MBP, which spends its days pretending to be a Mac mini (since it rarely leaves the desk).

 

[rcpettengill]

Could be very useful to power then Mini M4 from a USB C power bank. With an iPad and keyboard as a display this could be a powerful portable kit.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Looks like a mistake on the page, since corrected.

I'll test it with my M4 mini when I get a chance; there's a 140w charger right next to it. I'd be highly surprised if it reacts at all.

 

[mattopotamus]

Connecting a Mac mini to an external XDR or Studio display using a single Thunderbolt cable for power and video would be a very clean setup.

Another interesting scenario could be powering the Mac mini with a power bank, both in your backpack, and using an 13" iPad Pro with Mac Virtual Display (or Apple Vision Pro with Mac Virtual Display).

It would be a great set up, but do any monitors actually do more than 90w power?