Following the announcement of the M4 iMac yesterday, Apple has shifted its focus back to the Mac lineup with a significant update to the Mac Mini. The latest version comes equipped with the new M4 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, all packed into a notably smaller design. Let's dive into the specifics.
Design and Specifications
The most striking alteration is the revamped design. As anticipated, Apple has considerably minimized the already compact Mac Mini. Now measuring just five inches on each side, this model is astonishingly tiny.
To manage heat in such a compact space, the M4 Mac Mini employs "an innovative thermal architecture" that effectively directs airflow throughout the system, with ventilation solely through the base.
Ports and Performance
Even with its reduced size, the Mac Mini still offers a good range of ports. On the front, there are two USB-C ports alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. The back includes ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C ports, all supporting Thunderbolt connections.
Interestingly, the USB-A ports found in earlier models have been removed. However, the layout remains similar, as the base M4 Mini replaces the two USB-A ports with an additional Thunderbolt port, bringing the total to five.
The performance of these ports varies depending on the version of the M4 processor. The standard M4 includes Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro comes with the newer Thunderbolt 5, which offers quicker read and write speeds.
Performance and Configuration
As expected, the M4 Pro outperforms with its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU setup. In contrast, the base M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
For the first time, the latest chip architecture supports ray tracing, and Apple provides the computer with a default RAM of 16GB, likely to enhance the Apple Intelligence features. Users have the option to upgrade RAM to 32GB with the M4 and up to 64GB with the M4 Pro.
Storage options are impressive, reaching up to 8TB, making the small Mac Mini a surprisingly robust machine for those ready to spend. The familiar 10-gigabit ethernet is also available as an optional upgrade for users desiring faster wired connections.
Pricing and Availability
Despite Apple's efforts to enhance the portability and functionality of the new Mini, the pricing remains largely unchanged. The base M4 model starts at $599, while the more powerful M4 Pro edition is priced from $1,399. Both configurations are now available for pre-order and will hit stores on November 8th.
