Apple to Debut Low-Cost MacBook Air With Retina Display, Revamped Pro-Focused Mac Mini in 2018

[Mainsail]

Agreed. I mean, they can't screw up the keyboard on it and #donglelife isn't really a big deal on a desktop machine. We already know it will be sealed, RAM will likely be soldered in (sucks but every Mac is practically a sealed unit now except the RAM door they deigned to give us on the iMac 5K).

Provided they update the processor, I/O and graphics, I can't see how they could truly screw this up unless they price it insanely high or whatever.

I agree with your agreement . How difficult is it to offer 8 GB RAM standard, update the processor, and maybe upgrade a port or two? How could Apple screw that up? I think there is a growing market for the entry level Mac Mini ($500-600) because people just don’t need a high powered computer at home. Many people have their mobile devices (phone and tablet) that satisfie 90% of their personal computing needs.

It used to be everyone in the house had to have a computer just to pickup email and browse the web. Now, my wife and I can share a desktop computer for the occasional heavy lift, since our iPads are more than capable for routine computing activities. We already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse from our old desktop set-up and an updated Mac Mini would be a cost effective way to keep us fully in the Apple ecosystem. This fits into Apple’s grand scheme of making Services a larger portion of Apple’s profits. I really see a market for an entry level Mac Mini.

 

[dirtylilhobo]

It’s about time we heard some substantial news about a new Mini.! I look forward to a much improved and robust Mini machine..

 

[jeremiah256]

I agree with your agreement . How difficult is it to offer 8 GB RAM standard, update the processor, and maybe upgrade a port or two? How could Apple screw that up? I think there is a growing market for the entry level Mac Mini ($500-600) because people just don’t need a high powered computer at home. Many people have their mobile devices (phone and tablet) that satisfie 90% of their personal computing needs.

It used to be everyone in the house had to have a computer just to pickup email and browse the web. Now, my wife and I can share a desktop computer for the occasional heavy lift, since our iPads are more than capable for routine computing activities. We already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse from our old desktop set-up and an updated Mac Mini would be a cost effective way to keep us fully in the Apple ecosystem. This fits into Apple’s grand scheme of making Services a larger portion of Apple’s profits. I really see a market for an entry level Mac Mini.

Reading over your post, it got me thinking, and from a cold business point of view, you just listed reasons why consumer level desktop computing is dying: most communication (including texts and social media) is now done via a smartphone. I'd guess it's the same with web browsing. And how many mobile apps (like FaceBook, Twitter, HipMunk, Instagram, etc.) have replaced direct web browsing? If need be, tablets, like the Amazon Fire HD, can do even more heavy lifting and are cheap. Laptops are powerful enough to do 99% of whatever is left the average John Smith needs, plus they are portable and can be connected to an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor as a more than adequate desktop substitute in most cases.

As the family geek, I'd guess I haven't recommended a desktop to family or friends in about a decade. Other than fellow geeks, I haven't been in a home in the last few years where someone had a desktop other than an iMac. It's all laptops and tablets.

Although I'm glad Apple is updating the Mac Mini, I can understand why they don't see a bright future in the tower/mini-tower form factor with regard to average consumers. It seems good business sense to focus on semi-professional users. For example, the stereotypical up-and-coming wedding photographer, learning their trade with limited funds, who wants to keep a workstation, physically connected to all their other tools, just for business use. But, that means it also makes good business sense to provide a more premium product.

 

[sidewinder3000]

MR reports Apple news. It’s not their fault Apple doesn’t care about the Mac anymore and lives and dies with iPhone sales lol.

How is it possible to misunderstand such a simple couple of sentences? The guy isn’t dissing Mac Rumors. He’s celebrating the fact that Apple appears to be giving the Mac some much needed love.
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Maybe the "Mac Mini Pro Maxi"?

Thanks for posting! One of the rare Apple parodies that’s really funny. Of course it’s Conan.

 

[TheTruth101]

All I know is that in Apple history... every first generation of anything is literally beta testing, you need to get the second revision.

 

[GaryMumford]

By "pro" they mean it will be speed bumped and come in black.

 

[PickUrPoison]

I expect a $999 model that has a soldered on 256gb SSD, 8gb soldered on ram, and 2 or 3 USB-C ports. Available in space gray, silver, and gold. Probably the same CPU as the current MacBook has in the lowest end model.

RAM could be LPDDR3 like the current model which must be soldered, or it could be socketed DDR4 like the iMac 1080p (which used to use soldered LPDDR3 but changed to socketed DDR4 last year). I expect socketed but we’ll soon see.

I don’t see any reason to delete all the older ports. The iMacs haven’t done so; there’s no space limitations like the laptops have.

re: CPU, the current mini uses 15W like those in the 13” nTB MBP and 28W like the ones in the 13” TB. I think they’ll use 28W Coffee Lake across the board, like the new 13” MBP. There’s one dual-core and three quad-cores in Intel’s lineup, and all use the same socket.

They could get tricky and use cTDP-down at 20W for the dual core to create 2 SKUs, or even just for a single entry level SKU to keep the dual core (3.0/3.6 at 28W) from outperforming the quad-cores (2.3/3.8, 2.6/4.2 and 2.7/4.5) for some
workloads. That would be preferable, for consumers and for Apple, to using a 15W dual-core.

 

[aaronhead14]

Love this idea for a Mac Mini. Still isn't a Mac Pro though!

 

[alphaod]

A Mac mini that won't be mini anymore? You mean to tell me the next Mac mini will be a rebranded 2013 Mac Pro?!

 

[CmdrLaForge]

I hope that I can upgrade the HDD myself on that new mini. If so I probably get one. If not I see myself outpricied right from the start.

 

[AZ63]

It's time for Apple to get its product lines straightened out.
iPad and iPad Pro
iMac and iMac Pro
MacBook and MacBook Pro
Mac and Mac Pro
And we know the iPhone X is the Pro line of the phones.
The products have strayed away from their roots. Not always a bad thing but with the lack of updates the products are stale and disjointed.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

All I know is that in Apple history... every first generation of anything is literally beta testing, you need to get the second revision.

So you wait another 4 years.

 

[opeter]

I believe it when I see it. And also, if the entry version will start at 1000+ EUR, than, goodbye Apple.

 

[Peperino]

And next quarter, after they come up with a crappy Macbook air and Mac mini, they are going to say that they sold so many, that was a complete success....

If Apple does not sell a lot of computers after more than 4 years of not upgrading, then that speaks for itself how badly Apple is designing their new computers.

For example... the new Macbook Pro line 2016-2018 IMHO is a failure. Overpriced and underdeliver.

I hope they do not do the same thing with the Mac mini and Mac pro.
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So you wait another 4 years.

Exactly, the way Apple has been upgrading you need to wait another 4 years for a second generation...

 

[2499723]

Surely if it's anything like a Mac mini, it won't include a keyboard, so you can choose your own. Like one of the Matias models.

Yeah, the Matias keyboards are great. I’ve got one I use between my PC and Mac with a USB switcher and single monitor. It really works for me and it’s part of the reason I prefer a Mini to an iMac, because I don’t need to take up unnecessary desk space and switch between two primary monitors.

Might retire the Hack Mini if a decent genuine article comes out. I’ve been stuck on Sierra, because I can’t be bothered with the soul-destroying updates. There’s always something a little “off” after an update. Usually with sound or USB drivers. I wouldn’t have had to deal with any of this if Apple had simply released a decent Mini after 2012! So, here’s hoping.

 

[Dave245]

If you watch the video in the Bloomberg/Mark Gurman article (linked below) Gurman refers to it as the "MacBook" he also states that it will replace the MacBook Air. So it looks like Apple will announce a new 13" MacBook that will join the MacBook family and discontinue the Air.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...plan-revamped-low-cost-macs-to-reignite-sales

 

[McFreggle]

I had this crazy theory that what Apple meant by modular for the Mac Pro was starting off with a Mac Mini-like base. I wonder if this is what that is or something else entirely. Basically you would have a base "box" which is the processor, RAM, and logic board. It would have Intel integrated graphics and an small SSD blade so it could run on it's own. Then you can stack components on top of this: GPU(s), SSDs, HDDs, capture cards and similar components for both video/audio production. It could all connect with a series of Thunderbolt 4 connectors (perhaps a variant that allows the components to stack together like lego bricks. The thing I'm not sure about is how the power supply would work, such as needing a larger one with multiple GPUs. I'm also not sure about whether Thunderbolt 4 would be fast enough for professional, highest-end GPU work. Isn't it supposed to be around 100Gbps? Perhaps the reason it has taken this long is they've been working with Intel on that standard (or building their own?).

It could start with a six core processor and 256GB or maybe 512GB SSD and you built it up from there. Starting at $1499. Add on bits as you like. I'm also not sure if they would allow CPU upgrades. Surely a modular machine would have a RAM access door.

Exactly my theory as well!

For the longest time, Apple has been doing mysteriously about the fate of the Mac mini, but they made clear it is of importance to them. And they also told us they were working on a modular Mac Pro. So yes, me too am thinking this Mac mini will be the base of the new Mac Pro. That would be so cool. A stack of Mac-components.

 

[Vjosullivan]

So you wait another 4 years.

And buy an Android to tide you over, then forget what it was you were waiting for.

 

[pipis2010]

Hate to break it to you lads (& ladies) but the timing of this rumor is wrong. There's no way a new Mac(Midi) will drop before the eagerly anticipated next modular MacPro. Phil would quit Apple before he'd let any new Mac take the thunder away from the mMP debut. No marketing manager would let it happen either.
The MacMini is gunna have to wait for the mMP. Yes- that means late 2019 folks.

Hmmm no it won’t actually. One can debate that the high-end MacPro will not be overshadowed by whatever new Mini they release - the new Pro will still be the star of the show in the end, that’s why they will release it in 2019. That’s MY opinion at least...

Mac’s roadmap has already been scheduled I am guessing, 1-2 years beforehand, heck, probably upon the release of the previous trash can Pro.... what changes though, is Intel/AMD and their cpu/gpu release schedules and cycles, since Apple is dependant upon them...

 

[BvizioN]

I’m doubting we will see new IPad Pros in Sept/Oct.

With all the iPhone part leaks right on cue, and a new watch I doubt Apple will release another device so close.

I hope I’m wrong cause I’m ready to upgrade!

I think you are right.
As a matter of fact, I don't think there will be any new iPads this year. It makes more sense for them to show that new iPad radical design on a March 2019 event, 10 years iPad anniversary and call it iPad Pro X. I want new iPad Pro on September, but if I feel that it will get pushed to next year then I will purchase the current latest one

 

[Perivoye]

Guys, but this rumour somehow doesn't make sense...
Why and how would apple make a low cost macbook air with a retina screen when they already have a macbook 12 inch...
then you have the 13 inch pro without the touch-bar which is practically the new macbook air...

the only way i see space for introducing a new product would be a 13 inch macbook with low power intel cpu like in the macbook air. the current core i7 Y version of the intel cpu in the macbook 12 is super fast, i have used a machine with 16gb's and it's super fast. however the screen is to small for prolonged hours of work and that's where a 13 inch may be beneficial, no fans, even better heat control because of the slightly larger body but still thin and light...and that's a machine i would love to own...

Apple is working on several new products for its Mac lineup, including a new low-cost MacBook Air and a Pro-focused Mac mini, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The upcoming low-cost MacBook Air will be similar in design to the current MacBook Air, but with slimmer bezels around the display. It will continue to be sized around 13 inches, and it will feature a Retina display.

We've heard multiple rumors about the upcoming low-cost notebook, but it has been unclear whether it is part of the MacBook family or if it will be branded as a MacBook Air. Today's report makes it clear that the new machine is going to be positioned as a MacBook Air upgrade, aimed at students and schools with a lower price tag than MacBooks in the MacBook family.

Apple is continuing to make new MacBook models as well, and it's not yet clear how the company will differentiate the new MacBook Air from the MacBook. Right now, the MacBook's higher price tag, slimmer body, and Retina display set it apart from the MacBook Air.

Apple is also said to be working on an upgrade to the Mac mini, which has not seen an update since October 2014. Little detail is available about the upcoming machine, but it is said to be focused on pro users with new storage and processor options that are likely to make it more expensive than previous Mac mini products.

2017 rumors suggested Apple was working on a Mac mini that "won't be so mini anymore," which would be in line with a machine that has more powerful, less compact components.

Bloomberg suggests Apple could potentially be planning to introduce the new Macs in October, following a September event that will see the launch of new iPhones and new Apple Watch models.

New iPad Pro models with Face ID are also in the works, but it is not clear if these will debut in September or October.

Article Link: Apple to Debut Low-Cost MacBook Air With Retina Display, Revamped Pro-Focused Mac Mini in 2018

Apple is working on several new products for its Mac lineup, including a new low-cost MacBook Air and a Pro-focused Mac mini, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The upcoming low-cost MacBook Air will be similar in design to the current MacBook Air, but with slimmer bezels around the display. It will continue to be sized around 13 inches, and it will feature a Retina display.

We've heard multiple rumors about the upcoming low-cost notebook, but it has been unclear whether it is part of the MacBook family or if it will be branded as a MacBook Air. Today's report makes it clear that the new machine is going to be positioned as a MacBook Air upgrade, aimed at students and schools with a lower price tag than MacBooks in the MacBook family.

Apple is continuing to make new MacBook models as well, and it's not yet clear how the company will differentiate the new MacBook Air from the MacBook. Right now, the MacBook's higher price tag, slimmer body, and Retina display set it apart from the MacBook Air.

Apple is also said to be working on an upgrade to the Mac mini, which has not seen an update since October 2014. Little detail is available about the upcoming machine, but it is said to be focused on pro users with new storage and processor options that are likely to make it more expensive than previous Mac mini products.

2017 rumors suggested Apple was working on a Mac mini that "won't be so mini anymore," which would be in line with a machine that has more powerful, less compact components.

Bloomberg suggests Apple could potentially be planning to introduce the new Macs in October, following a September event that will see the launch of new iPhones and new Apple Watch models.

New iPad Pro models with Face ID are also in the works, but it is not clear if these will debut in September or October.

Article Link: Apple to Debut Low-Cost MacBook Air With Retina Display, Revamped Pro-Focused Mac Mini in 2018

 

[Vjosullivan]

For the longest time, Apple has been doing mysteriously about the fate of the Mac mini.

There's nothing mysterious about doing nothing.

...me too am thinking this Mac mini will be the base of the new Mac Pro...

Putting rumours to one side; there is nothing in any of the products that Apple have released for several years that Apple have any interest in modular systems. In addition, I can't see "mini" and "pro" Mac being combined into a single system any time soon. They're just too dissimilar products (in their current form). The most likely outcome will be that the most expensive "mini" will be relabeled "pro".

 

[eVolcre]

If you watch the video in the Bloomberg/Mark Gurman article (linked below) Gurman refers to it as the "MacBook" he also states that it will replace the MacBook Air. So it looks like Apple will announce a new 13" MacBook that will join the MacBook family and discontinue the Air.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...plan-revamped-low-cost-macs-to-reignite-sales

My prediction.

1. The MBA name gets retired for now. Comes back in a year with an ultraportable (even lighter than the rMB) with an ARM chip and 17 hours battery life for might work. Essentially an iPad with an attached keyboard. Or iBook for the ARM notebook. A chrome book competitor.

2. The MBA was never really gimped out even at launch. It was expensive but could work as someone’s primary machine. Maybe they retire the MacBook name. Current 12 and new 13 are the MBA and we have MBP with the 13 and 15. The new lightweight device next year becomes the iBook.

Either way. I agree with most that right now it doesn’t make sense to have both MB and MBA in the lineup when the wright size and portability are so close.

 

[partsofspeech]

Hold the horses! Think again what Apple’s defines ‘Pros’ to be.

 

[pipis2010]

You nailed it. Most of them have convinced themselves they’re entitled to a $499 quad-core 8GB/256GB mini with upgradable RAM and NVME slots.

I do think there will be socketed DDR4 RAM but that’s probably a $999-1,099 config. Dual core version at $799-899.

The price of all components has dropped over the past 4 years, except NVMe probably. To start a new Mini line with the above specs, perhaps not at $499, but at $599-$649 shouldn’t be an unreachable dream. Don’t forget for the lower priced Mini they could still use an i3, going all the way up to 6-core /8-core beasts for more pro users.

I highly doubt Xeons are able to be used in such a form factor, but can you imagine if Apple released such a beast of a mini?