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Mac mini 2020 Bluetooth module

I

IJBNOMZ

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 5, 2020
6
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I was planning to buy the Mac mini 2020 but found out that it (at least the 2018 model) has serious Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection issues. There are tons of discussions about these issues. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-2018-bluetooth-issues.2157086

However, someone on this Taiwanese ebay-like website claims that Apple "secretly" switched the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module from Murata to Broadcom since Dec 2019. https://goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21950039941362#info

I can't find more information about this claim. So if anyone who has just bought a Mac mini 2020 saw this post, would you please check the Bluetooth module mode and let us know if the Bluetooth issues still exist? Thanks!
 
My 2018 Mac Mini has been nearly perfect. Just don't use the USB3 ports and your bluetooth will be fine.
 
Yesterday I ordered a new Mac Mini (i7/8gb/1TB) after the price adjustments, it looks like it’s coming from China to the Uk as the delivery time is around the 20th April. I’ll check what Bluetooth module it has if it is Broadcom or Murata.
 
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Interesting, can you screenshot the device code etc from the system report? Sounds like Apple did quietly update the module.

Good find IJBNOMZ!
 
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My 2018 Mac Mini bought November 20, 2018 has a Broadcom module. If i use the outermost (leftmost) USB3 port I have all sorts of connection issues to my Magic Keyboard and Trackpad. As long as that port goes unused I have no problems.
 
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From a 2018 Mac mini (bought as soon as it was released):
bluetooth.png
 
simonb76 said:
Interesting, can you screenshot the device code etc from the system report? Sounds like Apple did quietly update the module.

Good find IJBNOMZ!
Click to expand...
This is the screenshot of the system report posted on the website I mentioned.
21950039941362_845.jpg

[automerge]1586142476[/automerge]
iAssimilated said:
From a 2018 Mac mini (bought as soon as it was released):
View attachment 903898
Click to expand...
This is interesting. Does it mean that Apple has been using both modules since the beginning? And have you had any connection issues with Broadcom BT module?
[automerge]1586142653[/automerge]
lowendlinux said:
My 2018 Bought about 5 weeks ago has a Broadcom
Click to expand...
Is your Wi-Fi/Bluetooth working OK with USB peripherals plugged in?
 
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IJBNOMZ said:
This is the screenshot of the system report posted on the website I mentioned.
View attachment 903959
[automerge]1586142476[/automerge]

This is interesting. Does it mean that Apple has been using both modules since the beginning? And have you had any connection issues with Broadcom BT module?
[automerge]1586142653[/automerge]

Is your Wi-Fi/Bluetooth working OK with USB peripherals plugged in?
Click to expand...

The Bluetooth and WiFi work fine with all USB ports used
 
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I have a 2018 Mac mini bought maybe a month or 2 after they were released, it also uses Broadcom BT.

I have had issues with it bluetooth, but they've mostly been solved by disconnecting (but not turning off) Wifi. I use both USB-A ports - one has a 2.0 cable to a UPS, the other has a really thick (shielded) 3.0 cable that came with my Dell displays (and goes to the hub in the back of the closest display).
 
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Similar questions asked in "Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues?"
forums.macrumors.com

Mac mini 2018 Bluetooth issues?

So Apple did change it then. Interesting. Have you experienced any Bluetooth issues ? EDIT…ok maybe not. Looks like Broadcom was used from the start.
forums.macrumors.com forums.macrumors.com

I have Broadcom - manufactured in January 2020.
No problems with the USB-A ports. Similar to Stephen.R's set-up, one runs direct to my CyberPower GPS and the other to my USB 3.0 hub.
 
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IJBNOMZ said:
This is interesting. Does it mean that Apple has been using both modules since the beginning? And have you had any connection issues with Broadcom BT module?
Click to expand...

I honestly don't know, I don't use bluetooth or wireless on my 2018 mini, sorry. My mini's are connected to a 4th gen airport time capsule configured solely as a switch and my wireless mouse & keyboard is connected to my monitor running through a KVM switch.
 
Mini 12/18/2018, Broadcom,UART,436480, Firmware v87 c4409
Magic Apple keyboard, Might mouse 2, Logitech k830, Steelseries Nimbus controller. I have 3 usb3 devices plugins in.
No BT issues.
 
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I purchased my 2018 Mac Mini on November 15th, 2018 as BTO - i7/16GB/1TB & 10Gb Ethernet

System Information shows Broadcom bluetooth controller. I've never experienced any BT issues, but my only bluetooth device is a set of Sony MDR-1000X headphones.

Chipset 4364B0 Firmware v87 c4409
 
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Hey guys, just got my 2020 Mac mini. Broadcom Bluetooth module, chipset 4364B0, firmware v86 c4407.

My Bluetooth devices: Logitech K760, MX Anywhere 2S
USB port: Lacie portable storage

The Bluetooth mouse do have lag problem. Looks like the cursor is dropping frames when moving. But the Bluetooth keyboard works fine. I don't have Apple keyboard, mouse or trackpad, so I can't test those.

IMO, this whole Bluetooth issue may be a legacy issue, because I had this issue with my last computer, the 2015 13 inch Macbook Pro. The exact same mouse showed the exact same problem on my MBP, which made me end up using the mouse with USB receiver.

I haven't used lots of Macs so my opinion may be wrong. But for me, mystery solved. I like using macOS and apps written for it, that means I have to deal with strange problems features made by Apple just like this one. But sadly we can't expect Apple to fix legacy problems these days. Right?

Thanks for all of your replies!
 
IJBNOMZ said:
Hey guys, just got my 2020 Mac mini. Broadcom Bluetooth module, chipset 4364B0, firmware v86 c4407.

My Bluetooth devices: Logitech K760, MX Anywhere 2S
USB port: Lacie portable storage

The Bluetooth mouse do have lag problem. Looks like the cursor is dropping frames when moving. But the Bluetooth keyboard works fine.
Click to expand...
For clarity's sake, there's no 2020 Mini. There was just a storage bump to the 2018, and these computers are still the 2018 Mini.
Do you have USB 3 devices attached? These can cause interference with Bluetooth devices.
 
chrfr said:
For clarity's sake, there's no 2020 Mini. There was just a storage bump to the 2018, and these computers are still the 2018 Mini.
Do you have USB 3 devices attached? These can cause interference with Bluetooth devices.
Click to expand...
Yep, as I mentioned in my thread, there's a USB3 portable storage attached. However, even with nothing attached to the USB3 ports, the mouse under Bluetooth mode still shows lag problem.
 
chrfr said:
For clarity's sake, there's no 2020 Mini. There was just a storage bump to the 2018, and these computers are still the 2018 Mini.
Do you have USB 3 devices attached? These can cause interference with Bluetooth devices.
Click to expand...

Yes and no, most store sites are listing as Early 2020 and the model numbers are newer than the 2018. We don't know 100% yet because Apple hasn't updated their support docs to show the new model numbers either under 2018 or a new 2020 listing. All I want to know is under the About This Mac does it show 2018 or 2020. That would be the answer to the question.
 
vbctv said:
Yes and no, most store sites are listing as Early 2020 and the model numbers are newer than the 2018. We don't know 100% yet because Apple hasn't updated their support docs to show the new model numbers either under 2018 or a new 2020 listing. All I want to know is under the About This Mac does it show 2018 or 2020. That would be the answer to the question.
Click to expand...
It shows as 2018.
 
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If I connected to a 5.0 GHz wifi network I find that my Bluetooth issues go away.
 
Stephen.R said:
Do you use Wifi?
Click to expand...
Yes, it works fine. My router is 2 meters away from my Mac, so I don't think there should be any problem. But there is a thing that indicate the problem with wifi: I can't see my neighbours' SSID in the Network Name list any more while my iPhone still can scan them.

BTW, I do connect my Mac to 5GHz wifi, Bluetooth issue still exist.
 
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