Mac mini

Apple's compact desktop, the Mac mini, was originally released in January 2005 and is still a front-runner in the lineup as it was the first desktop Mac with Apple Silicon. It bridges the gap between consumer and pro as its price runs from the entry $599 option to $4,699 at the high end.

The M1 processor took the entry-level Mac from basic computing to rivaling all but the most powerful desktops. M2 and M2 Pro improved that lead, while M4 makes it the most affordable yet powerful Apple Intelligence computer.

The Mac Studio is basically a large Mac mini with better cooling that can run the M2 Max and M2 Ultra, while the smaller desktop uses the M4 Pro.

Apple was expected to update the Mac mini with the M3 and M3 Pro chipsets in 2024, but that chipset is built on a less desirable 3nm process. So, Apple waited for the M4 and upgraded the Mac mini with a smaller redesign in October 2024.

Mac mini features

This headless Mac serves as a low-priced alternative to the all-in-one 24-inch iMac. It's always been a bare-bones unit, and the M4 model continues the tradition of "bring your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor."

The Mac mini has a wide user base, from the entry-level dorm PC to the high-powered server farm for industries to live on. The form factor and I/O options have always made this a versatile workstation.

Enclosure

Apple's tiny desktop is made out of 100 percent recycled aluminum as a part of Apple's effort to create a closed-loop manufacturing process. Extraordinarily there is enough leftover aluminum from making iPhones and other products that the entire Mac mini line can be built using that metal.

The Mac mini with M4 is Apple's first ever carbon neutral Mac. It is a big step towards the 2030 carbon neutral goal set by the company.

The Apple Silicon-based Mac mini is only available in silver, a change from the Intel variant sold in space gray. The move back to silver could indicate Apple repositioning the device as an entry-level Mac rather than being a pro-only niche product.

Ports and connections

There are three Thunderbolt 4 ports in M1 or M2 models and four in M2 Pro models. There are also two USB-A ports for further peripheral support and a headphone jack for audio professionals.

The redesigned M4 Mac mini changed up the ports to include three Thunderbolt ports, two USB-C ports, Ethernet, HDMI, and an audio jack. The M4 model has Thunderbolt 4 ports while the M4 Pro model has Thunderbolt 5 ports.

The M1 and M2 processor only allows one display to be connected via a Thunderbolt connector. So despite having two Thunderbolt ports, it can only output to one Thunderbolt display, even when using a dock. The HDMI port allows for a second 4K monitor to be attached.

The M1 Pro has more advanced external monitor support. It can have up to two 6K displays, like the Pro Display XDR, attached via Thunderbolt. The HDMI port can support an 8K monitor at 60Hz or 4K monitor at 240Hz if it is the only monitor in use.

M4 vastly improves display support for Mac mini. Users can connect up to three 6K external displays.

M2 Mac mini review: more power for less money

The Mac mini has always served a specific crowd of entry-level buyers and hobbyists. The M2 model provides an excellent option for switchers from Windows or first-time buyers.

The external case is identical to previous generations with a silver finish. The dimensions are 7.75 inches square and 1.41 inches tall. It weighs 2.6 pounds

The utilitarian design has stuck around for so long because of its practicality. It fits in on a user's desk or within a server rack without customers needing to adapt or worry about some awkward design change each generation.

The M2 processor has more performant CPU cores and a 10-core GPU. All in a package that's cheaper than the M1 model by $100.

Anyone upgrading from an older Mac should consider the $599 entry model or one with added RAM. Users should especially consider an upgrade if they're still using an Intel-based machine unless Bootcamp is a requirement.

The M2 Mac mini is the best balance of computing power to cost for the computer-as-appliance crowd that you can get for the money.

Read the full M2 Mac mini review, which scored 4.5 out of 5.

Bring your own experience

Apple positions the Mac mini as a headless desktop computer where users bring all the needed peripherals. Customers likely already have a mouse, keyboard, and monitor, but those can be added at checkout if need be.

Apple's Magic accessories aren't updated often, but keep up with modern tech like Touch ID. They were updated with USB-C in October 2024.

The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad were all updated with tweaked designs and color schemes when the 24-inch iMac with M1 was launched. But, Apple hadn't made these accessories available for purchase beyond the basic white color palette until the original Mac Studio launch.

The Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse are available in a two-tone color scheme with black tops and a silver chassis. The Magic Keyboard uses the same silver body but has black keys instead of white and a Touch ID button.

Third-party accessories are also an option. There are plenty of Mac-specific companies like Satechi and Keychron that keep available products fresh.

Studio Display

One of the biggest "finally" moments of the 2022 March event was the Studio Display. It is a new pro display that doesn't break the bank, starting at $1,599, and is configurable with a better stand or nano-texture display.

Apple hasn't updated the Studio Display or Pro Display XDR since their initial launch.

It is a 27-inch 5K panel with P3 color and 600 nits of brightness. Thanks to the direct Thunderbolt connection, it supports macOS features like True Tone.

There is a Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports in the back of the display for connections. Also, it has a 12MP ultra-wide webcam with Center Stage support and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

Studio Display was built as the perfect counterpart to Apple's desktop Macs. It was a welcome release for those seeking an ecosystem-friendly Retina monitor at a price lower than $5,000.

Mac mini Pricing

Retail Mac mini pricing starts at $599 for an M4 model with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, making it Apple's least expensive Mac. Prices range up to $4,699 depending on the processor, RAM, and storage chosen.