The M4-powered model could be in for a major facelift when it arrives. It's said to be about the size of an Apple TV, according to Mark Gurman of That would make it the smallest desktop computer ever built. The M4 Mac mini is expected to go on sale later this year, and if the report is confirmed, this would also mark the first major refresh of the system since 2010, when it was last redesigned under Steve Jobs' leadership.
The next Mac mini may be just 3.7 inches wide, less than half the size of the M4 Mac mini. But while it may be smaller in size, the M4 Mac mini could still prove to be taller than the current 1.4-inch-tall system. It's still expected to have an aluminum enclosure.
The report suggests that the next Mac mini could be roughly equivalent to an iPad Pro, the latest model of which is available. It could be cheaper for Apple to produce than the current Mac mini, but it's not clear whether that would cause the company to reduce the retail price, which sits at $599 for the M2-powered model.
Apple is said to be testing two versions of the Mac mini, including an iPad Pro equivalent and a more powerful configuration with an M4 Pro chipset. According to Gurman, the company has tested versions with three or more USB-C ports, a power outlet, and an HDMI port. It will be very interesting to see if the company does away with USB-A ports with the new Mac mini.
On the other hand, we could also see M4-powered iMacs and MacBook Pros this year. Next-generation MacBook Airs may not arrive until spring, while Gurman suggests the next Mac Pro and Mac Studio could debut in mid-2025.
