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Apple revealed its own M1 system-on-chip (SoC) back in 2020. It was first included in a custom-built Mac Mini that was sold exclusively to select developers for testing and optimization reasons. The tech giant announced the first commercial M1 Macs during the November 2020 Mac event: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. The all-new colorful M1 iMac followed them last spring. We got the redesigned MacBook Pro models, featuring upgraded M1 Pro and Max chips, in late 2021, followed by the Mac Studio in spring 2022, and, finally, M2 MacBook Air and Pro models in late 2022. For a while, though, rumors have been spreading regarding a redesigned Mac Mini. Here's everything we know about this upcoming compact Apple computer.
Mac Mini: Release date
Rumors initially suggested that Apple would release the upcoming Mac Mini in fall 2022. But as you can guess, that didn't happen.
Based on Apple's history, we would now assume an announcement in the spring or fall of 2023. As we previously mentioned, Apple refreshed the iMac in the spring and then MacBook Air and Pro models in fall. Make sense that the company would stick with those seasons for a new release. Ultimately, there are no solid leaks regarding the matter, so we will have to wait and see.
Mac Mini: Pricing
Apple currently sells the Mini in three different configurations. The base M1 model costs $699, an upgraded M1 variant costs $899, while an Intel model is listed for $1,099. There are no solid rumors regarding the pricing of the upcoming Mac Mini, but it's safe to assume Apple will keep it in the same price range.
The Mac Mini is the most affordable in the Mac lineup, so increasing its price significantly might be a dealbreaker for customers on a limited budget. There's a possibility that it will release redesigned M2 Pro and/or M2 Max variants for a higher price tag, though it might also upgrade it to the regular M2 chip for a more budget-friendly pricing.
Mac Mini: Expectations
Design
The upcoming compact beast is expected to have an even smaller body than its predecessors, partially because Apple's chip takes up less space than Intel's. Renders reveal that it will no longer have a circular base, and the aluminum top will be replaced by a new material. We don't have information regarding the finishes, but Apple is selling the redesigned MacBook Pro in Silver and Space Gray, so we could be seeing Apple adopting these two colors for the upcoming Mini as well.
Regarding the ports, we have some good news for the dongle-haters (everyone?). Just like Apple reintroduced port types that it had removed from previous MacBook Pro models, we expect the Mini to get a similar treatment. Leaks suggest that it will have a magnetic power cable, similar to that of the new colorful iMac. That's in addition to four USB-C, two USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI ports. Unlike the new MacBook Pro, we aren't likely going to see an SD card reader on this model. Renders also show a missing headphone jack, which is bad news for many users even in 2022.
Technical specifications
Apple could be including M2, M2 Pro, and possibly M2 Max chips. It's unclear what configurations will be available at this time, but it's hard to see the tech giant releasing the new Mini with only an M2 configuration. An M2 Pro model is also a safe bet.
Mac Mini: Everything we want to see
There's a lot to hope for when it comes to the upcoming Mac Mini, some of which might come true:
- A cheaper M2 variant with the redesigned chassis. Apple would release a redesigned Mac Mini with three processor options: M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max. The existing M1 Mini with the older design would be discontinued in this case.
- M1 iMac's colorful finishes, rather than plain Silver and Space Gray.
- A headphone jack for audiophiles, producers, and editors who heavily depend on wired headsets.
- The option to buy colorful Magic Keyboards and mice that come with the new iMacs directly from Apple. The Mac Mini doesn't come with a keyboard or mouse included. If they release it in colorful finishes, it would only make sense to allow users to buy matching accessories.
- This one is very unlikely to happen, but it would be convenient if Apple turns the Mac Mini's top into a MagSafe or regular Qi wireless charger. This way, users can easily charge their iPhones or AirPods while keeping them within reach when on their computers. However, this would heat up the Mac specifically, which might be fanless in the first place. It's still a cool and futuristic concept, nonetheless.
What are you looking forward to the most in the upcoming Mac Mini 2023? Let us know in the comments section below.
