Apple has unveiled a completely redesigned Mac mini, boasting the newest M4 and M4 Pro chips. This tiny powerhouse packs a massive punch, offering users incredible performance in a form factor that’s less than half the size of the previous generation.
Mac Mini – Supercharged Performance in a Compact Design
The new Mac mini measures just 5 by 5 inches, making it incredibly space-saving on your desk. This compact design is achieved through the incredible power efficiency of Apple silicon and a groundbreaking thermal architecture. Compared to the best-selling PC desktop in its price range, the Mac mini with M4 delivers up to 6x faster performance at a fraction of the size.
M4: Powerhouse for Everyday Tasks
The M4 chip, powering the base model Mac mini, delivers significant performance improvements. Users will experience up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance compared to the previous M1 model. This translates to smoother multitasking across everyday applications, faster creative projects like video editing and music production, and efficient coding tasks.
M4 Pro: Unleash Pro-Level Power
For users demanding pro-level performance, the Mac mini with M4 Pro offers the world’s fastest CPU core, delivering lightning-fast single-threaded performance. With up to 14 cores and a powerful 20-core GPU, the M4 Pro tackles demanding workloads with ease. Additionally, M4 Pro brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing to the Mac mini for the first time.
Enhanced Connectivity and Display Support
The new Mac mini boasts a wide array of ports to connect to any setup. Front-facing ports offer easy access, including two USB-C ports and an audio jack compatible with high-impedance headphones. The back features three Thunderbolt 4 ports for the M4 model and upgraded Thunderbolt 5 ports for the M4 Pro model, delivering double the data transfer speeds. Mac mini supports up to two 6K displays with M4 and a staggering three 6K displays at 60Hz with M4 Pro, providing a visual experience with over 60 million pixels.
Introducing Apple Intelligence on Mac
Apple Intelligence marks a new era for the Mac, bringing personal intelligence to the desktop. This powerful system leverages Apple silicon and the Neural Engine to unlock new ways for users to work, communicate, and express themselves. Apple Intelligence integrates seamlessly with macOS Sequoia 15.1 and is initially available in U.S. English. Features include:
- Systemwide Writing Tools: Refine your writing with features like rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text.
- Redesigned Siri: Move effortlessly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks.
- Image Playground: Create unique images with a fun and easy tool.
- Genmoji: Design custom emoji in seconds.
- ChatGPT Integration (December): Access ChatGPT’s capabilities without switching tools.
Apple Intelligence prioritizes user privacy at every step. On-device processing is the core principle, with private cloud computing offered for complex tasks. Additionally, Apple protects user data rigorously, even when accessing ChatGPT.
The First Carbon Neutral Mac
The new Mac mini represents a significant milestone in Apple’s commitment to sustainability. It’s the company’s first carbon neutral Mac, boasting over 50 percent recycled content overall. Additionally, Apple invests in clean energy projects to compensate for the electricity used by the Mac mini throughout its lifecycle. The packaging is now entirely fiber-based, aligning with Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic from packaging by 2025.
An Unrivaled Experience with macOS Sequoia
macOS Sequoia completes the Mac mini experience with exciting features:
- iPhone Mirroring: Interact wirelessly with your iPhone, apps, and notifications directly on your Mac.
- Enhanced Safari: Enjoy features like Highlights, a smarter Reader, and a new Video Viewer.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Immerse yourself in spatial audio experiences.
- Improved Game Mode: Take your gaming experience to the next level.
- Easier Window Tiling: Organize your workspace effortlessly.
- New Passwords App: Securely store and access your passwords, passkeys, and other credentials.
Pricing and Availability
The new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro is available for pre-order starting October 29th and will arrive in stores and at Apple Authorized Resellers by November 8th. The Mac mini with M4 starts at $799 (CAD), while the M4 Pro model starts at $1,899 (CAD).
Mac Mini the best value for Apple computer?
The iMac M4, Mac mini M4, and MacBook Pro 14 M4, while all powered by the M4 chip, offer different features at different price points. The Mac mini M4 offers the best value proposition among the three M4-powered devices. It provides exceptional performance and versatility at a more affordable price point. Unlike the iMac M4, it doesn’t tie you to a specific display and allows for customization with external monitors. Additionally, compared to the MacBook Pro 14 M4, it eliminates the need for a portable form factor, making it ideal for those who prioritize a stationary setup. By choosing the Mac mini M4, you can build a powerful and customized desktop system without breaking the bank.
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav