Apple’s Future Mac Mini Could Be as Small as an Apple TV

Apple’s smallest Mac, the Mac Mini, is set for a significant redesign, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The upcoming version, slated for release later this year, will be the most substantial redesign of the Mac Mini in over a decade. According to Gurman, the new Mac Mini will be much smaller than the current model, approaching the size of an Apple TV set-top box. Despite this, it will likely be taller than the Apple TV, making it a compact yet powerful addition to any setup.

The new Mac Mini is expected to feature three USB-C ports and an HDMI output, while maintaining its sleek aluminum casing. This design could make it an ideal choice for those looking to discreetly place it on a TV stand, particularly appealing to Plex users who need a powerful yet unobtrusive media center.

In addition to its size reduction, the 2024 Mac Mini will receive a significant performance boost with the introduction of Apple’s M4 chip. This new processor, which first appeared in the latest iPad Pro, will soon be integrated into the Mac Mini, as well as other Apple devices including the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Studio. The M4 chip promises improved performance and efficiency, setting a new standard for Apple’s desktop and laptop computers.

The 2024 Mac Mini will be available in both M4 and M4 Pro configurations, continuing the approach seen with the 2023 models that offered the M2 chip and M2 Pro chip. Gurman notes that suppliers are preparing to ship the M4 hardware this month, although the M4 Pro version of the Mac Mini is not expected until October.

Aside from updates to its inputs and outputs and internal components, the Mac Mini’s overall form factor has remained relatively stable over the years. The design has seen minimal changes despite a decade of releases, so the new, smaller Mini will offer a fresh take on a classic design.

With this redesign, Apple is not only aiming to make the Mac Mini more compact but also more versatile and powerful, potentially appealing to a broader range of users from casual users to professionals.