Apple Launches Next-Generation M4-Powered Mac mini

Apple has introduced its latest Mac mini, a highly powerful and compact desktop designed around the company’s new M4 and M4 Pro chips. These upgrades make the Mac mini faster and more versatile than ever, and it now stands as Apple’s first carbon-neutral Mac, marking a key step in the company’s ongoing environmental efforts.

The new Mac mini continues to embody Apple’s commitment to performance in a small form factor, achieving remarkable power efficiency through Apple silicon. The M4 model offers up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance compared to its M1 counterpart, while the M4 Pro model is optimized for professional workflows, offering the fastest CPU core yet and introducing Thunderbolt 5 for improved data transfer speeds.

Since its debut in 2005, the Mac mini has evolved from an entry-level desktop into a powerful tool used by creative professionals, developers, and more. The 2018 upgrade, featuring Intel’s 8th-generation processors, marked a pivotal shift toward catering to high-performance users. The transition to Apple Silicon in 2020 with the M1 chip further accelerated this evolution, bringing efficiency and performance improvements that appealed to video editors, musicians, and developers alike. The M2 upgrade in 2023 built on this foundation with even faster processing and improved graphics performance.

Today, Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro take the Mac mini to new heights. The M4 Pro boasts up to 14 CPU cores, including 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, and a GPU with 20 cores capable of hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The Mac mini with M4 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory, making it ideal for intensive tasks like video editing and complex AI applications.

For connectivity, both M4 and M4 Pro models offer convenient access with front-facing USB-C ports and a rear HDMI port. The M4 model includes Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro offers Thunderbolt 5, doubling transfer speeds for external storage and enhancing compatibility with high-performance accessories.

In terms of environmental impact, the new Mac mini sets a milestone by becoming Apple’s first carbon-neutral Mac. It uses over 50% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum and rare earth elements, and is manufactured with renewable energy sources. Apple has also taken steps to offset emissions through clean energy investments and nature-based projects, aiming to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2030. The packaging is now entirely fiber-based, aligning with Apple’s target to eliminate plastic from its packaging by 2025.

Available for pre-order as of October 29, the Mac mini with M4 starts at $599 and $499 for education, while the M4 Pro version is priced at $1,399. Both models will begin shipping to customers on November 8, reaching Apple Stores and authorized resellers worldwide.

With substantial improvements in speed, efficiency, and graphics performance, the M4-powered Mac mini redefines what’s possible in a compact desktop, positioning itself as a powerful tool for creative and professional users alike.