While Apple’s all-new Mac Studio gets all of the hype, we can still look forward to what Apple has in store for its upcoming Mac mini. According to 9to5Mac, rumors have indicated that Apple has been working on its next generation of Apple Silicon with its M2 chip. The Mac mini will be one of the models that will feature this upcoming chip as Apple is allegedly working on two prototypes – one with the standard M2 chip and a higher-end model with an M2 Pro chip.
Sources have found references to the chip in the latest beta of macOS Monterey. Based on Mark Gurman’s report, the M2 chip will improve on speed and efficiency with the same 8-core CPU and up to 10 cores of GPU. The higher-end M2 Pro could feature a 12-core CPU, up from the 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. Graphics improvements are very likely in this upcoming processor.
Currently, Apple offers two models of the Mac mini with the M1 chip and one Intel-based model as the higher-end model. While some expected to see an M1 Pro/Max Mac mini as the direct replacement for the Intel model, those models have never came to fruition according to 9to5Mac.
Previous rumors indicated that the Mac mini will be redesigned for the M2 chip. Possible design cues include a smaller chassis with a plexiglass top and two-tone color options. While there’s no solid timeframe on when Apple will release those upgraded models, we could see those products either in WWDC or in the fall. The latter is most likely as Apple tends to announce major products just before the holiday season.
What would you like to see in the upcoming Mac mini? Let us know in the comments below.
