The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[partsofspeech]

Mini is certainly coming — of rose-color, in a megenta-hued hallucination.
[doublepost=1536824071][/doublepost]Scientific study indicates that procrastination is associated with creativity. My own experiences say it’s an excuse of a lazy character.

 

[masterbaron]

They have enough leverage to bring new customers directly into the premium segment now.

The leverage for the Mini will be (if it happens) higher costs as they reach for the "pro-sumer" so they will get their premiums in addition to supporting existing customers and new customers.

 

[sublunar]

The leverage for the Mini will be (if it happens) higher costs as they reach for the "pro-sumer" so they will get their premiums in addition to supporting existing customers and new customers.

With Apple chasing higher revenues with more expensive (and profitable) iPhones perhaps there is a theme to be had there and they will decide that a generally higher spec Mini will provide them higher revenues from the 'professional' and 'home server' users who aren't going to be buying a 2019 Mac Pro?

If we look at the fact that they have eliminated the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S from their lineups and raised the price of the cheapest iPhone that can be bought can we take this as a hint of things to come for the Macs?

iPads have, after all, moved on a lot since October 2014 when the iPad Air 2 (With A8X CPU) was the iPad of the day. Today, Cloud storage is more important, people are increasingly mobile (to the point where people who need a 'real computer' are more likely to buy a laptop such as the MacBook Air) and the latest iPad sports an A10 CPU with higher end models likely to have a refresh with a more modern CPU in a matter of weeks.

Perhaps Apple's engineering teams have been released from the shackles of having to provide a $499 computer by offering a capable iPad to these people instead? Mom and Pop Mac buyers at the low end are hardly likely to be buying customising their 2014 Mini whereas professionals may load a well specified 2018 Mini with profitable options.

 

[masterbaron]

professionals may load a well specified 2018 Mini with profitable options.

Done right I'll be Ok with that ... the price increase is expected - with innovation and quality the cost of ownership should improve however - as long as the product-line covers the needs today and tomorrow - hoping we're not treated like a 2014 Mini is a realistic benchmark for improvement - quite a bit more is needed beyond a refresh. The opportunity is there ... Apple just needs to see the benefit (profit).

What generally concerns me ... what is the mentality of the Apple production engine? - with exciting technologies embedded in Apple Watch and glorious screens everywhere else what will motivate them when it comes to the headless desktop.

It would be somewhat disappointing and yet reassuring to see a standard 3-tier Mini line-up with only updated internals - some part of me is hoping to see something radical that carries over to the MacPro which would help me believe there's actually some motivation at Apple to maintain the foundation.

When you think about it ... we're probably a "bit" bored with power ... I mean what else is new when you think about a headless desktop. It's getting to the point, perhaps, real creativity is changing the "way" you do things not just adding more power.

More power is expected - but what can Apple bring to the table that's not expected (in a good way) - how can they change the "way" we use a headless. This is perhaps the popular (exciting) consumer expectation with Apps, mobility and wearables .... changing the "way" we do things and in that regard the headless is ho-hum.

The thinking "today" may be more focused on the visible (cool) technology that morphs the way we do things and where we do them - energizing the headless category could be daunting when you consider the Apple paradigm, profit margins and consumer focus.

Those of us not of the iGeneration but not yet seniors are a boring lot apparently - even a 90 yr old senior citizen with an Apple Watch checking their heart or using an iPad in the day-bed is looking more current than me sitting at this desk with my Mini.

 

[EmlynDewar]

I'm happy being bored. Give me more power. Much more.

 

[masterbaron]

Give me more power. Much more.

To that end ... other than cpu power and graphics the desktop awaits liberation from the chair - in other words a meaningful "shift" (like the advent of the smartphone) won't occur until holographic or AR technologies advance to the point where your desktop is virtually anywhere - changing the "way" we do things.

Apple's mantra and self-imposed mission is to change the "way" we do things more so than supporting tradition - even if it brings heartache - in the absence of that they had nothing to say.

The Apple Mac menu has the MacPro and the Mini just in front of Accessories - that says a lot.

 

[Sorrel]

What will stop a Mac Mini arriving soon is the idea that it would cannibalise Mac Pro sales.

So if we get a Mini this year it will be 'adjusted' in some way that prevents Mac Pro customers thinking it is a viable machine. Maybe a reasonable configuration, but not user replaceable? Maybe better specs than currently, but still pretty rubbish by any neutral viewpoint?

 

[jasnw]

What will stop a Mac Mini arriving soon is the idea that it would cannibalise Mac Pro sales.

This is one of those zombie memes that won't die. There is so much distance between the Mini and the Pro in terms of hardware and capabilities that Apple could put a whole range of headless systems in there. The only cannibalization would be in the fact that customers would be offered what they need/want in terms of a headless system rather than paying out the wazoo for a Pro when what they need is halfway between today's gutless Mini and a Pro system. If Apple does nothing over the next year or so to fill in this gap that's a clear signal that Apple just doesn't give a rip for customers in the headless-desktop use class other than poor sheep (the Mini) and rich sheep (the Pro). With that as a clear signal we can all decide whether we want to remain Apple masochists, locked in a twisted S-M fantasy with Apple leadership, or say the hell with it and head back to Linux or Windows.

 

[sublunar]

With the growing theme of Apple starting to exploit more profitable options by going upmarket (witness the iPhone launch combined with killing off the iPhone SE and 6s) you'd imagine that it might start to make sense for Apple to make a more 'pro' Mini for profit rather than expecting to make money out of the kind of people who would buy a base model Mini and leave it at that.

We could even see a scenario where - if not a press release spec bump - then Phil Schiller is calling the Mini replacement a 'Mac' because it's not so Mini any more. Whatever it's priced at, it'll be no threat to the forthcoming Mac Pro in an effort to get people to drop some money on the new 'Mac'.

Apple would then price the upgrades accordingly and perhaps expect the profits to start rolling in from the likes of developers, professionals, and server users. I'm half expecting any new Mini configuration to be helpful to people who want to rack mount or stack in a server room or under a TV in a home entertainment shelf.

In other words, a move paralleling the loss of the iPhone SE from the iPhone lineup, leaving the cheapest iPhone available from Apple a 32Gb 7 at $449 where the iPhone SE used to retail for $349. In relative terms, the iPhone SE was beginning to mirror the Mac Mini anyway, a product that was introduced to popular acclaim using current parts. The price changed a couple of times in the intervening years, as did the storage, to keep it reasonably fresh, but then Apple dump it from the lineup, offering more expensive iPhones instead.

 

[PickUrPoison]

With the growing theme of Apple starting to exploit more profitable options by going upmarket (witness the iPhone launch combined with killing off the iPhone SE and 6s) you'd imagine that it might start to make sense for Apple to make a more 'pro' Mini for profit rather than expecting to make money out of the kind of people who would buy a base model Mini and leave it at that.

We could even see a scenario where - if not a press release spec bump - then Phil Schiller is calling the Mini replacement a 'Mac' because it's not so Mini any more. Whatever it's priced at, it'll be no threat to the forthcoming Mac Pro in an effort to get people to drop some money on the new 'Mac'.

Apple would then price the upgrades accordingly and perhaps expect the profits to start rolling in from the likes of developers, professionals, and server users. I'm half expecting any new Mini configuration to be helpful to people who want to rack mount or stack in a server room or under a TV in a home entertainment shelf.

In other words, a move paralleling the loss of the iPhone SE from the iPhone lineup, leaving the cheapest iPhone available from Apple a 32Gb 7 at $449 where the iPhone SE used to retail for $349. In relative terms, the iPhone SE was beginning to mirror the Mac Mini anyway, a product that was introduced to popular acclaim using current parts. The price changed a couple of times in the intervening years, as did the storage, to keep it reasonably fresh, but then Apple dump it from the lineup, offering more expensive iPhones instead.

In general I agree with you, though I don’t think they’re going to drop the word “mini”. I think the minimum config will be at the $899-999 price point.

I would say that compared to a $349 16GB cost-reduced SE, the former-flagship 32GB iPhone 7 is worth every penny of the $100 entry level cost increase imo, for the many feature upgrades it offers (though a few users don’t consider the 4.7” an upgrade over the 4.0” form factor).

Unfortunately, going from $349 to $449 for the entry level model iPhone will price some out of the market, just as some potential Mac mini buyers will be priced out with its upcoming price increase.

 

[masterbaron]

I don’t think they’re going to drop the word “mini”

Well no one considered "Max" as a convention for iPhone - leads me to believe both the Mini and MacPro will get a refresh in terms of their designations especially since both have left a bad taste.

 

[Celts88]

In general I agree with you, though I don’t think they’re going to drop the word “mini”. I think the minimum config will be at the $899-999 price point.

I would say that compared to a $349 16GB cost-reduced SE, the former-flagship 32GB iPhone 7 is worth every penny of the $100 entry level cost increase imo, for the many feature upgrades it offers (though a few users don’t consider the 4.7” an upgrade over the 4.0” form factor).

Unfortunately, going from $349 to $449 for the entry level model iPhone will price some out of the market, just as some potential Mac mini buyers will be priced out with its upcoming price increase.

Might only be a $100 increase for you guys/gals in the USA, but it's certainly a lot more expensive for everyone else around the world - especially here in Aus where it's a $300 uplift.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Might only be a $100 increase for you guys/gals in the USA, but it's certainly a lot more expensive for everyone else around the world - especially here in Aus where it's a $300 uplift.

That’s nothing—in Hong Kong it was something like an $800 price increase.

 

[Cape Dave]

This is one of those zombie memes that won't die. There is so much distance between the Mini and the Pro in terms of hardware and capabilities that Apple could put a whole range of headless systems in there. The only cannibalization would be in the fact that customers would be offered what they need/want in terms of a headless system rather than paying out the wazoo for a Pro when what they need is halfway between today's gutless Mini and a Pro system. If Apple does nothing over the next year or so to fill in this gap that's a clear signal that Apple just doesn't give a rip for customers in the headless-desktop use class other than poor sheep (the Mini) and rich sheep (the Pro). With that as a clear signal we can all decide whether we want to remain Apple masochists, locked in a twisted S-M fantasy with Apple leadership, or say the hell with it and head back to Linux or Windows.

Picture the word AGREE right here 1000 times.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Well no one considered "Max" as a convention for iPhone - leads me to believe both the Mini and MacPro will get a refresh in terms of their designations especially since both have left a bad taste.

Maybe I misunderstood the OP, I thought he/she was saying the Mac mini will just be called “Mac”. That’s seems very unlikely to me. I also disagree with you that Mac mini and Mac Pro will get new names, but again that’s just my opinion!

 

[masterbaron]

I thought he/she was saying the Mac mini will just be called “Mac”.

Ya know ... I think that's it ... call the Mini "Apple Macintosh" to give respect to the fact the Apple Macintosh revolutionized the entire computer industry and to reign in a new era that appeals to a wide audience and beckons the future with the new modular Macintosh Pro.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Ya know ... I think that's it ... call the Mini "Apple Macintosh" to give respect to the fact the Apple Macintosh revolutionized the entire computer industry and to reign in a new era that appeals to a wide audience and beckons the future with the new modular Macintosh Pro.

Would make for an interesting keynote:

Cook: “We’ve got something we think you’re going to love: Introducing the Apple Macintosh!”

Everyone: “What?”

 

[Partron22]

Braeburn.

 

[borgranta]

What will stop a Mac Mini arriving soon is the idea that it would cannibalise Mac Pro sales.

So if we get a Mini this year it will be 'adjusted' in some way that prevents Mac Pro customers thinking it is a viable machine. Maybe a reasonable configuration, but not user replaceable? Maybe better specs than currently, but still pretty rubbish by any neutral viewpoint?

Perhaps the Mac Mini update could help them reintroduce modularity into the Mac line and it could be used to help bild anticipation for the future Mac Pro line.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Perhaps the Mac Mini update could help hem reintroduce modularity into the Mac line and it could be used to help bild anticipation for the future Musac Pro line.

Or not. And give us more of the same over-priced, under-spec’d “upgrades”, while Jony orders more solder from the solder factory.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Or not. And give us more of the same over-priced, under-spec’d “upgrades”, while Jony orders more solder from the solder factory.

Why on earth would you think Ive had anything to do with the choice of LPDDR3—which must be soldered, since it’s not available in a socketed package. Or NVRAM, for that matter. And yes, most (all?) of Intel’s 5-45W CPUs are FC-BGA, which again, must be soldered.

 

[philipma1957]

I am pretty much out the door. I use a samsung tracfone A Luna 3 pro . works well > I have 3 of them two never leave the house as they are filled with stuff I don't want to lose. Went with samsungs and tracfone mostly to protest apple and the mac mini in 2014. I have 4 mac minis. 4 linux 6 windows 2 synology servers. If the new mini does not give me a decent cpu and ram options " blank apple " As for spinner vs ssd vs nvme I use external booters with the inside hdd for back up. Mac minis make for good crypto coin wallets. very secure and easy to back up. They are my preferred blogging gear. So I have been loyal to them since 2006. Maybe 2005 can't remember but it was an intel cpu a 1.66 I think.

 

[Blu-ray1972]

One word — hackintosh. Even if a new mac mini gets released, it will be either severely overpriced or underspecced. It just doesn't make sense for Apple to release a computer that's cheap and reasonably powerful because it will cannibalize their laptop sales and even the imac. Apple no longer needs to have presence in the entry-level segment. They have enough leverage to bring new customers directly into the premium segment now.

I like the idea of a hackintosh but would rather not deal with it. I Want something from them I can just pus a button and go. I would also like to update the OS and not worry about having to fight with making sure everything works.

Sure it’s fine for some who have the time to mess with that but definitely not fine for the everyday user who doesn’t want the hassle.

 

[toke lahti]

Why on earth would you think Ive had anything to do with the choice of LPDDR3—which must be soldered, since it’s not available in a socketed package. Or NVRAM, for that matter. And yes, most (all?) of Intel’s 5-45W CPUs are FC-BGA, which again, must be soldered.

How did the rest of the industry managed to design desktop computers without soldered ram? They must be ”innovative my ass”?

 

[alien3dx]

How did the rest of the industry managed to design desktop computers without soldered ram? They must be ”innovative my ass”?

haha lol.. just sarcastic .. It just apple product so efficient so need to soldered .
The first mistake i think in buying mac mini base 4GB 2014 before.. "APPLE" is true linux/unix alike. It not, a hunger more memory then suppose to. I'm learn to reduce memory usage but nowdays thinking "If not used , it useless" .