Apple has introduced a smaller yet more powerful Mac Mini as part of its latest week of Mac-focused announcements. Equipped with the new M4 silicon, the Mac Mini supports ray tracing for the first time and comes with 16GB of RAM by default, setting a new standard in the “Apple Intelligence” era. Priced from $599 for the base M4 model, the more advanced M4 Pro version starts at $1,399. Available now for preorder, the Mac Mini will reach stores on November 8.
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The redesign makes the Mini even more compact, measuring just five inches square, marking it as one of Apple’s most space-efficient desktops yet. Cooling is managed through the M4 chip’s energy efficiency and an “innovative thermal architecture,” which directs airflow through strategic venting from the unit’s base.
Despite its small size, the Mac Mini includes a wide array of ports. On the front, it features two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm audio jack. The back hosts Ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. USB-A is no longer included, but users gain an additional Thunderbolt port with this iteration. Connectivity speed varies by model: the standard M4 version includes Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro comes equipped with Thunderbolt 5, enhancing data transfer rates.
Performance upgrades also set the M4 Pro Mini apart, with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. RAM configurations reach up to 32GB with the M4 and 64GB with the M4 Pro, while storage maxes out at an impressive 8TB. Users can also opt for a 10-gigabit Ethernet upgrade.
The M4 Pro chip will likely appear in the updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, anticipated later this week, along with the even more powerful M4 Max chip, although the Max version is not available for the Mac Mini. For many prosumers, the Pro’s capabilities will be more than sufficient.
Apple’s week is packed with launches, starting with the M4 iMac debut on Monday and its first “Apple Intelligence” software updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. More AI features, including image generation and ChatGPT integration, are slated for December. Apple is expected to complete its product lineup this week with the new MacBook Pros, culminating with its quarterly earnings report on Thursday, where it will showcase its latest Mac lineup.
