On Tuesday, Apple officially announced the new Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro models, confirming earlier rumors that the desktop computer has become even smaller, now comparable in size to the Apple TV box.
The Mac mini has long been the most cost-effective choice for users seeking a Mac computer. Since the introduction of Apple’s silicon chipset and the subsequent release of the M1 Mac mini in late 2020, it has been a highly affordable option for those in search of a powerful computer.
The new M4 Mac mini lineup is particularly notable for its pricing. The enhanced M4 and M4 Pro models continue to offer exceptional value. Apple is maintaining the starting price of $599 for the base M4 model, which features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. In addition, Apple has increased the base memory from 8GB to 16GB, with further upgrade options up to 32GB.
Regarding storage, the Mac mini M4 will ship with 256GB for the base model, with upgrade potential to 2TB.
The M4 Pro model offers even more advanced features. Starting at $1,399, the base model comes equipped with a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, 24GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. The M4 Pro also allows for memory upgrades up to 64GB, which is double that of the previous Mac mini models.
Apple has managed to fit all these features into its smallest computer yet, with the redesigned Mac mini measuring 5 x 5 inches, compared to its predecessor’s 7.75 x 7.75 dimensions.
Apple claims the new M4 chip delivers 2.5 times faster performance than the M1 Mac mini and is 20 times faster than the last Intel Mac mini from 2018. The new M4 and M4 Pro models replace the M2 and M2 Pro configurations introduced in January 2023, skipping the M3 chipset for the Mac mini.
The revamped Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro models also feature some changes in ports. The USB-A ports have been removed. However, two USB-C ports and a headphone jack have been repositioned to the front of the device. The back of the Mac mini M4 features three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and Ethernet ports, while the M4 Pro features upgraded Thunderbolt 5 ports, allowing connection to up to three displays at once.
Despite the redesign, Apple is sticking to the silver colorway for the Mac mini. This announcement followed the unveiling of a new M4 iMac earlier in the week, which features a base model starting at $1,299. This makes the $599 Mac mini an appealing choice for those who already have a monitor.
Details of the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro appeared to have been accidentally leaked by Amazon on Monday evening. A comparison chart uploaded to its iMac M4 product page was quickly removed, but not before it circulated on social media.
The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are currently available for pre-order and will be officially released in stores on November 8.