Mac Mini Expected to Receive First Major Redesign Since 2010 Very Soon

[MacRumors]

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to introduce a redesigned Mac mini this month, alongside updated MacBook Pro and iMac models. Most notably, the portable desktop computer is expected to receive its first major redesign since 2010.

A concept of a smaller Mac mini that is closer in size to an Apple TV​

Below, we recap rumors about the next-generation Mac mini.

Rumored Features

• Smaller Design: Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the next Mac mini to be nearly as small as an Apple TV.
• M4 and M4 Pro Chips: The next Mac mini will be available with faster M4 and M4 Pro chip options, according to Gurman.
• Front USB-C Ports: Both an Apple software leak and Gurman have pointed to the next Mac mini being equipped with five USB-C ports. Similar to the Mac Studio, Gurman said two of the ports will be located on the front of the new Mac mini. Technically speaking, at least some of these ports will likely be Thunderbolt 4 ports, which use the USB-C connector design. Note: It is possible that only M4 Pro configurations of the Mac mini will have all five USB-C ports.

Launch Timing

The new Mac mini is currently expected to be announced at an Apple event this October, alongside new MacBook Pro and iMac models with the M4 series of chips.

The current Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chip options was released in January 2023.

Article Link: Mac Mini Expected to Receive First Major Redesign Since 2010 Very Soon

 

[CrysisDeu]

this should’ve been released with m1

 

[sublunar]

I suspect the functionality of the USB-C ports could determine whether some of the ‘pro’ users upgrade.

 

[zorinlynx]

My question here is why does the Mac Mini have to be smaller? It's a desktop machine. I'd rather it stay the current size and maintain better thermal performance and also not have all the cables plugged into it crowded together in a huge mess that ends up dragging the machine around.

 

[Windoes]

If smaller? make Mac Mini on an usb-stick

 

[SactoGuy18]

Think Apple TV box but 25% larger with five USB Type C ports that support either USB 3.2 2X2 or Thunderbolt 4.0. It may still have the RJ-45 networking port on the box, though.

 

[snak-atak]

Sounds like this mini will be more powerful and smaller than my M1 Mac Studio!

 

[vegetassj4]

MacInsiderPro posted a leaked new courageosly groundbreaking rendering of the new M4 Mini. He says we are going to love it.

 

[nt5672]

I am expecting another screwed up mess from Apple. I think they have really lost their way.

 

[Cirillo Gherardo]

I am expecting another screwed up mess from Apple. I think they have really lost their way.

Yeah all of the recent Macs have been a disaster, LOL.

Oh wait, no, they are the best Macs Apple has ever shipped. Whoops.

 

[Cirillo Gherardo]

I'm guessing closer in footprint to the Apple TV (but not quite), and about twice as tall.

 

[McWetty]

With an M4 Pro, not sure I can rationalize the extra expense of a Studio upgrade. Maybe I’ll be surprised.

 

[jayducharme]

Hard to believe this will be the first major design change in a quarter century. That's an eon in tech time.

 

[GMShadow]

this should’ve been released with m1

Apple rarely does a full chassis redesign with a new CPU arch unless the model absolutely needed it.

PBG4 > MBP - a slight evolution
G4 Mini > Intel Mini - more USB ports
PMG5 > Mac Pro - one more DVD drive and internal redesign
iMac G5 > iMac Intel - same as the iSight G5

Was also this way with the 68k > PPC transition for the most part. The new chassis follows a few years later.

 

[JeffPerrin]

What is the use-case for a smaller Mini? A pocket Mac?

 

[citysnaps]

I am expecting another screwed up mess from Apple. I think they have really lost their way.

Of course. That's how Apple became one of the most successful tech companies in the world, with 1 Billion active (and repeat customers)... selling screwed up messes. That makes so much sense!

Mess for Success!

 

[poematik13]

MacInsiderPro posted a leaked new groundbreaking rendering of the new M4 Mini

View attachment 2432437

Can't innovate anymore my ass.

 

[Mr-Stabby]

My question here is why does the Mac Mini have to be smaller? It's a desktop machine. I'd rather it stay the current size and maintain better thermal performance and also not have all the cables plugged into it crowded together in a huge mess that ends up dragging the machine around.

I agree

 

[Macalway]

Oct? I suppose that's most probable, but wasn't there an article contradicting this?

Gurman, or somebody.

 

[polyphenol]

My question here is why does the Mac Mini have to be smaller? It's a desktop machine. I'd rather it stay the current size and maintain better thermal performance and also not have all the cables plugged into it crowded together in a huge mess that ends up dragging the machine around.

For me, and probably many others who use a mini as a desktop device, I agree.

But if you carry one round with you, smaller and lighter could obviously be an improvement.

And anyone who wants to runs loads in server cabinets will also likely be happy at the reduced size.

 

[sublunar]

One thing I haven’t considered in other similar threads, let’s look at the Mac Studio a minute - what if the cube style shape is there to house a bigger heat sink rather than heat pipes and a fan?

 

[Mr-Stabby]

Genuine question. Does anyone actually want the Mac mini to be smaller? Who would take smaller over more ports, or heaven forfend some user servicable parts.

 

[sunapple]

I would want to attach it to the back of a monitor. In that scenario the current form is a bit bulky. Don’t get me wrong I loved my minis, but I never liked having an otherwise useless brick on my desk.

 

[AAPLGeek]

It would be really funny if after all these weekly Mac mini redesign articles, Apple releases the same design once again.

 

[ThomasJL]

Are people really excited that the Mac mini being redisgned to be smaller will inevitably mean the continuation of Tim Cook's corporate greed-based anti-consumer decision to prevent the entire Macintosh line from having upgradable memory and uprgadable hard drives?