Apple has unveiled its latest Mac mini, powered by the groundbreaking M4 and M4 Pro chips. This new iteration brings substantial improvements in processing power, graphics capabilities, and memory capacity, all while shrinking the device's footprint.
Compact Powerhouse
The redesigned Mac mini now measures just 5 by 5 inches, making it less than half the size of its predecessor. Despite its diminutive stature, the M4 chip delivers up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance compared to the M1 model.
M4 Pro: Elevating Performance
The M4 Pro chip takes things even further, offering:
- Up to 14-core CPU (10 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)
- Up to 20-core GPU
- Support for up to 64GB of unified memory
- 273GB/s memory bandwidth
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Connectivity and Ports
The new Mac mini boasts an impressive array of connectivity options:
- Front-facing USB-C ports and audio jack
- Thunderbolt 5 support on M4 Pro models (up to 120 Gb/s data transfer speeds)
- Gigabit Ethernet (configurable to 10Gb)
- HDMI port
Display Support
- M4 models: Up to two 6K displays and one 5K display
- M4 Pro models: Up to three 6K displays at 60Hz
Environmental Impact
Apple has made significant strides in sustainability with the new Mac mini:
- First carbon neutral Mac
- Over 50% recycled content overall
- 100% recycled aluminum enclosure
- 100% recycled gold plating in Apple-designed circuit boards
- 100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets
Pricing and Availability
The new Mac mini is available for pre-order now, with general availability beginning November 8. Pricing starts at $599 for the M4 model and $1,399 for the M4 Pro model.
With its impressive performance gains, compact design, and environmental considerations, the new M4 Pro-powered Mac mini represents a significant step forward in Apple's computing lineup.