The Mac mini was one of the first Macs to ship with Apple Silicon. However, there’s still one Intel-based model that Apple still sells for $1099. According to Jon Prosser, Apple is looking to replace that model with a more modern version of the Mac mini.
The Mac mini has used the same design for over 10 years since June 2010 with slight changes/port layouts over past iterations. Thanks to the energy efficiency of Apple Silicon, it allows Apple to ship products with minimalistic designs such as the 24-inch iMac (where the entire “computer” actually resides within the bottom chin). According to Prosser, the redesigned Mac mini will be slimmer with a plexiglass-like top, similar to the design for the 2005-2010 Mac mini models. This redesign might give Apple a chance to offer the Mac mini in multiple two-toned colors similar to those of the 24-inch iMac. Additionally, the upcoming Mac mini will sport the magnetic connector used in the 24-inch iMac.
In terms of capability, the current M1 Mac mini has a couple of limitations. First, the I/O is limited to two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone jack. Secondly, it is limited to 16GB of RAM maximum. With the supposedly-dubbed “M1X” SoC, Apple is looking to overcome the M1’s weakness as the upcoming computer might include two more Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and up to 64GB of RAM. In addition to these improvements, the “M1X” might feature 8 high-performance cores and 2 efficiency cores (in contrast to 4 high-performance cores & 4 efficiency cores within the M1 SoC).
The release timeframe has not been made clear, but Apple might not release this product at all. What are your thoughts on this concept/leak of the Mac mini? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @Appleosophy.
