I'm calling it!
New Mac Mini at WWDC 2015, in a cube form factor. Release alongside a redesigned MacBook Pro 14" with USB Type-C. Essentially the NeXT/Power Mac G4 Cube, but in a significantly smaller size.
Why?
People have joked about and said that it's going to be a mini version of the 'waste basket' Mac Pro, but I think it's going to be an aluminium Cube instead, with 2-3 ports (USB Type-C). 1 Type-C port for power, 1 for display, and 1 for whatever connections you want. Hard drive, etcetera.
The rumours about a new Apple backlit keyboard, and the lack of update for the other peripherals (Apple LED Cinema Display, Magic Mouse/Magic Trackpad) suggests that they'll be refreshed all at once.
The new Mac Mini will probably launch alongside a 4K cinema display and a redesigned MacBook Pro 14" in WWDC 2015 (Along with the usual OS X announcements, and Apple Watch OS announcement. iOS announcement will be pushed to late Q3/early Q4, and launch alongside the iPhone 6S).
New Mac Mini at WWDC 2015, in a cube form factor. Release alongside a redesigned MacBook Pro 14" with USB Type-C. Essentially the NeXT/Power Mac G4 Cube, but in a significantly smaller size.
Why?
- It's possible: Intel's NUC hardware platform shows that small-size computing is feasible.
- Minaturisation of parts: The new MacBook 12" shows that Apple has invested significant resources in minaturisation. I think it's coming to the Mac Mini. The purpose of the Mac Mini was never to be a large desktop (unlike the iMac, or a Mac Pro) but a portable, small device that connected to your components.
- It's about time: The Mac Mini's been in the same rectangular prism form factor for a long time. The previous constraining factors on its size and shape have been the CD/DVD drive, the hard drive and the logic board. The CD/DVD has been phased out, the hard drive has been converted to a SSD (which can now be in the form of a 'blade' SSD, rather than the traditional 2.5" harddrive-sized SSDs), and the logic board is capable of being minaturised (See: MacBook 12"). Thus, a change of shape is in in order. Thinner. Lighter. Fully alumnium.
People have joked about and said that it's going to be a mini version of the 'waste basket' Mac Pro, but I think it's going to be an aluminium Cube instead, with 2-3 ports (USB Type-C). 1 Type-C port for power, 1 for display, and 1 for whatever connections you want. Hard drive, etcetera.
The rumours about a new Apple backlit keyboard, and the lack of update for the other peripherals (Apple LED Cinema Display, Magic Mouse/Magic Trackpad) suggests that they'll be refreshed all at once.
- Apple aluminium keyboard: With keyboard backlit. May feature the same 'butterfly' switch mechanism as the MacBook 12".
- Apple LED Cinema Display: Will gain 4K screen. Less bezel and more screen.
- Magic Mouse: Will probably be discontinued. If not, then it'll gain Force Touch in the same form factor.
- Magic Trackpad: Same form factor, with Force Touch support.
The new Mac Mini will probably launch alongside a 4K cinema display and a redesigned MacBook Pro 14" in WWDC 2015 (Along with the usual OS X announcements, and Apple Watch OS announcement. iOS announcement will be pushed to late Q3/early Q4, and launch alongside the iPhone 6S).