We've already heard that the M4 Mac Mini is likely coming later this year, but some new rumors have just revealed that Apple's tiny Mac will likely be even smaller thanks to its first design refresh in 14 years.
According to Mark Gurman, an Apple expert trusted by Bloomberg, the new Mac Mini will be the company's “smallest desktop computer yet.” In fact, the new M4-powered Mini will be so compact that it will “approach the size of an Apple TV set-top box,” according to Gurman's sources.
In reality, the redesign wouldn't change much about the Mac Mini's functionality. The current version measures 1970 x 1970 x 358 mm, while the Apple TV 4K measures 93 x 93 x 31 mm. Gurman's report claims that the new Mac Mini could be taller than the current version to achieve that reduced size.
That would still ensure it hits the milestone of being Apple’s smallest desktop computer yet, and upgrading to an M4 chip could make it hugely popular. That chip is apparently the main reason for Apple’s Mac Mini redesign due to its lower power requirements; Gurman’s sources claim the computer is “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box.”
What other improvements could the M4-powered Mac Mini get? Naturally, Apple Intelligence features within macOS Sequoia will be a mainstay. Still, it seems that Apple has also tested versions with three USB-C ports on the back (the current M2 version has two Thunderbolt 4 ports) along with an HDMI port, like the current model.
According to Bloomberg, there will also be two versions of the Mac Mini. One is expected to be equipped with the base M4 chip, while the other has been tipped to be powered by the yet-to-be-announced M4 Pro chip. It appears that the base M4 version will be available sooner, with production ramping up in August ahead of a launch “later this year.” We may have to wait until October for the M4 Pro model.
One thing we don't know yet is whether Apple plans to keep the Mac Mini's tempting price at the same low level. The current model starts at just $599, and according to Gurman, “the new model may be cheaper to manufacture.” We don't yet know if that will translate into an even lower price, a similar one, or potentially a higher one.
Don't buy a Mac right now
In our Mac mini (2023) review we called it “the best mini PC you can buy right now” and it remains at the top of our guide to the best mini PCs. A new M4 chip and a redesign certainly wouldn’t hurt its chances of staying in that spot unless Apple makes a mistake with connectivity or performance.
The appeal of the Mac mini has always been the combination of its size and the fact that you can add your own keyboard, mouse and monitor. If Apple can keep the base model at $599, £649 or AU$999, it will surely remain popular with Mac fans and even some hardcore Windows users.
The main competition for the new Mac Mini may come from Apple. This Bloomberg report has reiterated previous rumors that Apple is also planning M4 refreshes for the iMac and MacBook Pro in 2024, meaning we’d recommend holding off on buying a new Mac right now if you can.
The exceptions to this might be if you're considering a MacBook Air, Mac Pro, or Mac Studio. The Air apparently won't get an M4 refresh until spring 2025 (in other words, sometime between March and April), while the M4-powered Mac Pro and Mac Studio apparently won't arrive until “mid-next year.”
