Mac mini is presumedly releasing in 2022, and not much is known about it yet. However, there are some specs that have been rumored so far. Our renderings of the Mac Mini can be found below.
Apple has been releasing high-end variants of the Intel Mac mini for a few years now. However, the newest model does not have an M1 processor, so it will be interesting to see if Apple scraps this product or releases a higher-end version.
There is currently not much rumor around a new Mac mini with pro-level processors and we only know of a release window of spring 2022.
Beyond these, we do not know anything beyond its redesign case and the processors involved “- the M1 Pro and the M1 Max”.
An early leak from Jon Prosser, who’s been accurate in the past, has revealed what is likely our best look at the new Mac Mini so far. The series of renders he shared are based on schematics that have been leaked to him by an anonymous source in Apple.
According to Prosser, the new Mac mini would have a plexiglass-like top cover, use a thinner aluminum chassis, and have an underside with two rubber feet for support.
The vent has been moved to the bottom, and there is no longer a plastic base for each machine.
The matte-colored top and rubber feet on the bottom give the device a secure grip.
The magnetic power connector leaked from the back of the Mac mini is similar to the one used in a current-gen 24-inch iMac.
It has 4 USB-C Thunderbolt ports, 2 USB A ports, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port. It doesn’t have a headphone jack or an SD card slot. Prosser confirmed that twice
Prosser’s design had the Thunderbolt ports positioned too close and in an inelegant fashion, and the magnetic power adapter seemed out of place on a small desktop.
The magnetic connector seemed to have resulted from a problem with the old power connector being behind the stand of the iMac. Original connectors were difficult to insert without seeing where they were going and required a lot of force, which made it even more difficult for people who are weaker or not very dexterous.
Magnetic connectors solve these issues by attaching to the port without the need for sight or force.
One advantage of the Mac mini is that it doesn’t have these issues, but the port appears to be ineffective for anything other than aesthetic purposes.
Prosser and his render artist confirmed that this was what was shown in the leaked documents.
The ports are in better positions to connect more easily.
AppleInsider has also created renders of the leaked iPhone 8 schematics, which appear to match the same general port arrangement that was leaked by Prosser just yesterday. However, there is more space between the ports on these new renders and the USB-A ports have been turned on their side.
No indication has been found that Prosser’s renders are true. No further details about the new design or ports have surfaced at all
The Mac Mini doesn’t have a display, so it may not need the same 143W power supply you need for other Macs. Apple could use either an external power adapter or an internal one which would leave the corresponding ethernet port free to be attached elsewhere.
Apple doesn’t include Ethernet on the low-end iMac and the power supply is still more than needed for a small device like that.
This leads to speculation that Apple is waiting for something else to power it, such as an upcoming update of its Mac mini, which includes both a magnetic power cable and Ethernet.
Apple could keep the headphone jack and the old A/C power connector. Apple could keep both the headphone jack AND the old power connector.
The lack of a headphone jack is curious. Every Mac comes with one, including the Mac mini which boasts an internal speaker for when you don’t have your headphones with you.
The headphone jack in the Mac mini has always been useful for adding speakers or a set of headphones without having to deal with an adapter.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) will reportedly update the Mac mini with Intel’s latest processors that are compatible with Apple’s new thin design. This update comes after leaks from both Mark Gurman and Dylandkt noted this same thin design.
Apple’s new Mac mini may be released in March or April.
