Apple Unveils New Mac Mini with M4 Chipset—Here’s What’s New
- Apple’s new Mac mini has been announced with with a sleek new design and major M4 power boosts.
- Colorful iMacs yesterday, and a more powerful Mac mini today, as Apple’s “Week of Mac” unfolds.
- Missed Apple’s big reveals? New M4 Macs are here, and it’s just getting started. Read on.
In a strategic twist, Apple is rolling out new products daily this week, bypassing the traditional full-length Apple Event. Monday kicked off with the reveal of a revamped M4 iMac, while today Apple has introduced the redesigned Mac mini—Apple's smallest desktop powerhouse yet.
Apple’s Senior VP of Hardware, John Ternus, has been front and center in these concise, event-style videos, highlighting Apple’s new vision for product announcements. So far, this “Week of Mac” has delivered on its promises, leaving fans eagerly awaiting additional reveals expected for MacBook models and beyond.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's new M4 Mac mini is finally here.
“Apple’s Week of Mac is shifting expectations, giving fans something new each day,” Ternus mentioned, aligning this rollout with the trend of more frequent but bite-sized releases.
The New Mac Mini: Compact Yet Mighty
The Mac Mini’s redesign is todays headliner, marking its first major physical update since 2010. With a slimmed-down 5x5 inch footprint, this device is both portable and power-packed, tailored for those seeking desktop performance in a sleek, unobtrusive format. Priced at $599, the base Mac Mini offers a balance of performance and affordability, while the M4 Pro-equipped model starts at $1,399.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Another shot of Apple's newly announced 2024 M4 Mac mini.
Specifications at a Glance:
| Model | Starting Price | RAM | Storage | Ports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini (M4) | $599 | 16GB | 256GB | 3 Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet |
| Mac Mini (M4 Pro) | $1,399 | 24GB | 512GB | 3 Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, Ethernet |
Key features of the Mac Mini include up to three Thunderbolt ports and new front-facing USB-C ports, enhancing user accessibility. Both the M4 and M4 Pro options offer powerful performance gains, with the M4 Pro boasting Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Apple has confirmed the M4 Pro as its most advanced chip to date, claiming it offers “the world’s fastest single-threaded performance.”
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple has officially announced the smallest Mac mini ever with the 2024 M4 Mac mini, announced Ocotober 29.
Pre-Order and Availability
The Mac Mini and iMac are both available for pre-order, with pricing structured as follows:
- Mac Mini (M4): Starting at $599
- Mac Mini (M4 Pro): Starting at $1,399
- iMac (M4): Starting at $1,199
Units are set to begin shipping on November 8, though early demand could potentially push these dates out.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Another shot of Apple's new M4 Mac mini.
Announced Yesterday: iMac with M4 Chip
Monday’s announcements also saw the introduction of a refreshed 24-inch iMac, which now sports the M4 chip for an impressive power boost. Apple retained the iMac’s bold color palette—available in seven colors—but paired it with hardware improvements tailored for both productivity and visual appeal.
Key Upgrades in the 2024 iMac:
- Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina with optional nano-texture glass
- Processor: M4 chip with up to a 10-core CPU and GPU
- Camera: New 12MP Center Stage for improved video calls
- Ports: Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports for extensive connectivity
Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected by November 8. Color-matched USB-C accessories come standard, including the updated Magic Mouse, now with a USB-C charging port at the bottom.
Photo via MacRumors // The Apple M4 iMac, announced by Apple yesterday.
Apple Intelligence: AI Integration Across New Macs
A significant part of the Apple announcements is Apple Intelligence—a suite of AI features integrated across macOS and macOS Sequoia, supporting seamless call transcription, recording, and enhanced productivity. This AI feature suite, already present in iPhone, is now making its way to Macs, highlighting Apple’s commitment to a future powered by artificial intelligence.
“Apple’s strategic AI shift reflects its desire to stay competitive in the race against other tech giants,” commented tech analyst Mark Gurman. He noted Apple’s emphasis on user-first AI, contrasting it with Windows’ AI-driven Copilot.
Photo via Apple Inc. // All the features of Apple's new M4 Mac mini, announced by Apple.
More to Come?
With several Mac products yet to be updated, rumors suggest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro updates could complete Apple’s M4-series transition by early next year. As the M4 chipset expands across Apple’s lineup, consumers can expect faster performance, enhanced graphics capabilities, and more efficient workflows.
Apple’s new announcement format may mark a shift towards more regular, focused product updates rather than yearly overhauls—an approach likely to resonate well with fans as the holiday season approaches.
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