The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[Wolf1701]

I got one of the first Apple ][ computers in 1978, with a HUGE 16k memory. The base model only had 4kb, and that was not enough to load floating point BASIC. The

mac mini 1980 here (commodore vic 20)... with 'datassette' and a 16kb expansion (cartridge)... and here we are complaining that a M1 isn't enough

 

[trickster is meaningless]

FGS Apple just pull your finger out and give us M1 Pro and/or M1 Max Minis (and iMacs, for that matter). It's literally zero effort on your part to incorporate the technology - which you've already developed - into your products' different form-factors. It doesn't have to be done only annually every October with a fricking televised fanfare: just get on with it.

Apple has this frustrating trait of dripfeeding technology only into certain products, like how their latest phones used to get the most cutting-edge A-series processors, while their iPads, which would benefit more, were often a generation behind.

They can release more than one product at once - and if there is an event, they more than likely would release multiple macs at once.

I suspect this is due to the production pipeline. For the top end MBP M1 Max processors with 64gb, there is a 6-8week wait in the UK. The Mac mini isn't ever a headline grabber, so I can't blame them for wanting to get their production line tuned for the laptops first.

Why? Form factor is proven for high wattage and sufficient space for ports and well established in data centers. It’s “green” due to using recycled aluminum and being able to be mostly recycled, the tooling is done and paid and its refined, simplistic look is now well known, if not already iconic. Professional customers as well as 3rd party add-on makers have adjusted, so why p*ss ‘em off? It’s not like in the iPhone world, where add-on makers hope for changes so they can sell their quickly designed new product generation and business customers hope to be able to brag and pose with the latest iteration.

Co-location guys have designed their data centres for the Current Mini form factor. You can assume they will had a say. A change in the form factor will be pretty major.

Redesign and form factor don't necessarily change together. For example the 7.7"x7.7" footprint could remain and the materials change. However, the current design isn't exactly 19" rack efficient anyway, as it leaves 3.6" horizontally. If they went for a 6" design it would allow three side by side. However, the common co-lo layout is for them to be vertical, but again 7.7" is 4.4u, so still not exactly efficient either. Once the design is out, it won't take long for some rack modules to be redesigned, in a lot of ways the current design has lasted longer than I imagine they dreamed it would have. As an aside, the trashcan Mac Pros look comical in a rack.

The power supply being external would be a double edged sword, its a simple replacement in event of a failure, but may also make the rack redesign less clean, but it isn't really a problem once they're in situ. One thing I hope changes from the iMac, is the power brick having a non-detachable cable on the computer end. I like the way the new MagSafe charger work from USB-c to MagSafe so the cable can be replaced without the brick. I hated that on the older MBPs.

 

[now i see it]

I know this thread is all about hope (for years) but there’s zero precedent or reason to think ANOTHER updated mini is coming any time soon. I think the current M1 mini will be with us for a long time.

 

[Boyd01]

I wouldn't say there's ZERO reason to think a new Mini is coming.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Apple is developing a high-end version of the Mac mini that has a revamped design, according to Bloomberg. The updated Mac mini will feature faster M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and it will replace the current Intel Mac mini.

Apple is expected to release the updated Mac mini sometime in 2022, though a firm release date is not yet known.

The new Mac mini is expected to include the same M1 Pro and Pro Max chip options made available in the MacBook Pro, with a 10-core CPU and 16 and 32-core GPU options. The new Mac mini will be equipped with more ports, featuring four Thunderbolt ports rather than the two that are available on the current Mac mini.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Mac mini: New M4 Chips, Should You Buy?

The Mac mini was updated in October 2024 with a smaller design, Apple's M4 and M4 Pro chips, front USB-C ports, and rear Thunderbolt 4 or...

www.macrumors.com

 

[sublunar]

I suspect this is due to the production pipeline. For the top end MBP M1 Max processors with 64gb, there is a 6-8week wait in the UK. The Mac mini isn't ever a headline grabber, so I can't blame them for wanting to get their production line tuned for the laptops first.

More profit in the laptops too. I don't blame them for delaying the Mac mini in an environment where they may have to ration CPU allocation (plus possibly a redesign).

Redesign and form factor don't necessarily change together. For example the 7.7"x7.7" footprint could remain and the materials change. However, the current design isn't exactly 19" rack efficient anyway, as it leaves 3.6" horizontally. If they went for a 6" design it would allow three side by side. However, the common co-lo layout is for them to be vertical, but again 7.7" is 4.4u, so still not exactly efficient either. Once the design is out, it won't take long for some rack modules to be redesigned, in a lot of ways the current design has lasted longer than I imagine they dreamed it would have. As an aside, the trashcan Mac Pros look comical in a rack.

The power supply being external would be a double edged sword, its a simple replacement in event of a failure, but may also make the rack redesign less clean, but it isn't really a problem once they're in situ. One thing I hope changes from the iMac, is the power brick having a non-detachable cable on the computer end. I like the way the new MagSafe charger work from USB-c to MagSafe so the cable can be replaced without the brick. I hated that on the older MBPs.

That could be one reason for a potential redesign - if our co-location friends have agreed to a specific form factor that is more radio transparent (mainly for the consumer) while also space efficient then so much the better. Apple never did design SKUs to fit neatly into a rack - the rack mountable Mac Pro seems to be a compromise towards that.

A microtower shaped Mac mini might be useful for wifi and heat redistribution depending on the materials used.

I totally agree with the replaceable cable for Magsafe though - even though it's a bit expensive as a standalone item -

 

[Moonjumper]

I know this thread is all about hope (for years) but there’s zero precedent or reason to think ANOTHER updated mini is coming any time soon. I think the current M1 mini will be with us for a long time.

There are some good reasons. Probably the biggest one is it is over a year into a two year transition to Apple silicon, and the top-end mini still uses Intel. It is unlikely to be the last machine to transition (that will almost certainly be the Mac Pro), so it should be a lot less than a year before we see the change.

 

[Wolf1701]

I think that we all are trying to do something difficult at best in normal times... to predict apple releases.

Now we are in a transition to AS, in the middle of a pandemic AND with resources/energy scarcity... even without the political nonsense of china/taiwan and russia/ukraina/europe this would be challenging at best.

We (and the analysts) are trying to do our best with rumors, leaks and hopes... all mixed up.

All that said... those who want now a MM Pro/Max are about to post "should I wait an M2 MM?" in a few months.

 

[EugW]

I think that we all are trying to do something difficult at best in normal times... to predict apple releases.

Now we are in a transition to AS, in the middle of a pandemic AND with resources/energy scarcity... even without the political nonsense of china/taiwan and russia/ukraina/europe this would be challenging at best.

We (and the analysts) are trying to do our best with rumors, leaks and hopes... all mixed up.

All that said... those who want now a MM Pro/Max are about to post "should I wait an M2 MM?" in a few months.

Well, the difference here is Apple itself actually said the transition would be complete within 2 years, which means if they are true to their word (delays notwithstanding), a new Mac mini Pro/Max would be out before the end of 2022.

As mentioned, Apple has so far only partly transitioned the Mac mini line, and is continuing to sell an Intel model as their high end model at a higher price tier.

 

[trickster is meaningless]

Well, the difference here is Apple itself actually said the transition would be complete within 2 years, which means if they are true to their word (delays notwithstanding), a new Mac mini Pro/Max would be out before the end of 2022.

Given COVID and the silicon shortage, I think the two year timeframe may slip, especially with the Mac Pro end of things. I imagine they will get around it by pre-announcing the Mac Pro like they did last time. Still if everything else is transitioned, I imagine 99% of customers are covered.

With things like Xcode cloud in the works, they may be pivoting towards some more cloud services going forward. There are some things that will always need local processing, but big render jobs and the like could be farmed off site. This kind of model would be great for startups who can't stretch to a Mac Pro, but are in the Apple ecosystem.

 

[Jorbanead]

It's humorous that a M1 Pro based mini is now considered 'limiting' 😂

Where did someone say the M1 Pro was limiting? It’s not even out yet.

 

[Jorbanead]

Given COVID and the silicon shortage, I think the two year timeframe may slip, especially with the Mac Pro end of things. I imagine they will get around it by pre-announcing the Mac Pro like they did last time. Still if everything else is transitioned, I imagine 99% of customers are covered.

With things like Xcode cloud in the works, they may be pivoting towards some more cloud services going forward. There are some things that will always need local processing, but big render jobs and the like could be farmed off site. This kind of model would be great for startups who can't stretch to a Mac Pro, but are in the Apple ecosystem.

They just have 3 products left: The high end Mac mini, the 27” iMac, and the Mac Pro. I don’t see why they couldn’t get this done by November.

As far as we know, all 3 of these products will likely be using some variants of the Pro/Max chips (Mac Pro possibly using several Max chips).

The silicon shortage isn’t really effecting current nodes, it’s mainly effecting legacy nodes. The bigger issue at the moment is supply chain logistics and shortages, as well as shipping.

 

[sublunar]

They just have 3 products left: The high end Mac mini, the 27” iMac, and the Mac Pro. I don’t see why they couldn’t get this done by November.

As far as we know, all 3 of these products will likely be using some variants of the Pro/Max chips (Mac Pro possibly using several Max chips).

The silicon shortage isn’t really effecting current nodes, it’s mainly effecting legacy nodes. The bigger issue at the moment is supply chain logistics and shortages, as well as shipping.

I can't see any issue with completing the transition by June-October 2022 either. I'm assuming 2 years from announcement vs 2 years from first product being acceptable deadlines.

It's obvious that an iMac 27"/Pro will have a chassis redesign to cope with, the mini might also get one too. Obviously the Mac Pro should have one and it would be fitting for an iMac Pro to potentially appear at the same time as a Mac Pro if the chipsets are the same. WWDC seems like the best place to finish a 2 year transition though.

M1 Pro and M1 Max is available now, and we then have potentially M1 Max Duo and M1 Mac Quad for our first Mac Pro (being 2 or 4 M1 Max CPUs glued together for multi threaded workloads).

We would then logically have M2 products appearing by October (starting with MBA and MBP 13") to start the next cycle again.

 

[Jorbanead]

I know this thread is all about hope (for years) but there’s zero precedent or reason to think ANOTHER updated mini is coming any time soon. I think the current M1 mini will be with us for a long time.

We’ve discussed this several times in this thread. There’s several good reasons to believe an updated high-end mini is coming.

1) Many rumors have indicated a new mini coming soon, from Gurman to Prosser.

2) Apple still retaining the old Intel models (which currently use Intel chips that are not even in production anymore) on their website. Someone argued last year they were retaining these for legacy support for customers that stilll want Intel - but for one, I don’t think Apple is at all concerned about this and even if they were, it’s been over a year now.

3) The M1 mini going back to silver and removing ports, after Apple made a huge deal about a “pro” focused mini in 2018/2020 to me shows they view the M1 mini as a consumer machine and they were waiting for an M1 Pro/Max to replace the higher-end i5/i7 models.

4) The mini design is capable of more powerful chips

5) The rumored consumer Apple displays would be a perfect companion to a pro-focused mini, and Apple would make a huge profit off pro mini + display.

6) Apple sold (still does) a 64GB mini option for years. Some also used a powerful eGPU too. Many customers looking to upgrade their mini to Apple Silicon cannot use an M1 machine. People like myself need the I/O, RAM, and GPU capacity of an M1 Max chip and I would much rather buy a mini than say an M1 Max iMac or MacBook Pro - as my setup is currently centered around a mini.

All of this is why I believe Apple will sell two mini variants going forward:

• M1, M2, M3 - Mac mini
Consumer model. Limited RAM and I/O.

• M1 Pro/Max, M2 P/M, M3 P/M - Mac mini
Pro model. Higher RAM and more I/O.

 

[Neodym]

To give the speculation a different spin: If the coming M1Pro/Max mini would get a redesign and that would go towards a taller design (as some speculated), it might eventually mutate into another product line: the also rumored Mac Pro mini a.k.a. Mac a.k.a. Cube successor ... :-D

 

[sublunar]

We’ve discussed this several times in this thread. There’s several good reasons to believe an updated high-end mini is coming.

1) Many rumors have indicated a new mini coming soon, from Gurman to Prosser.

2) Apple still retaining the old Intel models (which currently use Intel chips that are not even in production anymore) on their website. Someone argued last year they were retaining these for legacy support for customers that stilll want Intel - but for one, I don’t think Apple is at all concerned about this and even if they were, it’s been over a year now.

3) The M1 mini going back to silver and removing ports, after Apple made a huge deal about a “pro” focused mini in 2018/2020 to me shows they view the M1 mini as a consumer machine and they were waiting for an M1 Pro/Max to replace the higher-end i5/i7 models.

4) The mini design is capable of more powerful chips

5) The rumored consumer Apple displays would be a perfect companion to a pro-focused mini, and Apple would make a huge profit off pro mini + display.

6) Apple sold (still does) a 64GB mini option for years. Some also used a powerful eGPU too. Many customers looking to upgrade their mini to Apple Silicon cannot use an M1 machine. People like myself need the I/O, RAM, and GPU capacity of an M1 Max chip and I would much rather buy a mini than say an M1 Max iMac or MacBook Pro - as my setup is currently centered around a mini.

All of this is why I believe Apple will sell two mini variants going forward:

• M1, M2, M3 - Mac mini
Consumer model. Limited RAM and I/O.

• M1 Pro/Max, M2 P/M, M3 P/M - Mac mini
Pro model. Higher RAM and more I/O.

i dont think there is any dispute that the upper SKU Mac mini will get replaced in due course.

i think it’s logical to assume it will get the same options as the 14“ MacBook Pro.

legacy support for intel customers is likely be around for years to come, but I think it’ll come in the form of a refreshed Mac Pro for what it’s worth. Mac OS will support intel machines for at least 5 years after the last one is discontinued in my opinion.

The current Mac mini case is probably capable of cooling an M1 Pro at full pelt. My guess is the M1 Max might be too much for it though which is potentially a reason for changing the case alongside the well documented wireless/Bluetooth issues. Consider the rating of the PSU in the existing intel mini, I don’t think it would be capable of driving an M1 max at full steam ahead.

with the possibility of a M1 Max plus Duo and Quad variants for the iMac Pro and Mac Pro I would float the idea that the top SKU mini is going to give way for a base spec ARM Mac Pro which - yes - could be cube shaped.

if the cooling solution is suitable, we could be looking at the thin redesigned mini in the rumours being the low power ’true’ mini with m2 etc, while the pro and max CPUs go into the Mac Pro line which starts a lot cheaper than the current intel model but maxes out with a 40 core M1 max quad.

To give the speculation a different spin: If the coming M1Pro/Max mini would get a redesign and that would go towards a taller design (as some speculated), it might eventually mutate into another product line: the also rumored Mac Pro mini a.k.a. Mac a.k.a. Cube successor ... :-D

a taller design would be good for accommodating wireless antennas while sorting out internal cooling better for hotter running CPUs. Consider that a pro mini could end up being used in a studio where silence is really important.

 

[JippaLippa]

Man, the high end mini is the jolly of apple silicon transition...
While we have a pretty solid understanding of when the other models will be released, the new mini could come up at anytime.
Early 2022? Spring 2022? Summer 2022? Fall 2022? Who knows...
The fact we had quite a few rumours about it this year (it was even expected to be announced alongside the macbooks) makes me believe it's closer than we think.
Given apple's recent history, isn't there any chance of an hardware event before spring? Like in February.

 

[EugW]

Given apple's recent history, isn't there any chance of an hardware event before spring? Like in February.

A February event is not impossible because it's happened in the past, but it has not happened in recent years. So my expectation is that the absolute earliest it would happen is March.

 

[JippaLippa]

A February event is not impossible because it's happened in the past, but it has not happened in recent years. So my expectation is that the absolute earliest it would happen is March.

Let's hope this year will be different.
Apple has a million products to unveil this year.

Allegedly:
- High End Mac Mini
- 27" iMac
- iMac Pro (Maybe)
- New Macbook Air
- New 13" Macbook Pro (although I'd just cancel this model)
- Airpods Pro 2nd gen
- New iPad Air
- New iPad Pro
- Apple Watch series 8
- iPhone 14
- VR Headset
- Mac Pro
- MacOS 13
- iOS 16
- ipadOS 16
- watchOS 9
- New Apple TV content

And I might even be forgetting something...
It would make sense for them to space out the announcements and given how April and October seem to be the most important events for the release of important new hardware, it wouldn't be absurd to have apple release the mini earlier than late april.
Sure lots of people use the mini, but I don't think they're enough to compromise the sales of the imac, in spring.
I'd also think it would be wiser to have all the M1 Pro/Max enabled machines released before summer, as I expect the latter part of the year dedicated to the M2 and high end chips for the mac pro.

 

[Jorbanead]

A February event is not impossible because it's happened in the past, but it has not happened in recent years. So my expectation is that the absolute earliest it would happen is March.

Given apple's recent history, isn't there any chance of an hardware event before spring? Like in February.

The last time Apple held an event earlier than March was in 2010. This was after a period of time where Apple often announced products at the Macworld conference in January. Since 2010, Apple has never held an event in January or February.

It’s not impossible, but very unlikely in my opinion. Another factor to consider is we have just passed a very complicated holiday season with major shipping and supply constraints globally. Apple could benefit from a few months of “catch up” before they do another big push on new products. Also consumers aren’t as likely to purchase products right after the holiday season which is guess is why Apple stopped doing events early in the year.

Let's hope this year will be different.
Apple has a million products to unveil this year.

Allegedly:
- High End Mac Mini
- 27" iMac
- iMac Pro (Maybe)
- New Macbook Air
- New 13" Macbook Pro (although I'd just cancel this model)
- Airpods Pro 2nd gen
- New iPad Air
- New iPad Pro
- Apple Watch series 8
- iPhone 14
- VR Headset
- Mac Pro
- MacOS 13
- iOS 16
- ipadOS 16
- watchOS 9
- New Apple TV content

And I might even be forgetting something...
It would make sense for them to space out the announcements and given how April and October seem to be the most important events for the release of important new hardware, it wouldn't be absurd to have apple release the mini earlier than late april.
Sure lots of people use the mini, but I don't think they're enough to compromise the sales of the imac, in spring.
I'd also think it would be wiser to have all the M1 Pro/Max enabled machines released before summer, as I expect the latter part of the year dedicated to the M2 and high end chips for the mac pro.

• March event
• WWDC in June
• September event
• October Event

Based on apples event history, this seems the most likely to happen. Smaller products can also be released via press release if needed as well.

 

[Michael Scrip]

RE: events

Thanks to Covid... Apple "events" are now prerecorded movies that they stream to millions of viewers online.

I'm not saying they could whip one up in a single day... but they could have one ready for February even if they started in early January.

Because the presentation is prerecorded... they can film the segments as people are available. They don't have to get everyone (including media) in one location at one time.

If Apple has enough of a story to tell in February... they could have a presentation in February. Watch your inboxes!

 

[Jorbanead]

RE: events

Thanks to Covid... Apple "events" are now prerecorded movies that they stream to millions of viewers online.

I'm not saying they could whip one up in a single day... but they could have one ready for February even if they started in early January.

Because the presentation is prerecorded... they can film the segments as people are available. They don't have to get everyone (including media) in one location at one time.

If Apple has enough of a story to tell in February... they could have a presentation in February. Watch your inboxes!

Apple holds events when marketing determines it’s the best time to annnounce a product, based on market demand, when the product is ready to ship, and when Apple has sufficient supply to meet demand (that part has been effected by the pandemic the most unfortunately). There was no reason in the past why they couldn’t hold a February or January event, and in fact they have. Just not anytime recently, likely because Apple found it more financially lucrative to announce products at a better time and/or that’s when supply was ready to ship.

The editing and filming of an event is likely a tiny fraction of how and when they choose to announce products.

 

[EugW]

New 13" Macbook Pro (although I'd just cancel this model)

This is something I've been trying to reconcile. Currently the models and US pricing are:

$999 - 13" MacBook Air M1/8/256
$1199 - 13" MacBook Air M1/16/256
$1249 - 13" MacBook Air M1/8/512
$1449 - 13" MacBook Air M1/16/512

$1299 - 13" MacBook Pro M1/8/256
$1499 - 13" MacBook Pro M1/16/256
$1499 - 13" MacBook Pro M1/8/512
$1699 - 13" MacBook Pro M1/16/512

$1999 - 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro/16/512
Etc.

Without the 13" MacBook Pro in the mix, there is a big gap between the 13" MacBook Air and the 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro.

While some people are saying the Air will get updated with a notched 14" screen to take over the price tier of the 13" MacBook Pro, I'd suspect there still will be a $999 SKU.

So perhaps there will be two Airs, one 13" M2 at $999 and one notched 14" M2 with more ports at $1299 or $1399. Or perhaps that notched 14" M2 will be called a Pro, sort of a Pro Lite.

Basically what I'm saying is that while the 13" MacBook Pro may disappear in 2022, something will still have to fill the void, whether it's called a Pro or an Air, while still keeping a model at that important sub-$1000 price tier.

Based on apples event history, this seems the most likely to happen. Smaller products can also be released via press release if needed as well.

I was going to mention that in the context of the Mac mini discussion, but then decided it didn't really apply to the Mac mini, because my expectation is the new Mac mini will have an all new design and form factor. They would not release this quietly in a press release only. It would warrant an event IMO.

 

[Jorbanead]

They would not release this quietly in a press release only. It would warrant an event IMO.

oh I agree. I 100% think the mini will be announced at an event.

When I said smaller products, I was referring to things like airpods which can be released with a press release if needed (not saying they will).

 

[Michael Scrip]

The editing and filming of an event is likely a tiny fraction of how and when they choose to announce products.

Yes of course it all comes down to the products. I was just saying Apple's video events can be presented at any time.

Apple had events in September, October, and November of 2020 because they were prerecorded videos.

Apple would never have three in-person events back-to-back like that.

The video events give them much more flexibility.

 

[Jorbanead]

Yes of course it all comes down to the products. I was just saying Apple's video events can be presented at any time.

Apple had events in September, October, and November of 2020 because they were prerecorded videos.

Apple would never have three in-person events back-to-back like that.

The video events give them much more flexibility.

Correct. But Sept-Nov is prime time for holiday products. My point is Announcing something in January, and even February, is not an optimal time to release new products.

It’s more likely, if they needed multiple spring events due to many products being announced, they would do something in March, April, or May as Apple has historically preferred this time of year.

Essentially there are two key windows Apple prefers to announce products:

Spring: March - June
Fall: Sept - Nov