Mac mini Gets First Major Redesign Since 2010, M4 and M4 Pro CPU Options

Apple is continuing its week of new product announcements, with a brand new Mac mini joining the just-launched iMac. This marks the first time that Apple has completely redesigned the Mac mini since switching from polycarbonate to an aluminium body in 2010. The new Mac mini is also dramatically smaller, now measuring just 127mm in width and depth and 49.7mm in height. Prior to this, the Mac mini was also the only model left in Apple’s Mac lineup to have not been redesigned since the company switched to using its in-house Apple Silicon processors. A new design has been expected for several years.

Prices in India start at ₹59,900 for a Mac mini with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Just like with the iMac, Apple has now made 16GB the default base amount of RAM, likely to help with the Apple Intelligence experience which is now available with the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. The Mac mini is available to pre-order in India already, with deliveries and sales beginning on November 8.

The base variant of the Mac mini features an M4 chip with 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores), a 10-core GPU, and 16-core “Neural Engine” for AI acceleration. The RAM can be increased to 24GB for an additional ₹20,000 or 32GB for ₹40,000. Storage can also be raised to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB for ₹20,000, ₹40,000 or ₹80,000 respectively. Neither RAM nor internal storage are upgradeable or replaceable. Another option is an upgrade from Gigabit to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which will cost ₹10,000.

The Mac mini is also available with an M4 Pro processor, priced starting at ₹1,49,900. The M4 Pro features 12 CPU cores (8 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and a 16-core GPU. It has the same 16-core Neural Engine but memory bandwidth more than doubles from 120Gbps to 273Gbps. There’s also an optional M4 Pro configuration with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, which is a ₹20,000 upgrade.

The M4 Pro variants come with 24GB of RAM but can be configured to 48GB or 64GB for ₹40,000 or ₹60,000 respectively. Storage begins at 512GB with options for 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 8TB priced at ₹20,000, ₹60,000, ₹1,20,000 and ₹2,40,000 respectively. That means with the optional Gigabit Ethernet upgrade, the Mac mini can cost up to ₹4,79,900 in India.

Units with M4 processors can power up to two 6K 60Hz plus one 5K 60Hz display, while the M4 Pro can run three 6K 60Hz monitors. The M4 Pro variants also get three Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120Gbps) on the rear while the M4 supports Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gbps).

In addition to those ports, the Mac mini also has Ethernet and HDMI ports on the rear, plus all variants have two more USB 3 (10Gbps) Type-C ports and a 3.5mm audio socket on the front. There are no USB Type-A ports. The Mac mini still has a built-in power supply, despite its size reduction. The power button has been moved to the bottom, just below the lip of the raised main body. Users will have to bend a finger around the back, or raise the Mac mini slightly to reach it.   

There’s also Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a built-in speaker. There’s still a fan in the base to vent hot air. Interestingly, this is Apple’s first carbon-neutral Mac, which means environmental considerations are factored into its materials, manufacturing and transportation. It also ships in a new fibre-based box.

The Mac mini is still available only in Silver. It comes with only a power cord and users have to match it with their own monitor, keyboard and mouse. Apple also just refreshed its Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad with USB Type-C charging this week.