Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil a redesigned Mac mini powered by the new M4 Pro chip, promising a significant performance boost over its predecessors. Expected to launch alongside updated MacBook Pro models this week, the M4 Mac mini details have surfaced online after an Amazon comparison page accidentally leaked specifications, giving users an exciting preview of what’s to come.
Key Specs and Features of the M4 Mac Mini
According to the leaked information, the M4 Mac mini will feature two versions: the standard M4 chip and an M4 Pro variant. Here’s a breakdown of what the M4 Pro configuration is expected to offer:
- Up to a 14-Core CPU and 20-Core GPU: This configuration would mark an upgrade from the current M2 Pro Mac mini, which maxes out at a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU. This improvement positions the M4 Pro Mac mini to handle intensive tasks, such as video editing and graphics-heavy applications, with greater ease.
- Increased Memory and Storage: The M4 Pro model will support up to 64GB of unified memory and an 8TB SSD for storage. This enhanced configuration doubles the memory capacity of the current M2 Pro Mac mini and allows for higher data handling and faster performance.
- New Mac Studio-Like Design: The M4 Mac mini is expected to adopt a more compact Mac Studio-inspired design. The updated design will reportedly feature two front-facing USB-C ports along with a potential headphone jack, making connectivity easier for users.
Enhanced Port Selection and Connectivity
The new Mac mini model is rumored to feature a restructured port setup. Expected port configurations include:
- Five USB-C Ports: Three at the back and two at the front.
- HDMI and Ethernet Ports: Essential for media and network connectivity.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: This is anticipated to be on the front for easier access, alongside the front USB-C ports.
The back panel will reportedly eliminate USB-A ports in favor of USB-C, a move that aligns with Apple’s transition toward USB-C standards across its devices .
Comparisons with M2 Pro Mac Mini and Expected Release
For reference, the M2 Pro Mac mini currently caps its specs at a 12-core CPU, a 19-core GPU, and 32GB of RAM. The M4 Pro’s boost to a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, and 64GB RAM will make this new Mac mini model Apple’s most powerful yet for compact desktops, bringing “pro” level capabilities in a small form factor.
The new model is also expected to be priced competitively against Mac Studio but without the hefty hardware of Apple’s larger desktop models. Analysts speculate that Apple will officially announce the Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip on October 24 or 25, alongside the updated MacBook Pro lineup.
The new Mac mini promises to be an ideal choice for professionals and creatives who need a compact, powerful machine that handles demanding tasks without compromising on performance. The upgraded specs and refined design demonstrate Apple’s push to expand the capabilities of its mini desktop lineup while offering users a more powerful alternative to the M2 Pro.
This announcement would follow Apple’s recent M4 iMac launch, and with the Mac mini, Apple looks to bring its M4 chip lineup to a wider range of desktop configurations. The reported M4 Pro Mac mini is poised to be one of the most advanced compact desktops in the market once officially released.
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