Malcolm Owen
Apple's update to the Mac mini may not undergo any changes in size or shape for a 2023 update, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who thinks the compact Mac may stay largely the same for a while longer.
The Mac mini hasn't undergone any major revisions in its size or shape over a number of iterations. While rumors say that there are changes on the way to the iconic design, one commentator feels that there may not be much change at all.
In a Saturday tweet, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities posted "I think the new Mac mini in 2023 will likely remain the same form factor design."
Kuo's tweet practically goes against all of the rumors claiming the Mac mini will have a design refresh. One series of claims had the Mac mini incorporating a thinner design with a metal band around the edge and a polycarbonate top.
I think the new Mac mini in 2023 will likely remain the same form factor design.
— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 12, 2022
Retaining the design style would also keep the Mac mini similar in appearance to the Mac Studio, which reuses the aluminum enclosure aesthetic and other elements it borrows from the Mac mini.
The tweet also follows others made by the analyst that features Apple's smallest desktop Mac, including one revising an expected release of the device from 2022 to 2023.
Following Apple's special event, in which the Mac mini was thought to feature, rumors have continued to predict what the next Mac mini could use. On Thursday, a report claimed the next model is set to use the M2 range, including an option featuring a 12-core M2 Pro.
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Happy with that. All it needs is a Mx Pro ASi in it.
In the last ten days Ming-Chi Kuo has had an all new Mac mini with an M2 coming out on the 8, all new Mac mini with M2 coming out in 2023 and the same Mac Minii with an M2 coming out in 2023. At this rate he is going to have a PowerPC G3 Mac mini coming out in 2024. I think the nex AI headline needs to be “ Ming-Chi Kuo really doesn’t know what is happening with the Mac mini” or maybe just stop reporting on his predictions?
And water remains wet through 2023…
Glad to hear this, there really is no need to change the form factor. I would like to see Apple offer the mini and the Studio in Space Gray. I believe the current Intel version of the mini is still available in Space Gray.
This is a good example of why they are often referred to as ANALysts.
Let's see now...
Apple just launched a BRAND NEW MAC PRODUCT that has undoubtedly been in development for YEARS with dozens (hundreds?) of prototype designs, all of which got nixed save the ONE winning design that is essentially a tall Mac mini. Basically Apple could have made the Mac Studio any shape they wanted including a circular trashcan, a cube, or a mini tower like the last AirPort Extreme and yet they chose the tall Mac mini. Did they simply not think outside the box?
Gee, perhaps crazy to imagine this but maybe Apple thinks this basic Mac mini design is pretty good.
I really wish AppleInsider (and other Mac sites) would track the accuracy of ANALysts like Starmine or sports analytics. Use something like OPS or WAR.
Hell, there should be a Fantasy ANALysts League. Bet money on the accuracy of these jokers. LOL, Gene Munster...
;)
Let's also point out that the Mac mini has a big datacenter presence. There are tons of commercial grade accessories (like rackmount adapters, VESA mounts, etc.) for the current Mac mini form factor. Apple doesn't gain anything from making a future Mac mini 8" square or 7.5" square versus the existing 7.7" square.