Apple has unveiled its latest generation of the Mac mini, introducing significant advances with the new M4 and M4 Pro chips. This updated model brings a substantial overhaul, marking the most striking redesign the Mac mini has seen in over ten years. Alongside powerful new processors, the Mac mini showcases an innovative design that is both impressively compact and environmentally forward-thinking.
One of the standout features of the refreshed Mac mini is its smaller, reimagined chassis. Now measuring just five by five inches, the new casing allows Apple to enhance internal components while maintaining a sleek and efficient footprint. A fresh thermal architecture directs air through the base of the device, cooling each section strategically for optimal performance during intensive tasks.
Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips power the new Mac mini, delivering a notable leap in performance. The M4 configuration provides a balanced powerhouse with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, complete with 16GB of unified memory as the base option. Those looking for a high-performance option can opt for the M4 Pro chip, which upgrades to a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, and 64GB of memory. The Pro variant also comes equipped with high-bandwidth memory, capable of moving data at an impressive 273GB/s, enabling smoother multitasking and faster processing speeds.
This is the first Mac mini to feature Apple’s hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it an exciting choice for creative professionals in fields like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. Combined with a Neural Engine built for advanced machine learning tasks, the Mac mini now supports seamless processing of complex computations and real-time graphics.
Another first for the Mac mini is the integration of Thunderbolt 5, available on the M4 Pro model. Offering unprecedented data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s, Thunderbolt 5 allows users to connect multiple high-resolution displays and transfer large files with remarkable efficiency. Meanwhile, the base M4 model includes Thunderbolt 4, continuing to support a broad range of high-speed connections.
Apple has also taken a substantial step towards environmental responsibility with this model, as the M4 Mac mini is its first fully carbon-neutral desktop. Using recycled materials and sustainable energy sources throughout production, Apple is furthering its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its products.
Pre-orders for the new Mac mini begin today, starting at $599, and the launch is slated for November 8. This update redefines what users can expect from the compact desktop, making it one of Apple’s most powerful and eco-conscious releases yet.
