The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[apparatchik]

Late 2014 sounds implausible, the Mini was the first Mac to get the M1, and was updated timely with the M2 while adding an M2 Pro option, is normal for Apple to spread out launches so chip yields are not a problem and to focus attention on higher-end models and options, but I don't see why both the MBA and the Mac Mini wouldn't be updated in March as rumored.

M3 MBP demand would be fully realized and normalized by then, and a surplus of M3 chips will be available for both lines to be updated.

Late 2014 would be the start of the M4 production phase according to rumors.

 

[Monotremata]

There probably isnt an M3 Mini because they just released an M2 and M2 Pro Mini a year ago, and didnt see the need for pissing everybody off that just bought one.

 

[CalMin]

There probably isnt an M3 Mini because they just released an M2 and M2 Pro Mini a year ago, and didnt see the need for pissing everybody off that just bought one.

That didn't stop them with the MacBook Pro M2's. M2 and then M3 were less than a year apart.

 

[theluggage]

The Mini isn't so much anymore. Look at how much of a monster it is next to a NUC.

Now add the NUC's external power brick to the scene for a fair picture...

I don't know what the current NUCs are like on the noise front, either - but quiet cooling takes up space (whether it's big heatsinks with lots of surface area or larger, slower-spinning fans).

Plus, the newer "NUC Extreme" models are huge - more like mini-tower PCs.

 

[saulinpa]

Late 2014 sounds implausible, the Mini was the first Mac to get the M1, and was updated timely with the M2 while adding an M2 Pro option, is normal for Apple to spread out launches so chip yields are not a problem and to focus attention on higher-end models and options, but I don't see why both the MBA and the Mac Mini wouldn't be updated in March as rumored.

M3 MBP demand would be fully realized and normalized by then, and a surplus of M3 chips will be available for both lines to be updated.

Late 2014 would be the start of the M4 production phase according to rumors.

2014 or 2024?

They aren't even putting M3s in the Vision Pros so yes, they have a major yield problem.

 

[smulji]

Late 2014 sounds implausible, the Mini was the first Mac to get the M1, and was updated timely with the M2 while adding an M2 Pro option, is normal for Apple to spread out launches so chip yields are not a problem and to focus attention on higher-end models and options, but I don't see why both the MBA and the Mac Mini wouldn't be updated in March as rumored.

M3 MBP demand would be fully realized and normalized by then, and a surplus of M3 chips will be available for both lines to be updated.

Late 2014 would be the start of the M4 production phase according to rumors.

Apple skipped the M2 for the iMac and went straight from M1 to M3. It's possible they may do that again with M3 with respect to some Macs. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the following;

Spring 2024 - M2 iPad Air / M3 iPad Pro
WWDC 2024 - M4 MBA (13" / 15")
Fall 2024 - M4 iMac / base MBP, M4 Pro / Max MBP
Jan 2024 - M4 / M4 Pro Mac mini, M4 Max / Ultra Mac Studio
WWDC 2025 - M4 Ultra Mac Pro

 

[picpicmac]

Look at how much of a monster it is next to a NUC

The (now relegated to ASUS) NUC is taller, though.

Apple could take the AppleTV and make it a bit taller, too, and put four USB-C ports (two of them TB) in a line above the lower ports.

But there are many people who like the current Mini design. Plus the extra aluminum helps cool it. Compare the noise of the Mini to, say, a Geekom box.

 

[MRxROBOT]

A new, smaller, lighter Mac mini would be nice, as someone who might need to move it and travel with it every once in a while.

That being said, there probably isn’t an M3 mini or an M3 Air because there aren’t so many chips available. Maybe in spring, when production will have improved, we’ll see them.

Or maybe Apple is just waiting until M4 for the rest of the line, in late 2024.

Apple could likely put it in the AppleTV enclosure. That enclosure already has an A15 SoC, an Ethernet port and an HDMI port, and a 128GB SSD. All you need to do is add a couple of TB ports and a couple of USB-C ports for USB3. Add an audio jack.

The M2 Pro uses a lot of the space in the mini chassis. If they were to reduce the base mini's size to that of an Apple TV, then there would be 2 distinct mini chassis. I don't see that happening.

 

[Chuckeee]

Apple could take the AppleTV and make it a bit taller, too, and put four USB-C ports (two of them TB) in a line above the lower ports.

Make it into a mini cube? That would have a certain nostalgia appeal for a few.

 

[Boil]

Mac mini does not need to be made smaller; between the CoLo sites that buy them by the pallet & the need for the room for cooling the Mn Pro, there would be issues...

The only Cube we need is a Mn Extreme Mac Pro Cube...!

 

[Populus]

The M2 Pro uses a lot of the space in the mini chassis. If they were to reduce the base mini's size to that of an Apple TV, then there would be 2 distinct mini chassis. I don't see that happening.

Me neither, honestly. Maybe they make it a bit, just a bit, smaller and put that plexiglass top, but that’s it. I agree that the mini chasis is going to be used both for the M3 and the M3 Pro (which is now more efficient and should require less cooling).

 

[misterlwc]

I would like to see an updated design, the external design has not really change that much in over 10 years, compared to every other Apple product.

 

[MBAir2010]

The Mini isn't so much anymore. Look at how much of a monster it is next to a NUC. Time to let this product go.

Never
the mac mini serves many purposes

and looks very elegant!!

 

[MBAir2010]

I would like to see an updated design, the external design has not really change that much in over 10 years, compared to every other Apple product.

Why?
the mac mini is perfect

 

[Guenter]

Some more Ports 4 usb and one Card Reader would be nice that i dont Need an extra hub.

 

[opeter]

Well, because the Pro SoC needs more room for cooling, the only option for a smaller Mac mini would be, that they remove the "Pro" option. But that would piss off some (many?) Mac mini users.

And I see no way, that Apple would make and sell two chassises for the Mac mini.

 

[frou]

Judging by the big-block-of-nothingness appearance of the Mac Studio, they wouldn't put much effort into an exterior redesign of the Mini anyway.

 

[icemantx]

Three things that will never happen to the Mac mini I wish would...

1) Make it easy to remove the internals from the aluminum case of the Mac mini such as pull it all out from the back
2) Upgradeable storage internally using NVME (RAM would be nice also)
3) USB-C port and an SD card slot on the front

I know why Apple does not and will not do these three things. Profit margins on storage and RAM are just too juicy to give up and they want you to get the Mac Studio if you want any front ports (again more $$$).

One can always dream even it it will never come true.

That said, I do have an M2 Pro Mac mini + Apple Studio Display and I am very happy with it. I will just have to buy a new Mac if my needs ever change since the Mac mini cannot be upgraded in any way (external storage aside).

 

[MBAir2010]

Three things that will never happen to the Mac mini I wish would...

1) Make it easy to remove the internals from the aluminum case of the Mac mini such as pull it all out from the back
2) Upgradeable storage internally using NVME (RAM would be nice also)
3) USB-C port and an SD card slot on the front
t have to buy a new Mac if my needs ever change since the Mac mini cannot be upgraded in any way (external storage aside).

Seems to me that many Mac mini users have these minor problems.
Hopefully Satechi's new hub will relieve some of these problem for my Mini next week.

I started thread yesterday is anyone is interested.....

 

[Monotremata]

I know why Apple does not and will not do these three things. Profit margins on storage and RAM are just too juicy to give up and they want you to get the Mac Studio if you want any front ports (again more $$$).

Profit margins on RAM? It's part of the CPU, and a big reason for the performance of the M chips. There are no replaceable "sticks" of RAM anywhere inside the case.

 

[AlmightyKang]

Three things that will never happen to the Mac mini I wish would...

1) Make it easy to remove the internals from the aluminum case of the Mac mini such as pull it all out from the back
2) Upgradeable storage internally using NVME (RAM would be nice also)
3) USB-C port and an SD card slot on the front

I know why Apple does not and will not do these three things. Profit margins on storage and RAM are just too juicy to give up and they want you to get the Mac Studio if you want any front ports (again more $$$).

One can always dream even it it will never come true.

That said, I do have an M2 Pro Mac mini + Apple Studio Display and I am very happy with it. I will just have to buy a new Mac if my needs ever change since the Mac mini cannot be upgraded in any way (external storage aside).

Similar setup here.

SD card solution - Apple SD adapter + VEB tape + stick on back of Studio Display. Works really well..

 

[norwaypianoman]

No new iPad Pros from Apple with M3 chip? Might be the end of it.

No new MacBook Airs from Apple with M3 chip? Might be the end of it.

No new Mac Studios from Apple with M3 chip? Might be the end of it.

No new Mac Pros from Apple with M3 chip? Might be the end of it.

No new Apple Watch with M3 chip? Might be the end of it

Imagine running a version of Final Cut Pro on your Apple Watch ? WOAH.

 

[Boil]

No new Apple Watch with M3 chip? Might be the end of it

Imagine running a version of Final Cut Pro on your Apple Watch ? WOAH.

Apple Watch would not fit the joke parameters, as it never had a M2 series SoC in it; come on dude, try to keep up...! ;^p

 

[picpicmac]

If they were to reduce the base mini's size to that of an Apple TV, then there would be 2 distinct mini chassis. I don't see that happening.

Or perhaps there is no need for an M3 Pro version of the Mac Mini?

Instead, put an M3 Pro in the Mac Studio for a lower cost base Mac Studio.

 

[picpicmac]

Some more Ports 4 usb and one Card Reader

It's called a Mac Studio. Apple could have a lower priced Studio if they had an option for an M_ Pro SoC instead of the pricey Max SoC.