The upcoming M4 Mac mini will have five USB-C ports, similar to those on the Mac Studio. Three ports will be located at the rear, while two will be at the front, marking the first major update to the product in over a decade.
The upcoming M4-powered Mac mini is expected to launch by October 2024 and is anticipated to be the device’s most compact and powerful version.
In his recent ‘Power On’ newsletter, Mark Gurman highlighted how Apple plans to achieve the Mac mini’s sleeker profile. The tech giant is eliminating the two USB-A ports in favour of the more versatile USB-C standard across its product lines.
However, as Tom’s Hardware has pointed out, this shift may pose challenges for users with older peripherals that still rely on USB-A connections.
For those accustomed to using accessories like wireless mice with USB-A dongles, this change might necessitate the use of USB-C adapters — a minor inconvenience, reflecting the industry’s ongoing transition to newer, faster technologies.
While the loss of USB-A might be disappointing for some, Apple is compensating by enhancing the port selection on the M4 Pro version of the Mac mini. Gurman reports that this model will feature five USB-C ports, with two located on the front of the device.
This is a welcome change for users who frequently connect and disconnect devices, as it eliminates the need to reach around to the back of the unit.
The new configuration mirrors the port arrangement found on Apple’s Mac Studio, indicating a trend toward more user-friendly designs in the company’s desktop offerings.
In addition to the USB-C ports, the M4 Pro Mac mini will retain an ethernet port, HDMI, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
The internal power supply — a feature that has raised concerns among some users — will also remain intact.
According to Gurman, Apple’s suppliers in China are slated to begin shipping the new Mac mini models equipped with the M4 chip as early as September. However, the M4 pro variant is not expected to ship until October.
This timeline suggests that Apple is planning to introduce the M4 chip across its entire Mac lineup, including the forthcoming MacBook Pro and iMac models, within the same release cycle — a first for the company.
Despite the anticipated improvements, it remains to be seen whether the Mac mini’s redesign will justify a potential price increase. The current Mac mini has been celebrated for its balance of power, compact size, and affordability, making it a top choice among mini PCs.
If the new M4-powered version comes with a heftier price tag, it could impact its appeal, especially for users who value the Mac mini’s cost-effectiveness.
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