Apple is Set to Release the Smallest Mac Ever Made

Apple is set to release the Mac Mini M4, which is anticipated to be the smallest Mac ever produced.

This new iteration of the Mac Mini is expected to debut later this year, marking a significant design refresh for the first time in 14 years.

According to insights from Bloomberg’s renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the upcoming Mac Mini will be so compact that it could rival the size of an Apple TV set-top box.

Design Changes and Size Reduction

The redesign of the Mac Mini M4 will not drastically alter its functionality. The current model measures 197mm x 197mm x 35.8mm, while the Apple TV 4K is significantly smaller at 93mm x 93mm x 31mm.

Gurman suggests that the new Mac Mini may actually be taller than its predecessor to achieve a reduced footprint, yet it will still hold the title of being Apple’s smallest desktop computer to date.

This size reduction is made possible largely due to the introduction of the M4 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient.

Gurman describes the new Mac Mini as “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box,” highlighting the potential for impressive performance within a compact design.

Expected Features and Upgrades

In addition to its size, the Mac Mini M4 is expected to incorporate several upgrades. One of the standout features will be the integration of Apple Intelligence capabilities through the upcoming macOS Sequoia.

Furthermore, Apple has reportedly tested configurations with three USB-C ports, an upgrade from the two Thunderbolt 4 ports available on the current M2 model, while retaining an HDMI port.

There are indications that Apple will release two versions of the Mac Mini: one powered by the standard M4 chip and another equipped with the more powerful, yet unannounced, M4 Pro chip.

The base M4 variant is expected to enter production in August, with a release anticipated later this year, while the M4 Pro version may not arrive until October.

Pricing Speculations

A key question surrounding the Mac Mini M4 is its pricing. The current model starts at $599, £649, and AU$999.

Gurman notes that the new model may be cheaper to manufacture, raising speculation about whether this could translate into a lower price point for consumers.

However, it remains uncertain whether Apple will maintain the current pricing structure or adjust it upward.

The existing Mac Mini has been hailed as “the best mini PC you can buy right now,” and a redesign coupled with the M4 chip could solidify its standing in the market.

The appeal of the Mac Mini has always been its compact size, allowing users to customize their setups with their preferred keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Competition and Market Position

Interestingly, the Mac Mini may face competition from within Apple’s own lineup. Reports suggest that Apple is also planning to refresh the iMac and MacBook Pro models with M4 chips in 2024.

This could lead potential buyers to reconsider their options, particularly if they are looking for a new Mac.

The MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio are expected to see M4 updates at a later date, with the MacBook Air not likely to receive its refresh until spring 2025.

As Apple prepares to launch the Mac Mini M4, anticipation builds among tech enthusiasts and potential buyers.

If the company manages to keep the base model at its current price point, it is likely to remain a popular choice among Mac aficionados and even some Windows users looking for a compact, powerful desktop solution.

The combination of a smaller form factor and enhanced performance could make the Mac Mini M4 a game-changer in the desktop market.

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