Is the Mac mini getting a second wind?

Photo: Apple

Apple is giving the Mac mini a major overhaul with a compact, Apple TV-sized design. As Bloomberg's Mark Gurman hinted in his Power On newsletter, at least one M4-powered Mac would receive significant updates beyond a mere performance boost. Now, we know that's the Mac mini.

The new model will be dramatically smaller than its predecessor—possibly half the size—and offer both M4 Pro and standard M4 chip options. It's expected to hit shelves later this year. Lower-tier models will begin shipping from suppliers in August, while the M4 Pro version is slated for October. This marks the first redesign for the Mac mini since the Steve Jobs era in 2010.

The Mac mini is just one piece of Apple's M4 puzzle. The company is also preparing new MacBook Pros and iMacs, which may arrive as early as this fall. Meanwhile, new MacBook Airs are anticipated to follow by spring. Additionally, a revamped Mac Studio and Mac Pro are in development, expected to debut in the second half of next year. A larger iMac remains under consideration but is uncertain for the M4 generation.