On October 29, Apple introduced an exciting update to its compact desktop lineup with the new Mac mini. Featuring the innovative M4 and M4 Pro chips, this refreshed Mac mini delivers impressive performance while being recognized as Apple’s first carbon-neutral Mac.
The redesigned Mac mini is powerful yet small, shrinking to just 5 by 5 inches, thanks to the efficiency of Apple silicon and a new cooling design.
This compact powerhouse offers up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance compared to the M1 model. The M4 Pro version is specifically built for professional tasks, providing even better efficiency.
Small but Powerful
Apple’s new Mac mini is a technological wonder in a compact design, driven by the M4 silicon chip and the M4 Pro variant. With the M4 chip, the desktop features a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and starts with 16GB of unified memory, significantly boosting performance for various creative and productivity tasks.
From video editing to coding, the M4 Mac mini enhances workflows in a small but powerful package. The M4 Pro variant introduces the fastest CPU core and outstanding multithreaded performance with a 14-core setup and up to 20 GPU cores, making it perfect for complex tasks like 3D rendering and advanced audio production.
Compared to its Intel Core i7 predecessor, the M4 Pro Mac mini has impressive upgrades:
- Processes DNA sequencing up to 26 times faster
- Executes AI speech-to-text tasks up to 20 times faster
- Applies up to 1.8 times more audio effect plugins in Logic Pro projects
The M4 Pro model also adds Thunderbolt 5 ports, allowing super-fast data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s, which is double the throughput of Thunderbolt 4.
Better Connectivity and Display Options
Apple has equipped the new Mac mini with a variety of ports for improved connectivity. Both front and back ports provide convenience, including USB-C and support for high-impedance headphones.
The back panel features Thunderbolt 4 on the M4 model and Thunderbolt 5 on the M4 Pro, along with HDMI, Ethernet, and three Thunderbolt ports, enabling the connection of multiple high-resolution displays.
The M4 Pro Mac mini can support up to three 6K displays at 60Hz, achieving over 60 million pixels for an immersive experience.
Apple Intelligence: Smart and Secure AI
The Mac mini also features Apple Intelligence, a new AI system designed to enhance the user experience. Utilizing the processing power of Apple silicon, Apple Intelligence helps users perform complex tasks, from creating content to improving communication.
Privacy is central to Apple Intelligence, with on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute providing secure AI capabilities without compromising personal data.
macOS Sequoia: The Ultimate User Experience
The new Mac mini comes with macOS Sequoia, which offers improved productivity features like iPhone mirroring, enhancements to Safari, and a redesigned Reader mode.
Gaming is also improved with features like Personalized Spatial Audio, Game Mode updates, and support for new titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Users can stay organized with new tiling options and enjoy the built-in Passwords app.
Pricing and Availability
The Mac mini with M4 starts at Dh2,499, while the M4 Pro version is priced at Dh5,859. Customers can pre-order now through Apple’s online store, with deliveries and in-store availability beginning on November 8.
Education discounts are also available, with the M4 starting at Dh2,079 and the M4 Pro at Dh5,439. New USB-C accessories, including keyboards, trackpads, and a Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable, are also available for purchase.
