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My BASIC render of the new Mini
- Thread starter Gloor
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Thank you.
It would be possible (anything in 3d is possible) but I won't model that as it makes zero sense design wise. The reason why I did it the way i did is because I was trying to keep what is most likely scenario Apple would go for. 2 rows of ports above each other is visually unappealing and unapple like. However, if you can draw a case where it does make sense then I could try that (maybe on the weekend or when I'm free next time)
It would be possible (anything in 3d is possible) but I won't model that as it makes zero sense design wise. The reason why I did it the way i did is because I was trying to keep what is most likely scenario Apple would go for. 2 rows of ports above each other is visually unappealing and unapple like. However, if you can draw a case where it does make sense then I could try that (maybe on the weekend or when I'm free next time)
I didn't see it mentioned, but they could move the ethernet to the power block like the iMac. That would free up another potential USB-A/C port.
Yeah, I hope they will. Or having charger like Macbook Pro (basically USB-C) is the way to go.
USB-A is dead on this product. I would be amazed if they kept it especially now where EU is moving everything to USB-C.
One cable to rule them all ;-)
USB-A is dead on this product. I would be amazed if they kept it especially now where EU is moving everything to USB-C.
One cable to rule them all ;-)
I can't wait to see if Satechi's going to be able to make a hub to fit an SSD NVME inside.
I don't want to pay 4X the price for Apple's SSDs.
I'm looking to buy a Samsung 990 PRO 4 TB eventually, it's really not that expensive (300 USD vs buying it from Apple at 1200 USD when you upgrade from 512 GB on a Mac Studio)
Or at this point I'll just buy a Mac Studio and use the Mac Mini hub that I have right now, it's compatible for both.
I don't want to pay 4X the price for Apple's SSDs.
I'm looking to buy a Samsung 990 PRO 4 TB eventually, it's really not that expensive (300 USD vs buying it from Apple at 1200 USD when you upgrade from 512 GB on a Mac Studio)
Or at this point I'll just buy a Mac Studio and use the Mac Mini hub that I have right now, it's compatible for both.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I'm believing port placement is a real issue with any such "smaller" Mac mini... especially with some believing AppleTV size is a possiblity. Some argue that existing ports are already too close together... that some cables just can't plug in side-by-side and fit.
Thus, I believe ports based on existing Mini won't fly in smaller Mini... that they need a bit more space between them. So I'd guess Apple will replicate Studio and move a few ports to the front or the side(s). And if this thing is going to end up AppleTV size, I just don't see where ports will fit without reducing quantity and/or making all sides be port sides.
Would Apple dare to put ONE Thunderbolt 5 port on the new Apple Micro and then push a multi-port hub accessory to connect to it if you need more ports? Recall the MB 12" with one port? For a while, AppleTV had ONE USB-C port. And Apple loves to sell overpriced accessories. I'm not so sure getting rid of 2 USB-A and jettisoning the ethernet to a power brick will do it.
Besides, I keep thinking "WHY?" in a stationary desktop... do we want to get back onto the "thinner" train again? This isn't a laptop. My Mini or AppleTV could weigh 100LBS and it wouldn't matter since the day either was placed where they have sat since. I've never been hindered in any way by the "thickness" of the Mini... nor thought how much better it would be if it was smaller in length and/or width. I don't need a few more inches of space near it. Does someone else?
"Thinner" usually leads to heat issues (throttling) and reduction in number of ports. Do we actually want either? What's the prize for us consumers here: a few seconds to gush at how much smaller it is? And then we place it wherever it will live for years and forget about it.
If I had much say, how about making Mac mini a micro INSIDE something like the existing case and then doing something actually useful and valuable for consumers such as maybe adding a couple of m.2 slots inside? Example. Or a 3-slot example. It looks like there is plenty such room for that now. Paint the case a different color or do the plastic top thing rumored a few years ago for an alternate look. But imagine presenting a new Mini with about the same size case, smaller guts and "up to 16TB-24TB of standardized m.2 storage inside. There are PLENTY of Mac Mini-Like PCs with dual m.2 slots inside and a few with THREE such slots.
That kind of thing would bring LASTING consumer utility instead of momentary "ooh, ahhh, look how much smaller it is" gush.
Thus, I believe ports based on existing Mini won't fly in smaller Mini... that they need a bit more space between them. So I'd guess Apple will replicate Studio and move a few ports to the front or the side(s). And if this thing is going to end up AppleTV size, I just don't see where ports will fit without reducing quantity and/or making all sides be port sides.
Would Apple dare to put ONE Thunderbolt 5 port on the new Apple Micro and then push a multi-port hub accessory to connect to it if you need more ports? Recall the MB 12" with one port? For a while, AppleTV had ONE USB-C port. And Apple loves to sell overpriced accessories. I'm not so sure getting rid of 2 USB-A and jettisoning the ethernet to a power brick will do it.
Besides, I keep thinking "WHY?" in a stationary desktop... do we want to get back onto the "thinner" train again? This isn't a laptop. My Mini or AppleTV could weigh 100LBS and it wouldn't matter since the day either was placed where they have sat since. I've never been hindered in any way by the "thickness" of the Mini... nor thought how much better it would be if it was smaller in length and/or width. I don't need a few more inches of space near it. Does someone else?
"Thinner" usually leads to heat issues (throttling) and reduction in number of ports. Do we actually want either? What's the prize for us consumers here: a few seconds to gush at how much smaller it is? And then we place it wherever it will live for years and forget about it.
If I had much say, how about making Mac mini a micro INSIDE something like the existing case and then doing something actually useful and valuable for consumers such as maybe adding a couple of m.2 slots inside? Example. Or a 3-slot example. It looks like there is plenty such room for that now. Paint the case a different color or do the plastic top thing rumored a few years ago for an alternate look. But imagine presenting a new Mini with about the same size case, smaller guts and "up to 16TB-24TB of standardized m.2 storage inside. There are PLENTY of Mac Mini-Like PCs with dual m.2 slots inside and a few with THREE such slots.
That kind of thing would bring LASTING consumer utility instead of momentary "ooh, ahhh, look how much smaller it is" gush.
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You're right. I was typing quickly and not thinking. My point should be taken as only this: They have shown a willingness in the past to make port count a function of "Pro-ness," and I can see them going in this direction again. That's all.
Thanks for pointing out my goof.
My question is whether they'd orient the HDMI vertically. Has Apple ever done that with an HDMI port before? I'm trying to think of any examples, but can't come up with any I've seen...
While the footprint and overall design is likely a match, you guys are going too hard on your wishlists instead of reading the actual story and considering what Apple has been moving towards with both Mac, MacBook, iPhone, and iPad line-ups.Hey guys,
with all the talk about the new mini and me being at home this weekend I decided to dust off my 3D skills and do a basic version. Please be gentle as I'm not a modeller or lighter so the renders are fairly basic (+my machine is slow so the shading work was a pain).
On the left is the Mini I think we could see and on the right is the old mini. I didn't bother to model the ports on the old mini so thats why I've rotated it.
I've kept the ports physically accurate (down to a 1mm) so it should represent it quite well. The original Mini is physically accurate.
1x audio jack
4x thunderbolt ports
1x hdmi
1x ethernet
1x power
1x turn on button
Let me know what you think and lets see what Apple does
EDIT: added 2 better renders from UE. Unfortunately my computer can't handle better settings so it has artefacts but its better I think
View attachment 2405032 View attachment 2405034 View attachment 2405033 View attachment 2405083 View attachment 2405084
4 Thunderbolt ports is a "Pro" feature that debuted in the Mac mini M2 Pro. You're not getting that number of high-end ports in a <$1,199 Mac.
What part of "an iPad Pro in a small box" and "three USB-C ports" makes you think this is a scaled down Mac Studio or scaled down Mac mini with an M-Pro chip?
When Apple downsizes a product, it scales down everything: Number of ports, active cooling, entire I/O, starting price, GPU and CPU core count, etc., etc. Goes for any iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Mac. Has been true for years on end, even before we jumped to Apple Silicon.
So, if paying attention to the rumor, "leaker" quotes, and Apple's usual product segmentation strategy, the upcoming M4 Mac mini line-up will consist of
- An all-new sub-$599 smallest and cheapest Mac (mini) ever, the "Mac nano": A scaled down version of the current $599 mini, but sans active cooling, sans USB-A ports, sans ethernet port. Instead, it's getting 3 Thunderbolt(or non-Thunderbolt USB-C) ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 audio jack, 1 power input (PSU still internal).
This new Mac nano doesn't offer a lot to most current Mac owners. But starting at <$599, the Mac nano will target Mac newcomers, Mac owners sitting on older Intel Macs, educational institutions and businesses who really just need the incredible performance of M4 and great value of macOS at the lowest possible price.
Essentially the first true Mac "SE". - An M4 Pro spec bump of the Pro Mac mini that was introduced with the Mac mini M2: Same 7.75x.7.75.x1.41 size, same number and types of ports, active cooling, etc.
- The standard non-Pro 7.75x7..75x1.41 Mac mini getting discontinued to widen the value/$ gap between Mac nano and Mac mini M4 Pro. Maybe the, by then, older M2 $599 mini gets to stay in the line-up at a new lower price.
Apple's line-ups are as fool-proof and easy to comprehend as the sizes of milkshakes and meal combos you get at a fastfood establishment.
-Ain't nothing going to be "Pro" or premium about a new mid-tier or budget Mac.
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My design!
I think an external power supply like the iMac will be there for the first time in a Mac mini, which is why ethernet is not in my design.
I think an external power supply like the iMac will be there for the first time in a Mac mini, which is why ethernet is not in my design.
Very clean and feasible design. Just maybe a bit too much value on a budget product:
What's essentially going to be an iPad Pro M4 running macOS will have an internal power supply.
Another cable and a bigger or second box for this adaptor is also in opposition to making products and packaging weigh less and use less resources.
And if the redesigned "Pro" Mac mini M2 Pro didn't get an SD-card slot then the budget Mac nano won't get one. Especially not since it makes it too easy to be happy with a 256 configuration instead of being forced to pay the additional $200+ for 512GB or higher.
Apple also stopped doing two rows of I/O on Macs a while ago. Like Mac Studio, I'd expect to see the SD card slot and additional USB ports placed on the frontside of this Mac nano rather than crammed together in two rows on the back.
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If people at Apple thought like these, we'd still be stuck with these cases.
Keep in mind that if you tear down a current Mac Mini, there is way too much un-used space inside. That space was used with Intel Mac Minis. Not anymore. So I'm asking the question in reverse : Why keep this wasted space, when you can just get rid of it for free ?
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HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
We “limited brained” consumers are able to offer ideas for available space instead of shrinking the case and probably bringing “thinner” throttling, less ports, etc. “Limited vision” me offered a great, desirable option for that space in that same post. No not “free” but much more desirable for the relatively high prices already charged… instead of cutting costs for “free” and charging the “same great price.”
But fortunately, big seller knows all… and knows that “we” collectively want a thinner/smaller DESKTOP instead. Why would any consumer want something as crazy as market-priced internal storage options instead of “thinner”?
Of course, PC sellers who sell Mac Mini-like PCs do already fill free space with such options and the whole unit is priced lower than Mac Mini. I included a few examples in that same post. But why would we Apple people want some of that kind of consumer utility in a Mac? Apple knows best.
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If you look at how intricately complicated the vertical TB4 ports of the Mac Studio are there is no way that Apple will specify that for a $5-600 dollar device.
The old 21.5/27 inch, and the current iMacs had easy vertical TB3 ports because they have a vertical logic board.
I can only see the new Mac mini having the same port configuration as the M3 MBA/MBP, mounted flat on the logic board.
The old 21.5/27 inch, and the current iMacs had easy vertical TB3 ports because they have a vertical logic board.
I can only see the new Mac mini having the same port configuration as the M3 MBA/MBP, mounted flat on the logic board.
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No, I think it will be gone.
Look at the current iMac and the MacBooks, not a single USB-A but their previous generation had at least one. Apple is not shy about dropping interfaces that they think antiquated even if they’re not.
I think you are not right.
First, if Apple is redesigning then they will do both. M4 and M4 Pro.
Rumor says 3 ports so I guess we will see 3 on both (or maybe 4 on M4 Pro version)
Your thunderbolt argument is also off I feel as the M4 Pro will have those too. Maybe not all but thats irrelevant.
It will be scaled down Mac Mini for sure. Bookmark this and we can come back to it. USBA will go and maybe only 3 USBC instead of 4 but most ports will stay. They only question mark here is Power solution and the number of USBCs.
HDMI will stay, audio jack will stay and ethernet will stay (maybe in the brick or maybe on the box but we will have it)
Your concept is too off for Apple I feel. Apple is not doing Mac "SE". Apple is redesigning Mac Mini which comes with Mx and Mx Pro chips. It is supported by the rumour as well so your idea doesn't make any sense.
Apple is not downsizing everything. They are downsizing the physical size and will then maximise ports etc. it can keep. Mx Pro chip in Mac Mini now is the same that is in MBP so no, no downsizing there.
In my latest render I've removed the power plug which made tons of space overall. That is if Apple goes for USBC charging. I feel that so far I'm not that off but we shall see.
When we get more rumours I might readjust but for now it is visually working and "Apple" working.
First, if Apple is redesigning then they will do both. M4 and M4 Pro.
Rumor says 3 ports so I guess we will see 3 on both (or maybe 4 on M4 Pro version)
Your thunderbolt argument is also off I feel as the M4 Pro will have those too. Maybe not all but thats irrelevant.
It will be scaled down Mac Mini for sure. Bookmark this and we can come back to it. USBA will go and maybe only 3 USBC instead of 4 but most ports will stay. They only question mark here is Power solution and the number of USBCs.
HDMI will stay, audio jack will stay and ethernet will stay (maybe in the brick or maybe on the box but we will have it)
Your concept is too off for Apple I feel. Apple is not doing Mac "SE". Apple is redesigning Mac Mini which comes with Mx and Mx Pro chips. It is supported by the rumour as well so your idea doesn't make any sense.
Apple is not downsizing everything. They are downsizing the physical size and will then maximise ports etc. it can keep. Mx Pro chip in Mac Mini now is the same that is in MBP so no, no downsizing there.
In my latest render I've removed the power plug which made tons of space overall. That is if Apple goes for USBC charging. I feel that so far I'm not that off but we shall see.
When we get more rumours I might readjust but for now it is visually working and "Apple" working.
Cool idea but very unApple like. Visually its really 'cluttered' so I doubt we will see anything like this. Also, you can forget SD Card. It makes zero sense. If anything, it would be in the front.
While I don’t like this, the original rumor did not include any mention of a Physical ethernet port. While I would think a physical ethernet port would be essential for a desktop unit, Apple has already shown that their entry-level iMac includes an ethernet only as an option. Is there any reason why we think the new entry-level Mac mini will be any different?
Why would Apple do this? It worked with the iMac. This allows Apple to keep an entry-level product at the existing price, Realizing that many consumers will pay extra for the inclusion an optional ethernet port. While not a consumer friendly Approach, it does make some logic from a business case and sounds a whole lot like the current Apple we see today.
Why would Apple do this? It worked with the iMac. This allows Apple to keep an entry-level product at the existing price, Realizing that many consumers will pay extra for the inclusion an optional ethernet port. While not a consumer friendly Approach, it does make some logic from a business case and sounds a whole lot like the current Apple we see today.
A "puck" with crowded ports would worry me a bit. Enough so that if it were as you have shown, I would wait at least 3 months to see how user issues surface. Remember, Minis seem to be plagued for years with Bluetooth issues and no need to consider more issues here.Hey guys,
with all the talk about the new mini and me being at home this weekend I decided to dust off my 3D skills and do a basic version. Please be gentle as I'm not a modeller or lighter so the renders are fairly basic (+my machine is slow so the shading work was a pain).
On the left is the Mini I think we could see and on the right is the old mini. I didn't bother to model the ports on the old mini so thats why I've rotated it.
I've kept the ports physically accurate (down to a 1mm) so it should represent it quite well. The original Mini is physically accurate.
1x audio jack
4x thunderbolt ports
1x hdmi
1x ethernet
1x power
1x turn on button
Let me know what you think and lets see what Apple does
EDIT: added 2 better renders from UE. Unfortunately my computer can't handle better settings so it has artefacts but its better I think
View attachment 2405032 View attachment 2405034 View attachment 2405033 View attachment 2405083 View attachment 2405084 View attachment 2405312
OTOH some sources are saying that the M4 has 4 TB controllers c.f. 3 in previous base M-series chips. It seems (hopefully) unlikely that they added more controllers only to cut back on ports. Only using one is a terrible waste of bandwidth - a multi-port hub doesn't get you that bandwidth back, everything is sharing at best the same 40Gbps max bandwidth, and USB devices are effectively sharing a single tunnelled USB stream via a USB hub.
I thing the "optimistic" possibility is that the Mini will have 3-4 TB/USB-C ports and nothing else. Power would be via USB-C from a MacBook-style power brick, a Hub/Dock with 60W+ power delivery, a Studio Display or other USB-C/Thunderbolt display with PD. Want Ethernet/HDMI? Use a USB-C to ethernet or HDMI adapter, or get a dock. Having to use one of the TBs for power "saves" having to allow 15W on all 3/4 ports.
I'm not liking that - but if you must make a palm-sized Mini because reasons then it seems to make the most sense. In particular, if they really must get rid of the internal PSU then it would be stupid not to use USB-C instead, and have the possibility of selling Studio Displays to Mini users.
I think the iMac Ethernet + PSU idea is a dead end - the iMac still has an on-board ethernet controller, the PSU just provides the socket. Use a TB/USB cable and you could put the controller in the PSU (or just tell people to use a hub pr ethernet dongle).
Thing about the iMac - nobody would want to power it from a Studio Display, and the Studio Display wasn't around when it was designed, anyway.
...which was a diagnostic/restore port that couldn't be used for anything else (maybe there were hacks...). USB-C wasn't really a "feature".
Everyone is posting what they WANT to happen.
This is Apple:
This is Apple:
Why not? It's hardly rocket surgery - I'm sure those very clever people at Apple could work it out. I've got a £20 Raspberry Pi case with two vertically mounted HDMIs - vertical/90º HDMI sockets for mounting on a horizontal PCB are already a thing.
Another possibility is Micro HDMI connectors (as used on the Raspberry Pi - which manages to fit 4xUSB-A, Ethernet, 1xUSB-C, 2 x MicroHDMI and a microSD slot onto something smaller than an Apple TV - and is a real pain for cable management!)
The Studio is built to higher standards than the Mini and a prime example is that it has all of the ports on replaceable, vertically-mounted daughterboards carrying "upward: facing sockets.
The Mini already cheaps out by having a single logic board with directly soldered connectors on the edge - cheaper but mechanically inferior and non-replaceble. If you can get "vertical" HDMI connectors for mounting that way (see above) you can probably get "vertical" USB-C sockets - anyway, Apple will be making tens of thousands (at least) of these things so it would be economical to have them made if they're not available.
The usb c ports I suspect will be 2x2 for 4 stacked two tall and two wide. You’re right that the Ethernet and power will need more space because of internal space needs. I suspect Ethernet will go and HDMI will be horizontal not vertical.
Aside from that it’s pretty good. Even if usb ports aren’t stacked the removal of Ethernet will open up space for the other ports and the internal space for power.