Apple will likely skip the M3-powered Mac mini and instead move directly to producing an updated model with the more powerful M4 and M4 Pro processors, expected to be released by the end of 2024.
New Mini
Progress instead of a mid-term update
According to authoritative source Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple intends to abandon the release of Mac mini with the M3 processor. Instead, the manufacturer will focus on developing a more significant upgrade for the miniature computer, equipped with the latest M4 and M4 Pro chips. The improved Mac mini is expected to go on sale before the end of this year.
Previous update and innovations
Apple last updated the Mac mini in January 2023, equipping it with M2 and M2 Pro processors. The new product received additional Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ports (in configurations with M2 Pro), as well as support for Wi-Fi 6E standards (when using a compatible router) and Bluetooth 5.3.
Future plans
Previously, Mark Gurman announced Apple's plans to release new versions of the Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro processors from late 2024 to early 2025. Now he clarified that due to the upcoming release of the new model, an intermediate update with the M3 chip is unlikely, and thus the company will skip this generation of processors for the Mac mini.
This practice is not new
This approach is not new for Apple. The company previously ignored the M2 chip entirely when releasing the iMac, delaying the upgrade until a more significant performance boost with the M3 processor late last year. Thanks to M4 chips, the new Mac mini should show significant performance gains over current M2-based models. In addition, according to rumors, M4 chips will be equipped with a faster neural processor for artificial intelligence tasks.
Glossary
- Apple is an American corporation, manufacturer of personal and tablet computers, audio players, phones, smart watches and software.
- Mac mini is a compact desktop computer manufactured by Apple.
- M2, M3, M4 chips are a line of ARM processors developed by Apple for use in Mac computers.
- Bloomberg is an influential international news and financial information agency.
- Mark Gurman is a renowned journalist and insider covering Apple news.
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Questions answered
What are the main expectations for the upcoming Mac mini update?
Why Apple might not release a Mac mini with the M3 chip?
What changes are driving expectations for the new M4 chips?
Isn't this atypical decision for Apple to skip a generation of chips for the Mac mini?
When are the updated Mac mini models with M4 chips expected to be released?
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Discussion of the topic – Will Apple ditch the M3-powered Mac Mini in favor of the M4 in 2024?
Bloomberg claims that Apple may skip the Mac Mini with the M3 chip and go straight to a model with the more powerful M4 by the end of 2024.
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Иван
The news about the Mac mini update with M4 and M4 Pro chips is really exciting! I'm glad that Apple will not release an intermediate version from the M3, but will immediately move on to a more serious upgrade. From the looks of it, the M4 promises significant performance gains. 🚀
Ольга
I agree, Ivan! The wait for the new Mac mini with M4 will be much more interesting. I like that Apple does not stand still and is constantly raising the bar for the performance of its devices. 💪 Although you will have to wait until the end of the year.
Сергей
I recently upgraded to a Mac mini M2 Pro and it just flies! 🔥 But I admit that in a year or two I will want even more power. Therefore, I'm looking forward to the M4 - judging by the rumors, it should improve performance for AI and video editing tasks.
Анна
Have you heard the news that along with the M4, two additional Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 will be added to the Mac mini? 😍 This will be very useful for my peripheral-heavy workflow!
Алексей
I'm skeptical about all these updates. 😒 Why do we need new chips if the old ones work just fine? A marketing ploy to get people to buy new devices.
Мария
Alexey, in some ways you are right, but progress does not stand still. New technologies do open up new opportunities, especially in the field of machine learning and AI. 🤖 So the update will be very useful for programmers and developers.
Дмитрий
The main thing is that the upgrade does not hit the price tag too much! 💰 Although, knowing Apple, the prices will be astronomical... But the new Mac mini with M4 will still be a must have for enthusiasts and professionals.
Елена
I heard that thanks to the new M4 chips, performance in AI tasks can increase by 30-40%! 😮 Now this is a serious upgrade. I'm looking forward to testing out new possibilities for my creative projects.
Виктор
To be honest, I'm more interested in whether the new Mac mini will add Wi-Fi 6E support. My router is already ready, it would be great to speed up the wireless connection! ⚡️ I hope Apple doesn't forget about this either.
Татьяна
So many new things are expected in the future Mac mini! 🤩 Improved M4 chips, additional ports, Wi-Fi 6E support... I think I've already found a reason to upgrade my Mac this year. The main thing is to save some money! 😄💸
Алексей
Come on, it's a waste of money. Now there is enough power for any task. 🙄 I don’t understand this rush for every new chip and port. It only makes sense for rare enthusiasts.
Николай
I'm looking forward to the new M4 Mac minis! My productivity needs for work are growing, so fresh devices will be very useful. 💻💨 The main thing is that the prices are reasonable.
Юлия
I'm not sure yet that I will update this year. Although the M4 chips are attractive, you have to weigh the pros and cons... Maybe it's better to wait for the next generation? 🤔 I wonder what new items await us in a couple of years!
Екатерина
I don’t follow all these trends, but the news interested me. Perhaps a Mac mini with improved performance and new ports would suit my home computing needs. 👩💻 I’ll study the topic, thanks for the information!