Apple Unveils Refreshed Mac Mini with M4 and M4 Pro Chips: Everything You Need to Know

On Tuesday, Apple took the tech world by storm with the launch of its revamped mac mini, just a day after unveiling the sleek new 24-inch iMac M4. The mac mini, long celebrated for its compact design and performance, now gets an exciting upgrade with two powerhouse chipset options: the M4 and the all-new M4 Pro. These advancements promise significant performance leaps, making the Mac Mini a tempting choice for creatives, professionals, and everyday users alike.

Let’s dive deep into what makes the new Mac Mini stand out—from jaw-dropping performance metrics to eco-friendly manufacturing innovations.

The Highlights

Here’s a quick breakdown of why the 2024 Mac Mini is creating a buzz:

• Two chipset options: M4 and M4 Pro for tailored performance.
• Enhanced speed: Up to 1.7x faster than the M1 Mac Mini for the M4, and 2.9x quicker 3D rendering in Blender with the M4 Pro.
• Compact design: A smaller, sleeker 5x5-inch form factor.
• Eco-conscious production: Made with 50% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum.

A Game-Changing Performance Upgrade

Meet the M4 Chip

The base M4 chip packs a punch with its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, ensuring buttery-smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and professional workloads. Whether you're editing videos or transcribing audio using MacWhisper, the M4 chip ensures faster, smarter results, with Apple boasting 2x AI-driven transcription speed improvements.

Introducing the M4 Pro

For power users, the M4 Pro chip is a dream come true. Featuring up to a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, this variant handles intensive tasks like 3D rendering and motion graphics like a pro—literally! Apple claims the M4 Pro delivers motion graphics rendering that's twice as fast compared to the M2 Pro.

Pricing and Availability

Apple's pricing strategy is as ambitious as its tech, offering multiple configurations to suit different budgets and needs.

Mac Mini with M4 Chip

• Base price: Rs. 59,900
• Specs: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
• Customizations: Up to 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD

Mac Mini with M4 Pro Chip

• Base price: Rs. 1,49,900
• Specs: 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD
• Customizations: Expandable to a staggering 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64GB RAM, and 8TB SSD.

For connectivity enthusiasts, Apple offers an optional 10-bit Gigabit Ethernet upgrade for an additional Rs. 10,000.

When and Where to Buy?

Pre-orders are live starting today at Apple Stores and authorized retailers, with deliveries beginning on November 8.

Specifications: Compact, Powerful, and Future-Ready

Apple’s attention to detail extends beyond performance into connectivity, form factor, and eco-friendly design.

Key Specs for the M4 Variant

• CPU: 10-core
• GPU: 10-core
• RAM: Up to 24GB unified memory
• Storage: Up to 512GB SSD
• Size: 5x5 inches

Key Specs for the M4 Pro Variant

• CPU: Up to 14-core
• GPU: Up to 20-core
• RAM: Up to 64GB unified memory
• Storage: Up to 8TB SSD

Ports and Connectivity

• Front: Two USB Type-C ports (USB 3 speeds) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Back (M4): Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• Back (M4 Pro): Upgraded to Thunderbolt 5 ports for lightning-fast data transfer.

Sustainability at Its Core

Apple has labeled the refreshed Mac Mini as its first carbon-neutral compact desktop, a bold move in its ongoing environmental commitment. Highlights include:

• 50% recycled materials used across the device.
• 100% recycled aluminum in the casing and gold plating on PCBs.
• Eco-friendly magnets made entirely of recycled rare earth elements.

This ensures that your cutting-edge desktop doesn’t just perform—it contributes to a greener planet.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the New Mac Mini?

The refreshed Mac Mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips is a leap forward in compact desktop computing. Whether you're a professional seeking unparalleled power or a casual user looking for a reliable, eco-friendly machine, Apple’s latest offering ticks all the right boxes.

With its sleek design, customizable options, and sustainability focus, the Mac Mini is a versatile investment for today’s fast-paced digital world. Don’t wait—pre-order yours today and experience computing redefined!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the key difference between the M4 and M4 Pro chips?

The M4 is designed for general users who need robust performance, while the M4 Pro caters to power users requiring higher CPU/GPU cores, better multitasking, and faster rendering speeds.

2. Is the Mac Mini good for gaming?

Absolutely! With the M4 Pro's 20-core GPU and Thunderbolt 5 ports, it handles modern games and AAA titles with ease.

3. How does the new Mac Mini compare to the M1 model?

The M4 variant offers up to 1.8x faster CPU and 2.2x faster GPU performance. The M4 Pro takes this even further, making it a significant upgrade for creative professionals.

4. Can I connect multiple displays?

Yes, both models support multi-monitor setups, with the M4 Pro offering more flexibility thanks to its advanced Thunderbolt 5 ports.

5. Is the Mac Mini truly compact?

At just 5x5 inches, the 2024 Mac Mini is smaller than its predecessor, making it perfect for minimalist desks or constrained workspaces.