Apple is reportedly planning its most significant redesign of the Mac Mini since 2010, making it the smallest desktop computer in history.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new Mac Mini will shrink to a size comparable to the Apple TV set-top box, marking the first major design change since the Steve Jobs era.
The upcoming Mac Mini will be equipped with AI-focused M4 processors, which will power future versions of iMac desktops, MacBook Pros, and potentially MacBook Airs and Mac Pro models. This integration of M4 processors across all Mac products represents a significant shift as Apple standardizes its chip generation for enhanced performance, particularly in artificial intelligence.
The M4 processors, already featured in the iPad Pro, are designed to boost AI capabilities, making the new Mac Mini a powerful tool for AI-driven tasks and applications.
Apple has tested the new Mac Mini models with multiple USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a power cable connection.
The device will be available in two versions: a base model featuring the standard M4 chip and a higher-end variant equipped with the M4 Pro chip.
Apple plans to begin updating its Mac lineup with the new M4 chips in late 2024 and continue into early 2025. The 24-inch iMac will receive the M4 chip, while the 14-inch MacBook Pro will also feature it.
The high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro models will be upgraded with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. This rollout will bring a uniform generation of M4 processors across Apple’s Mac products, enhancing performance and AI capabilities.