Apple is planning a redesign of the Mac mini since its first major update in 2010. According to Bloomberg, the new Mac mini, set to release later this year, will feature a form factor similar to the Apple TV, making it smaller than the current model. The company wants to achieve compactness while potentially increasing its height compared to the existing Mac mini, which stands at 1.4-inches tall.
The revamped Mac mini will supposedly be offered in two versions; one with the M4 chip and another with the M4 Pro chip. The new model is expected to include at least three USB-C ports, along with an HDMI port. As for the M4 Pro, that variant will offer enhanced RAM and graphics capabilities for more robust performance.
In terms of dimensions, the new Mac mini’s footprint will be reduced, although it may be taller than the current model. For comparison, the current Mac mini measures 7.75-inches in width and depth and 1.41-inches in height, while the Apple TV 4K is slightly shorter and narrower.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the upcoming Mac mini will resemble an iPad Pro in a compact box, leveraging Apple’s custom silicon. Although the current Mac mini starts at US$599 (~RM2,674), it is uncertain whether the new model’s reduced manufacturing costs will result in a lower starting price for consumers.
We will see if Apple keeps its roadmap and updates its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips over the next year, beginning with the Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro. The transition is slated to extend to the Mac Pro, Mac Studio, and MacBook Air by 2025.
(Source: The Verge, 9to5Mac, Bloomberg)
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