The Upgraded 2024 Mac Mini Offers Powerful Functionality in a Compact Design
The Apple Mac mini once again makes an appearance, highlighting Apple's continued belief in the significance of size. Hailing from Cupertino, California, Apple has reduced its diminutive desktop to a space equivalent to an Apple TV box. The updated model boasts the latest Apple silicon, the M4 chip.
Apple is set to release two versions of the Mac mini in the upcoming month. You can opt for the entry-level, $600 model featuring the regular M4 chip or splurge on the advanced, $1,400 Mac mini equipped with the M4 Pro. The most recent Mac mini released in 2023 included an M2 chip or an M2 Pro. The new model starts with 16GB of RAM, expandable up to 64GB, and storage options that max out at 8TB for the most lavish model, priced at $2,400.
The M4 chip first graced this year's iPad Pro. It boasted a 9-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and ray tracing support. The basic Mac mini debut includes a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, mirroring the specifications of the recently announced new iMac. The M4 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, paired with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. A 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU can be opted for at an additional $200. The M4 in the Mac mini signifies improved gaming capabilities, despite Apple's native game library still having room for expansion in comparison to competitors.
Apple unveiled the Mac mini alongside a video ad showcasing a personified miniature computer. Apple's 12-minute featurette on its latest Mac proclaimed the M4 chip would provide 1.4 times better performance in World of Warcraft, an interesting choice given that a regular shoebox PC can handle the game just fine. Apple also emphasized the potential of an enhanced Siri, expected to grace macOS 15 Sequoia next year.
The previous Mac mini measured 7.75 inches square. The new Mini now fits into a 5-by-5-inch space in length and width, and stands about 2 inches tall, marginally taller than its predecessor but significantly less intrusive on your desk due to its reduced size. Apple claims the new design will maintain cool temperatures using its new air guides, directing exhaust through the front vents.
The M4 Pro represents a leap forward, with Apple claiming a 75% boost in memory bandwidth compared to the M3 Pro from last year. The M4's 16-core neural engine is also slated to surpass the M2 in background AI performance. The M2 can manage around 16 TOPS, or trillions of operations per second, while the M4 is hoped to achieve 38 TOPS. However, the real focus lies on its CPU and GPU capabilities, especially for demanding tasks and AI processing.
The updated Mac mini features revamped port selection, replacing the two USB-A ports from 2023 with a power connector, HDMI port, and three USB-C ports, now incorporating Thunderbolt 5. Extra USB-C ports sit on the device's front face. This may necessitate a port hub for my beloved wired gaming mouse.
Apple is speculated to release a new lineup of wireless mice, keyboards, and trackpads to replace the existing Magic series, serving well for those adhering to the Apple ecosystem. However, others may find themselves requiring adapters to use the latest Apple products on their desktops.
Preorders for the Mac mini commence on Tuesday, with shipping starting Nov. 8. Apple hints at unveiling more Mac products this week, so stay tuned for additional new desktops and laptops.
The M4 chip, originally introduced in this year's iPad Pro, is now also embedded in the Apple Mac mini. Looking towards the future of tech and Apple's products, the company is rumored to launch a new lineup of wireless mice, keyboards, and trackpads.
