Apple Unveils New Mac Mini with M4 Chip: Smaller, Faster, and Packed with Power

Apple’s exciting week of Mac announcements continues, and today’s reveal has given us a new Mac Mini — smaller than ever but more powerful than before! With Apple’s latest M4 chip inside, this new Mac Mini delivers impressive performance, cutting-edge connectivity, and support for ray tracing, all starting at $599 for the base model. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this tiny powerhouse so special.

Compact, Minimalist Design

The Mac Mini has always been a compact desktop option, but Apple has made it even smaller this time around. Measuring just five inches in length and width, it’s an ultra-compact desktop that can fit just about anywhere, from your desk to your media center. Despite its small size, Apple assures us it stays cool thanks to the efficiency of the M4 chip and an innovative thermal architecture that directs airflow through the system and out via the foot.

Powerful Performance with the M4 and M4 Pro

The new Mac Mini comes with two chip options:

• M4 Chip: Delivers excellent performance for daily tasks, creative projects, and gaming.
• M4 Pro: This upgraded version, starting at $1,399, brings even more power with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. It also supports Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer, making it ideal for prosumers and creatives.

RAM now starts at 16GB by default, a reflection of Apple’s focus on Apple Intelligence, and can be upgraded up to 32GB on the M4 or 64GB on the M4 Pro. And if you need extra storage, you can configure it with up to a massive 8TB SSD.

Enhanced Connectivity for the Modern Setup

Apple has made some changes to the connectivity on the Mac Mini to keep up with evolving technology:

• Front Ports: Two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.
• Back Ports: Ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.

Notably, USB-A ports are no longer included, which might require a bit of adjustment for those who still use USB-A accessories. However, the move comes with a trade-off: an additional Thunderbolt port. The regular M4 model includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M4 Pro model boasts Thunderbolt 5, giving you even faster data transfer speeds.

For those seeking high-speed internet, the 10-gigabit ethernet option remains available as an upgrade, making it a versatile choice for both home and professional use.

Ready for Graphics-Intensive Tasks

Thanks to the M4 chip’s support for ray tracing, the Mac Mini can handle demanding workflows and graphics-intensive projects with ease. The M4’s advanced GPU architecture makes the Mini a solid choice for creatives working in photo and video editing or 3D rendering. And if you’re a gamer, you’ll enjoy smoother and more detailed graphics for a more immersive experience.

Pricing and Availability

The new Mac Mini with M4 starts at $599, while the M4 Pro model begins at $1,399. Both versions are available to pre-order today and will be in Apple Stores starting November 8th.

Final Thoughts: Small in Size, Big on Power

This new Mac Mini brings Apple’s latest silicon technology into a compact, modern design that’s perfect for a variety of users, from casual fans to professional creatives. If you’re looking for a powerful desktop that won’t take up much space, the Mac Mini with M4 is an ideal choice. And with options to upgrade RAM, storage, and connectivity, it’s a versatile machine that can keep up with you as your needs grow.

Stay tuned for more from Apple’s Mac lineup this week – there are rumors of new MacBook Pro models featuring the M4 Pro and even more powerful M4 Max chips!