M4 Mac Mini to Become Apple's Smallest Ever Computer With Complete Redesign

[MacRumors]

Apple is planning to debut completely redesigned Mac mini models with the M4 and M4 Pro chips later this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.

The new Mac mini will be the first major design change to the machine since 2010, making it Apple's smallest ever desktop computer. The new Mac mini will apparently approach the size of an Apple TV, but it may be slightly taller than the current model, which is 1.4 inches high. It will continue to feature an aluminum shell. Individuals working on the new device apparently say that it is "essentially an iPad Pro in a small box."

Apple is said to have tested Mac mini models with at least three USB-C ports on the back, as well as an area for the power cable and an HDMI port. There will continue to be two versions of the Mac mini: one with the standard M4 chip, similar to the iPad Pro, and one with an M4 Pro chip. The base model is set to begin shipping from suppliers this month ahead of release later in the year, while the high-end model will not be ready until October.

The M4 generation of Apple silicon will purportedly be the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs, with refreshes to add the M4 chip to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro planned to take place over the next year.

Article Link: M4 Mac Mini to Become Apple's Smallest Ever Computer With Complete Redesign

 

[arcite]

Let me guess.....fanless.

 

[MayaUser]

This has to be a good news

 

[Glenny2lappies]

Rasberry Pi sized?

 

[MayaUser]

Let me guess.....fanless.

No need...it can be small with M4 and M4 Pro on it with a small fan

 

[armandxp]

“It’ll fit in your pocket!”

 

[MayaUser]

"Apple's smallest ever desktop computer."
what was the smallest desktop Apple computer? not the current mac mini? so if Apple shrink it by 1mm it can be called "the smallest ever" right?

 

[Royksöpp]

It’s about time. Hopefully it will be thin and flat and not an aluminum hockey puck.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Mac nano

 

[unobtainium]

Cool…just keep the price low.

 

[abatabia]

Please don’t raise the price and this would be a day one purchase.

 

[MayaUser]

Apple clearly waited for the M4 to make this move since this new SoC is far more efficient than M2
So now they can shrink it down and still offer M4 and M4 Pro

 

[TVreporter]

Half the size - double the price!

We think you’re going to love it!

 

[AdamHarbour]

Just build it into a keyboard ! The new MacKey

 

[Paul Shields]

What real advantage is there to it being smaller? You still need monitor, keyboard etc.

 

[lewchenko]

I’m sure that was the very top complaint about the Mac mini … its size. ?!?

Honestly couldn’t make it up.

I would have thought more people would care about a) ports & connectivity and b) timely updates to mini line , not stagnation like what seems to keep happening to both iMac and mini line.

But no … it’s to reduce its size.

 

[MayaUser]

The complete rumour says this

"The new Mac mini is slated for release later this year and will be “far smaller than its predecessor” with a new form factor similar to the Apple TV, the report explains.

The new Mac mini will be available in two configurations, one with an M4 chip and one with the M4 Pro chip. Apple has reportedly tested models with “at least three USB-C ports on the back” alongside the power cable and an HDMI port.

The M4 Pro version of the Mac mini will also be configurable with more RAM and more powerful graphics.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

The closest you’ll ever get to an Apple TV powered by an M series chip.
also, the closest thing you’ll ever get to an Apple gaming console

 

[Paul Shields]

Maybe they could build it inside a monitor! Imagine that!!!!!

 

[CalMin]

I always wondered about this since they started putting M-series chips into iPads. Granted, I would still like decent amount of storage and I/O so the mini isn't then surrounded by a mess of wires, docks and hubs, but the opportunity to make a 'mini' version of the Mini with Apple silicon is there.

Heck - you could mount one to the back of a studio display and get your 5K iMac back that everyone wants!

 

[Adelphos33]

Can‘t the people who have been asking for a 27’ iMac just buy this thing with a paired studio display? It’s the same thing

 

[MayaUser]

What real advantage is there to it being smaller? You still need monitor, keyboard etc.

not for rack and servers run...this will be sublime

 

[Ninjasrule]

smaller is nice but I think the biggest issue is thickness. for me, I want to stash the macmini behind the monitor or TV but it sticks out too much to fit. Also if they can make it just cheaper. this would be what most people want.

 

[MayaUser]

now it starts from $599.00 if Apple can bring the default M4 for $799 it would be still be great

 

[seek3r]

Let me guess.....fanless.

I’d bet not, definitely not for the M4 Pro

The AppleTV 4K has a fan, if they’re basing it on that it’ll have one too (EDIT: not the current 4k, the third gen, it seems, but the 2nd gen did and I’d expect that from the mini)