Despite our name, Laptop Mag are unabashed supporters of the growing mini PC market. The little boxes are powerful machines that are potent portables.

The arrival of the M4 processor-powered Mac mini in October 2024 ushered in Apple’s most current entrant into a burgeoning market. The Mac Mini goes back more than 20 years now, and it continues to live rent-free in my mind.

During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, the M4 Pro-powered Mini, with a three-year Apple Care+ warranty, is $105 off. This is Apple’s top-of-the-line Mac Mini desktop computer if you're looking to invest in something powerful that will last for years, the deal below is for you.

But hurry — Amazon's Big Spring Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on Monday, March 31.

You may not immediately think of a Mac Mini desktop computer as your next computer, but it should be. This underrated little productivity powerhouse is could be derided as the “hipster’s choice” of computers, but let that pejorative flow right by you.

Apple's even made an interesting choice for the location of the power button. (Though if you don't like it, there's a DIY alternative.)

Here’s why it might be the right choice for your sensibilities, needs, and, most importantly, your budget.

Design: The design-focused side of my brain — and maybe yours — can also see how the sleek Mac Mini desktop is a space-saver in your home or office, too.

Practicality and affordability: The more practical benefits of a mini PC are energy efficiency, a low amount of noise, reduced heat output, and affordability.

See also:

➟ All external monitors on sale for Amazon's Big Spring Sale

➟ All Logitech keyboards and mice on sale for Amazon's Big Spring Sale

If stunning visuals aren’t important to you but top-tier performance is, a Mac Mini desktop PC is also a great value. Let’s compare prices for a moment:

The Mac Mini with an M4 Pro processor and 24GB of unified memory, and 512 GB of storage is $1,199. And you can buy a much larger monitor (like this 27” Samsung full HD screen which is 39% off right now).

Meanwhile, if you wanted those specs (24GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage) in a Mac laptop, the best you could do is $1,364.

The Mac Mini is small and mighty. If you’d like the ability to quickly connect it to any display — including your TV — and keep a smaller footprint for your device, it’s the smart choice.

The M4 Mac Mini's new scaled-down design was supposed to be the highlight of its launch during Apple's M4 Mac week, but one design flaw has been stealing the show.

The Mac Mini's power button is on the bottom, leading some users to devise creative workarounds, such as 3D-printed power button extenders.

It's a little thing (literally), but the placement of the power button on the redesigned Mac Mini has been the topic of all Mac fans' conversations since it was announced. Apple finally responded in an interview last week, but users might not want to hear their take on the power button controversy.

"You pretty much never use the power button on your Mac"

Apple executives John Ternus, VP of Hardware Engineering, and Greg "Joz" Joswiak, VP of Worldwide Marketing, finally broke Apple's silence on the Mac Mini power button controversy in an interview posted to Bilibili, a Chinese video-sharing platform, on November 7. The interview is in Chinese, but English transcripts reveal Apple's take on the power button.

When asked about it, one of the Apple executives commented, "The most important thing is, you pretty much never use the power button on your Mac."

Ternus and Joswiak also emphasized that the M4 Mac Mini's ultra-compact design forced Apple to put the power button on the bottom. This may also be an attempt to steer the narrative around the M4 Mac mini back to its snack-sized redesign, but is it a fair way of shaking off users' complaints about the design? That depends on how you see the Mac Mini. It's designed to be a desktop PC, and people who use it that way might agree with Ternus and Joswiak's point about rarely needing to use the power button. After all, it's easier to shut down your Mac through the shutdown menu in macOS rather than using the physical button.

However, this simplified take ignores the unique position of the new Mac Mini. It's so tiny that users can quickly unplug it and travel with it like a laptop. Of course, you need to plug it into a monitor at the office or school to use it away from home, but it's still worth considering, given how small the new Mac mini is. People who bring their Mac mini on the go are much more likely to use the physical power button since they must turn their Mac on and off much more often.

Ultimately, the Mac Mini's power button placement is not a deal breaker, much like the inconvenient placement of the charging port on the Magic Mouse. However, it's disappointing to see design oversights like this from a brand that prides itself on great design.

I would have preferred a power button on the top or side disguised with the same metallic finish as the other Mac Mini chassis. Even so, it's still impressive just how small the new Mini is. It came close to design perfection this time, so maybe Apple will relocate that pesky power button next time around.

More from Laptop Mag

• Crafty M4 Mac mini owner solves Apple's biggest design blunder since the Magic Mouse
• M4 Mac week: Apple M4, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and Apple Intelligence all get their time in the spotlight
• Apple's next Mac Mini might be small enough to replace your laptop

Apple's M4 Mac Mini has proven popular among macOS alums, especially because of its cost-to-performance ratio. The device's ultra-small footprint is matched only by its ultra-small price tag, starting at just $599.

However, for some, the new Mac Mini's M4-based performance, affordable pricing, and svelte redesign has been overshadowed by a puzzling design decision. One that places the micro computer's power button on the underside of the chassis, mirroring the infamously inaccessible underside charging port of the Magic Mouse.

The Magic Mouse's underside charging port (which renders the peripheral useless while charging) gained instant notoriety following its 2009 release — narrowly beating the flimsy Butterfly Keyboard, the Vision Pro's creepy googly EyeSight feature, and 1986's questionable efforts at launching a clothing line as the company's worst design decision to date.

The Mac Mini's out-of-reach power button is another design faux pas for Apple. It requires users to lift up the device to access the switch that boots up the machine.

It's a black spot on an otherwise flawless design (literally), and some M4 Mac Mini owners have gone to great lengths to correct Apple's poor placement of its power switch.

M4 Mac Mini: Making the best of a bad switchuation

In a post shared to Reddit just one day before the device's official November 8 release date, one Mac Mini owner may have elegantly provided a workaround to Apple's design blunder — cleverly making the best of a bad situation with a 3D-printed base that allows users to turn on the Mac Mini by simply pushing down on its top.

Nailed the Mac mini power button issue from r/macmini

The 3D print was designed by Reddit user gijsmans3773, who has since made the STL files for the build freely available on Thingiverse for others to try for themselves.

While impressively simple in its design, this user-made accessory is highly effective, potentially leaving many Apple engineers facepalming as they wonder why they didn't take the very same approach.

Don't own a 3D printer of your own? You can always look for local Makerspaces, use an online service like Craftcloud and Fraction Print, source a helping hand from the '3D Print My Thing' subreddit, or see if your local library offers 3D printing services.

Setup solution, Mac mini M4 power button issue solved from r/macsetups

Outlook

While the new M4 Mac Mini's power button is a headache for some, that hasn't stopped the device from garnering rave reviews, with Tech Radar granting Apple's micro Mac a five-star score in its recent write-up.

Thanks to the awesome power of Apple's latest M series chipset, the Mac Mini's poorly placed power button is quickly overshadowed by its impressive performance. However, with the aid of Apple's crafty community, the company's incredible small-scale computer may have achieved print-assisted perfection.

More from Laptop Mag

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• Forget MacBook Pros — here's why the Mac Mini is my new favorite Apple product
• The Mac Mini might be the game console Apple needs — but there's one major problem

While macOS is the second most popular PC operating system, its reputation for gaming leaves something to be desired.

Even after the major performance improvements on Mac with Apple silicon, gamers still overwhelmingly flock to Windows. Every year, Apple emphasizes how much gaming performance its latest M-series chip offers, but this has made little difference to most serious gamers.

Last week, however, Apple launched a powerful new version of the Mac mini as part of its M4 Mac week. Due to its small size and relatively affordable price, the M4 Mac mini has all the potential to change Apple's relation to gaming — the mini desktop starts at $599 and includes the new M4 chip (or M4 Pro), a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That's on par with the starting price of a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

And while the Mac mini has the hardware for a good gaming experience, it's still missing one major piece.

Can the M4 Mac mini be a gaming PC? Maybe not — yet

On Sunday, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed the new M4 Mac mini could be Apple's game console — or, at least it could point the way toward Apple's future in gaming.

The M4 Mac mini is certainly impressive. As rumors predicted, it's incredibly small and scaled down significantly from the previous version. The M4 chip is powerful enough to compete with the latest processors from Intel and AMD and run AAA games, complete with ray tracing. The M4 Mac mini also has a price tag that's competitive with an Xbox or PlayStation.

However, despite all of that, I don't think the Mac mini is any rival for a game console or a gaming PC.

Hardware may have been the main factor holding Apple back in gaming before it launched its M-series chips, but that's no longer the case. M-series chips are capable of ray tracing and plenty powerful enough to run most of the same games Windows PCs can run.

The main factor preventing the Mac mini from being an affordable, powerful gaming device isn't hardware. It's the lack of games compatible with macOS. The question is, why are there so few games available on Mac compared to Windows?

Why are there fewer games on Mac than Windows?

At the time of writing, four out of the top five most played games on Steam (by current players) are not compatible with macOS:

• Counter-Strike 2
• Banana
• Call of Duty
• PUBG: Battlegrounds

While gaming on macOS has improved with the M-series chips, the reality is that there are simply far more games compatible with Windows than Mac. If Apple ever wants to have a future in gaming, that needs to change.

The question is, why aren't there more games on Mac? Why has the PC gaming industry overwhelmingly turned to Windows?

Most game developers prioritize Windows over Mac because, as of 2024, Windows is overwhelmingly the most popular PC operating system. It commands a 73% market share while only 15.5% of users are on macOS (OS X).

So, on one level it's simply a matter of return on investment. Developing games is expensive and time-consuming, so it makes sense that the majority of developers prioritize the operating system with the most potential for profit.

However, the issue goes deeper than that. After all, it's common for games to come out on PC and consoles simultaneously (or one shortly after the other). So, why not simply port a finished Windows or console game over to macOS?

That's the crux of the issue and the part Apple needs to address if it wants any chance of success in gaming. Apple's current system requires game developers to jump through hoops to get their games on macOS, such as paying for an Apple Developer ID, getting the app notarized by Apple, and developing it using Apple's XCode software. Since XCode only runs on macOS, these requirements can also force developers to buy a Mac themselves, as many game devs have bemoaned on social media.

Many independent game developers and small studios simply cannot afford to purchase pricey Apple laptops and software and take the extra time to rebuild their games in Apple's ecosystem, especially since the smaller macOS market share means game developers will get little money back for their extra effort.

Does Apple have a future in gaming?

Apple has made attempts in the last couple of years to tempt more developers over to macOS. For instance, its Game Porting Toolkit got an update at WWDC 2024, which is designed to make it easier to port games from Windows and consoles over to Mac.

However, Apple still seems to expect game developers to develop for its devices first and foremost which isn't exactly fair given the current gaming market and the massive player base on Windows.

The reality is that Apple isn't currently seen as a viable gaming platform, regardless of how powerful its hardware is. The developers aren't on macOS because the players aren't there and the players aren't there because the developers aren't. For that to change, Apple has to make the game porting process significantly easier for developers so Apple can drastically grow its Mac game library.

Once its library is similar in scale to the Windows library, more gamers may start choosing Apple tech. At this point, it's more a matter of changing the perception around the Mac and gaming on macOS. The hardware is there, but the players and developers aren't — yet.

Can Apple use its marketing mastery to convince users to take macOS seriously as a gaming platform? Only time will tell, but for the sake of Mac users, I hope the Mac mini can move the needle.

More from Laptop Mag

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• Apple Vision Pro tipped for major 2025 breakthrough — but not the one it needs
• Apple says new iPad mini can handle ‘graphics-intensive AAA games.’ Yes, all 3 of them

Apple makes many iconic products, but the MacBook probably takes the cake when it comes to traditional computers.

And this year, the MacBook Pro took the accomplishments even further: thanks to a new M4 chip, the MacBook may actually take back the crown for the best battery life of any laptop money can buy right now, eclipsing even Dell's XPS 13.

But for all the fanfare about the new MacBook Pros, it wasn't Apple's perennially high-achieving laptop that really caught my attention. Sometimes it's not the biggest product that makes a splash — it's the mini ones.

Small, but mighty

If you didn't get the hint, I'm talking about the Mac mini.

Apple's Mac mini might not always be the star of Apple's show, but it made a major leap this year. Like the rest of Apple's lineup, the Mac mini got an M4 upgrade, which is significant given that the last iteration used the M2 — aka two generations behind the current chips.

While that upgrade means many things, the short of it is that the Mac mini will be much more capable when it comes to running compute-intensive creative apps and much better at handling any task involving AI thanks to its Neural Engine upgrade. According to Apple, the M4 Pro variant of the Mac mini has a neural engine that's three times faster than the M1.

What's wild isn't just that the Mac mini is faster; it's that it's much faster than its predecessor while also being much, much smaller. The M4 Mac mini is just 5 x 5 inches, which is small even without context, but it looks so much smaller when compared to the last iteration.

In fact, the M4 Mac mini is small enough that I might even call it a portable desktop. Sure, it's not quite pocketable, but tossing this thing into a backpack seems like it should be no problem.

If it feels like I'm gushing, I am, but that's not even the best part.

Apple goes affordable

If you asked most people to describe Apple products in one word, "affordable" would very rarely, if ever, top the list.

While $600 might not be outright "affordable," when you consider how much Apple is providing for that amount of money—and compare the M4 Mac mini against similarly priced PCs—that price tag starts to feel like a steal.

Even when compared to Apple's own product lineup, the M4 Mac mini feels like an unbeatable value. A 15-inch M3 MacBook, for example, costs a minimum of $1,299.

We'll have to wait and see just how the Mac mini performs, but as noted by Laptop Mag editor Rami Tabari, the prospects look good:

"On the Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark, the M1 Mac mini scored 31.5 frames per second, which is just playable. The M4 Mac mini could score 69.3 fps, which surpasses the 60-fps golden standard in gaming. Again, that surpasses the M3 MacBook Pro (51 fps) and the M3 Pro MacBook Pro (53.7 fps)."

And even more exciting than the M4 Mac mini is what it could say about the future of Apple's lineup.

Same luxury, more value

For some tech companies, a value-oriented gadget might not seem like a big deal, but we're talking about Apple — a company whose name is basically synonymous with "premium" in the dollar amount sense.

Of course, this isn't the first time Apple has positioned the Mac mini as a budget-friendly option — this year's version is only $100 more expensive than the previous generation — but it does show Apple's interest in and commitment to more accessible gadgets.

Whether that ethos will translate to other gadgets remains to be seen, but with rumors of an upcoming iPhone SE, Apple might broaden its scope to capture more budget-focused audiences.

And even if Apple doesn't do that, the Mac mini still stands as an exceptionally enticing deal upgrade in Apple's product lineup. Think about it: In a sea of iterative updates, the M4 Mac Mini does everything you could want in an upgrade.

It's much more compact while vastly increasing performance and only raises the previous retail price by $100. A big part of how substantive the upgrade feels has almost nothing to do with tech or engineering.

Unlike other products like the iPhone, the Mac mini hasn't been upgraded in two years, which obviously gives more room for growth and extra time to make substantive advancements.

With a little more patience, could we see the same kind of exciting upgrade with the iPhone? Maybe, just maybe. Here's to hoping the Mac mini sets the tone for Apple products.

Let me get this out of the way: the new Mac mini looks great.

Not only did Apple manage to shrink down its newest mini iteration to a case that's just 5 x 5 inches, but it also vastly boosted its performance thanks to its M4 chip. The result is a tiny, portable desktop that should be a beast for creative apps and general AI. It's everything you want in a next-gen device — smaller, more powerful, and very competitively priced at $599.

With all of that out of the way, I'd like to say one other thing: Apple's new Mac mini, which debuted on Tuesday, is incredibly triggering.

Where the Magic happens

Before I tell you why the M4 Mac mini is triggering people, I need to tell you about a different device: the Magic Mouse.

Apple's Magic Mouse is generally unoffensive: It has a sleek Apple design, it's ergonomic, and responsive, and works well with compatible Apple products. I say "generally" here because the Magic Mouse comes with one thing that drives people absolutely nuts — I'm talking about the charging port.

For the uninitiated, Apple's Magic Mouse (controversially) features a charging port on the bottom of the mouse. The reason why that design choice is controversial is because — in order to top up the mouse's battery — you have to flip it over, rendering it unusable for the duration of charging.

Whether that design choice is actually a huge issue is arguable — you don't have to charge your mouse often enough for it to be a dealbreaker — but the fact that the port exists where it does is still enough for people to lose their minds over.

To make matters worse, Apple recently updated its Magic Mouse, and I'll give you one guess what it did with its controversially situated charging port. If you guessed "kept it right where it was," congratulations — you're paying attention.

So, what in the world does any of this have to do with Apple's (by all means enticing) new Mac mini?

Not again...

If you're triggered by the Magic Mouse, I have some bad news; the Mac mini borrows elements of its most controversial design choice.

While not quite as inconvenient as the Magic Mouse's bottom-oriented charging port, this year's Mac mini slapped its power button on (drum roll) the bottom. As you might've already imagined, people are, um... not pleased.

On one hand, I get it. Putting the power button on the bottom might be inconvenient — if you need to use the hard power-off option it is clunky to pick up the entire machine, especially if you have cables hooked in and if your Mac is running hot.

On the other hand (and I can feel the angry replies on X just typing this) does it really matter that much? How often are you realistically going to use the power button in the first place? Is it really that much of a nuisance to pick up the very small machine if you do need it?

(Sidenote: the M4 Mac mini doesn't sit completely flat, meaning there's room for your finger to dive underneath and press the button)

Also, if I'm being honest, putting the power button on the bottom genuinely makes the Mac mini look sleek and minimal from the top — that's to say, it fits Apple's design language and probably appeals to the people who usually enjoy Apple products.

As to why it's not on the side or the back, I don't have the answer to that. Presumably — between thermals and ports — there was no room to fit it in. Again, I don't have definitive evidence proving that's why the power button is on the bottom, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is an engineering reason.

Even with a reason, it appears anyone prone to being triggered by a bottom-mounted power button is already decidedly peeved, and the outrage faucet is on.

Maybe there are more people who love using their physical power button to turn their machine off and on — and to those people I give my sincere condolences. But to everyone else, I've got just one thing to say.

The new Mac mini is here and with it comes one of the most affordable AI powerhouses you can buy.

Apple is positioning the Mac mini for only $100 more than its original price. And even at $600, the M4 Mac mini may just be the most powerful desktop you can buy.

We haven't tested it just yet, so we can't be certain, but let's take a look at what Apple has shared so far about the new M4 Mac mini, which is set to launch on November 8.

How the Mac mini champions the affordable desktop market

In just a 5 x 5-inch chassis, the Mac mini delivers Apple's latest M4 chipset, which the company states is 1.8x faster in CPU performance and 2.2x faster in GPU performance compared with the M1 model. What does that look like in theory?

Well, the M1 Mac mini scored 8,446 on the Geekbench 6 overall performance test, which means that the Mac mini should deliver a rough score of 15,202.8. For context, that beats the M3 MacBook Pro (11,870) and the M3 Pro MacBook Pro (14,357), laptops that cost over $1K more than the Mac mini.

On the Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark, the M1 Mac mini scored 31.5 frames per second, which is just playable. The M4 Mac mini could score 69.3 fps, which surpasses the 60-fps golden standard in gaming. Again, that surpasses the M3 MacBook Pro (51 fps) and the M3 Pro MacBook Pro (53.7 fps).

For just $600, the M4 Mac mini is a wild deal when it comes to performance. But it offers something more than just its power: Apple Intelligence. AI is all the craze these days, and if you are looking for a quality AI solution for the tasks ahead, you likely won't find anything more affordable than the Mac mini.

Apple Intelligence includes features like Writing Tools. This will let you rewrite, proofread, and summarize text virtually everywhere you can write. Siri is redesigned for a more seamless experience, navigating between spoken and typed requests more swiftly. ChatGPT will also be coming to Writing Tools and Siri.

Image Playground lets you create images generated from photos and artwork crawled from across the web. Genmoji will similarly let you create custom emojis quickly.

Apple is pushing the idea that its generative models will feature industry-first privacy protections. The M4 Mac mini will support on-device processing, but not for everything. For larger tasks, Apple offers Private Cloud Compute, which gives you access to larger, server-based models. With it, you can access ChatGPT for free, and your IP addresses are obscured — OpenAI won't store requests.

I understand that AI tasks can't all be handled on-device, but anything that connects to the cloud, especially personal information, should always be subject to scrutiny. Nothing is unbreakable, no matter how much Apple tells you it is. And with companies like Meta out there, it's tough to put my faith in any company with access to personal information.

Outlook

I'm excited to see what the M4 Mac mini can do when we get our hands on it. The prospect of powerful performance and a low price always deserves praise. I'm indifferent about the AI capabilities, but some people may find them useful.

For more news, rumors, and updates on everything M4 Mac mini-related keep an eye on our M4 Mac week liveblog.

As we suspected, new MacBooks will soon be upon us, but not without some surprises.

In a tweet on Thursday, Apple's SVP of marketing, Greg Joswiak, said news on Macs will be coming Monday next week.

That's not shocking, really, considering Apple tends to announce MacBooks around this time pretty much every year (last year, it was close to Halloween in an event dubbed "Scary Fast").

What is somewhat surprising, however, is that Joswiak said it will be an "exciting week" of announcements ahead. Not a one-off, a whole week.

That may mean a few things:

For one, there may not be a major keynote like last year — we could instead just get a steady dribble of updates as the week goes on.

Secondarily, it may also imply that no major new Pro products are being announced, and instead, more incremental news on upgrades to its Mac lineup is being announced.

Obviously, both are bits of informed speculation right now, but needless to say, this will look a bit different than last year's event.

M4 upgrades and Apple Intelligence

Two things we can pretty much count on are the introduction of the M4 chips to the MacBook lineup and more updates on Apple Intelligence.

On the former, Apple Intelligence arrives via an iOS 18.1 update that's set to drop on Monday, October 28, so there's a chance that the event that Joswiak teased might mainly deal with that.

That would leave more Mac announcements for later in the week. Among the rumored additions could be a new, redesigned Mac mini that is about as small as an Apple TV streaming box.

Also, if rumors are to be believed, Apple's M4 silicon will be coming to MacBooks, hopefully bumping performance and battery life for this year's laptops.

For now, we'll just have to wait and see, but either way, Laptop Mag will have more coverage on Monday when we finally get some answers on what to expect from the Mac world in 2024.

We're rapidly approaching new Mac season and the Mac Mini is due for a refresh. The current models are still using the M2 series chips, so Apple will most likely skip M3 and bring the Mac Mini straight to the M4 series. As if a spec bump wasn't exciting enough, rumors hint that Apple is planning to scale down the Mac Mini even more. 

An ultra-portable design could make the Mac Mini the most versatile desktop PC in the world, especially if it becomes small enough to fit in a pocket. Could a Mac Mini that small replace your laptop? 

The Mac Mini is downsizing and getting an upgrade

Apple's M4 Mac launches are right around the corner, so rumors about the whole line-up are heating up. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman shared an M4 launch forecast on Sunday that included a "revamped" Mac Mini slated for a November 1 release. This follows a major update Gurman revealed back in August, describing the M4 Mac Mini as Apple's "smallest computer ever." It could potentially be as compact as an Apple TV hub. 

At first glance, it might be tough to imagine a "redesigned" Mac Mini since its current design is pretty bare-bones. It's a flat, square box with the Apple logo on top and ports in the back — no display, keyboard, or mouse included. 

The Mini is intended to be an ultra-compact desktop PC that's minimalistic by design. However, if it gets significantly smaller than it already is, the Mini could take on a new level of versatility that could make it a surprise threat to MacBooks (and non-Apple laptops). 

Could the Mac Mini replace your laptop? 

A pocket-sized Mac Mini presents an interesting question: if a desktop PC is small enough to carry around in your bag or pocket, can it replace your laptop? You could simply unplug your Mac Mini from your home office monitor, tuck it in your backpack, and plug it in at your desk in the office. 

Of course, the Mac Mini doesn't have its own display, keyboard, or mouse like a laptop. You would need to dock it to those peripherals to use it, unless you pair it with a portable monitor. However, if you mainly use your laptop like a desktop PC by docking it and connecting to an external monitor, the Mac Mini might be a reasonable replacement. 

The Mini costs significantly less than most laptops. It currently starts at $499 while the MacBook Air starts at $899. The specs on the base models are almost identical, but the base Mac Mini has a slight advantage thanks to its 10-core GPU. So, there's a real possibility that an ultra-portable Mac Mini could be a better deal for many users. 

We're not there just yet. The current Mac Mini is about the size and weight of a tablet (albeit, a square one). That's pretty portable, but something the size of the old GameBoy Advance SP would take the Mac Mini's portability to a whole new level. You could put your desktop PC in your jacket pocket and skip a laptop backpack altogether! We'll have to wait and see just how small the next Mac Mini is when it launches later this year, most likely in early November. 

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news and updates on the upcoming Macs, so stay tuned for more details. 

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Apple is reportedly holding another hardware-focused event in the coming weeks, this time revolving around new Mac and iPad products, according to a claim Bloomberg's Mark Gurman made on Sunday. 

This comes only a week after Apple held the "It's Glowtime event," which focused on iPhone and Apple Watch products.

According to Gurman, we should expect an M4-powered MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini, alongside a new iPad Mini and "new, lower-end iPads," which could just be the 11th Generation of iPad.

Here are some rumors on the MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, iPad Mini, and next-generation iPads, all of which are expected to be unveiled at an Apple event in the coming weeks.

Mac M4 and iPad: Rumored release dates

Before we get into the nitty gritty of what we know about each machine, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported back in May on when we would see each device.

M4 products will be launching over the course of the rest of this year and next year. We don't expect next year's products to be unveiled at this event, so here's everything coming this year according to Gurman's report:

MacBook Pro will launch later 2024 with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max. Mac Mini is also reportedly slated for 2024 with a M4 and M4 Pro. The iMac is also reportedly launching this year alongside them according to MacRumors.

As for the iPad Mini 7, we don't have an exact rumored launch date. It's difficult to pin a pattern down considering how inconsistent iPad Mini launches are historically: The previous model was released in September 2021, unveiled alongside the new iPhone products, and the generation before that launched March 2019.

However, we do still expect to see it this year, possibly in October or November. As for the lower-end iPads, it could be launched alongside it.

M4 MacBook Pro

Several new MacBook Pro models will reportedly be unveiled at the event. This includes a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M4 as the lowest end option, while M4 Pro will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch models of the MacBook Pro. Gurman claims that "two pro-level M4 chip options" will be available in these 14-inch and 16-inch options, which we can only assume is in reference to M4 Max.

Thus, the full list of which MacBook products we are expecting at the event is:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max

This falls in line with release date rumored that were established previously, as MacBooks with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max were expected to launch later this year.

One thing we are expecting to see from new Mac models is the removal of 8GB of RAM as an option altogether, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. 

Apple Intelligence is a major focus on the upcoming generation of the company's hardware, and it's possible that 16GB is the minimum in order for these features to work optimally.

M4 Mac Mini

Reports of an all-new Mac Mini with a massive redesign have been circulating for months, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reporting that it'll be Apple's "smallest computer ever."

Apple is also reportedly abandoning USB Type-A entirely, now moving instead to five full USB Type-C ports on the higher end Pro model, with two on the front and three at the back. 

For context, the previous M2 Mac Mini featured two USB Type-C and two USB Type-A, while the Pro model bumped that up to four USB Type-C. Its Ethernet, HDMI, and audio jacks are all being maintained.

Similar to the other Mac products in this line-up, it will likely feature Apple's new M4 chip, and will probably have a higher end model featuring M4 Pro, alongside ditching 8GB of RAM as an option.

M4 iMac

The iMac is perhaps the least exciting of these announcements, as we don't expect much change in design. Beyond the possibility of it doing without an 8GB option (alongside the other Mac products), rumors suggest it will merely receive an upgrade to M4.

However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed back in June that there's "early work" on iMac products that could have a screen over 30 inches. Considering that was only a few months ago, it's unlikely that this ultra-large iMac will come with the M4 launch slated for this year, but it's not necessarily impossible.

iPad Mini 7

The last iPad Mini launched in 2021, and Gurman believes that the iPad Mini 7 will be unveiled at the October event.

As far as what to expect, the details are up in the air. It likely won't be powered by M-series chips, even though iPad Pro and iPad Air have indeed made the move over. Instead, it'll likely stick to the same chips that power iPhone products, potentially featuring an A16 or A17. 

If we assume the company wants all of its upcoming products to be able to utilize Apple Intelligence, it'll likely be A17, and perhaps even A17 Pro, which powered the iPhone 15 Pro.

Beyond that, it will likely feature the same 8.3-inch display, although a rumor from almost a year ago posted on Weibo suggests that the company is addressing issues with "jelly scrolling," which is essentially when screen tearing occurs while scrolling up and down the display.

More from Laptop Mag

• How Apple's iPhone 16 could be a big hint at an affordable Vision Pro headset
• Apple September Event 2024: Everything announced including iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more
• AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which wireless earbuds are right for you?

It feels like Apple's M3 MacBooks have only just rolled off the factory floor and onto shelves. However, with an ongoing push towards delivering annual refreshes across Apple's catalog, we're already counting down to the release of M4-powered MacBooks and Macs.

This year is likely to be the start of this product-wide annual refresh cycle for Apple's Macs, with the company already nearing production of its next-gen M4 chips in advance. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the first M4 Macs should arrive towards the end of 2024, with a wider selection of devices, housing more powerful variants of the chipset, to follow throughout 2025.

M4 MacBooks: A timeline of when to expect Apple's next-gen laptops

Unlike previous refresh cycles, Apple is reportedly prepared to shift all of its Mac devices over to the new M4 chip across the span of a year — which will result in some devices skipping the M3 chipset entirely, but will also avoid certain Macs being left behind a generation as when the Mac Pro failed to receive an M2 refresh.

A rough timeline of when to expect these M4 refreshes is listed below. However, as with all early information, the dates here are subject to change in the future. That being said, at the time of writing, Apple's M4 Mac plans look as follows:

• Q4 2024: The tail-end of 2024 should see Apple's M4 Silicon debut with a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and a 24-inch iMac.
   
• Q4 2024 - Q1 2025: Apple reportedly plans to launch high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros powered by M4 Pro/Max chips, with a Mac mini to release within this window available in M4 and M4 Pro configurations.
   
• Q1 - Q2 2025: According to estimates, it'll be around spring 2025 before we see all-new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs released featuring the M4 chipset.
   
• Q2 - Q3 2025: A high-end Mac Studio is set to launch midway through 2025 that could feature M4 Pro/Max/Ultra configurations.
   
• Q3 - Q4 2025: Finally, in the second half of 2025, Apple is said to be releasing a Mac Pro housing an M4 Ultra chip.

Outlook

Apple's sweeping refresh should please many Mac users, as every model will be granted the same M4 upgrade whether you're primarily a desktop or laptop user. This push could also indicate some big news is in the pipeline for AI on Macs, as the M4 chip is said to prioritize supporting on-device artificial intelligence.

We already know that Apple is ready to pull the trigger on AI, with iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 set to be a breakthrough in putting this tech to use. With Apple's entire computing catalog being granted this AI-focused chipset, there may be a treasure trove of AI-assisted features to look forward to in the company's upcoming MacOS 15 release, also.

More from Laptop Mag

• Want to know more about Apple's latest M3 MacBooks? Check out our reviews of the MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Air 13, and MacBook Air 15.
  
• Are you excited to see what's coming to Macs in the near future? Check out our roundup of the latest macOS 15 news.
   
• Are you interested to hear more about Apple's smartphone and AI plans? Catch the latest news in our rumor mills for the iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

macOS Sonoma’s huge reveal at Apple’s WWDC earlier this year was big news for Apple fans the world over. Since then, Apple’s latest macOS update has been impressing users during its beta release with a host of new features and improvements that sharpen and refine the Mac experience like never before.

However, today marks the day that macOS Sonoma steps out of beta and into full release – meaning we can all finally get to grips with macOS 14 and start to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Apple’s upgraded operating system.

To help you on your way we’ve put together a short guide on how best to prepare for and how to install the latest version of macOS on your Mac device. But before we dive into the install there are a few things we should keep in mind: compatibility and preparation.

macOS 14 Sonoma: Compatibility and system requirements 

If you want to upgrade to macOS 14 Sonoma you’ll have to be working from a supported device and model compatible with today’s update. The following is the official list of Macs capable of playing host to Sonoma when it launches later today: 

• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)

macOS 14 Sonoma: How to prepare for the update 

We may not know the exact time of day when Apple makes the macOS 14 Sonoma update available to all, but we do know that you can prepare in advance while you wait to make sure everything goes smoothly and you’re good to go the moment it drops. 

Step 1: Back up your Mac

Today’s Sonoma release will be a stable build, meaning it’s highly unlikely to cause any large-scale issues on install. That being said, it’s always wise to perform a backup in advance just in case something doesn’t go to plan. If you need help performing this task, fear not. Check out our guides to backing up your Mac below and we can move onto our next step. 

• How to Back Up Your Mac With Time Machine
• How to Backup Your Mac: Why I Use 3 Different Solutions

Step 2: Clear some space

Avoid the hassle of last minute decluttering and make sure your Mac has enough space to download and install macOS 14 Sonoma in advance. Keeping the Sonoma beta release in mind, today’s update could be up to 12GB in size. However, you’ll also need additional space in order to perform the install which means a minimum of 24-25GB of space could be required.

Once again, if you need some direction on how to quickly and easily clear up some space on your Mac you can follow our how-to guide below:

• How to free up space on a MacBook

macOS 14 Sonoma: How to install macOS 14 Sonoma 

If you’re backed up and have space free to receive the update, we’re now finally good to go. Once the macOS 14 Sonoma update becomes available you’ll be able to initiate the upgrade through Software Update. Let’s go through the process of doing so now: 

• Step 1: Click on the Apple menu.
• Step 2: Choose System Settings.
• Step 3: On the left-hand side of the System Settings window, click General.
• Step 4: On the right-hand side of the window, select Software Update.

From here you will be able to see the latest update currently available for your Mac. Keep an eye out for macOS Sonoma 14.0 appearing in this section. Once the update is released you’ll be able to click the button that says “Upgrade Now” to kick-start the process.

Follow all on screen instructions from here and enjoy macOS 14 Sonoma once the upgrade is complete!

Note: Can’t see Software Update? Use the Spotlight search in the top right corner of the screen to search for “Software Update,” and select it from the results.

If you still can’t find the app, you may be on an older version of macOS without this feature. In this instance, you’ll need to use the App Store instead. Simply open the App Store and click Updates or search for Sonoma to access the update directly.

I’ve been living with an Arm-based Mac for close to five years now. Since Apple first debuted its in-house silicon, I have had few complaints, and whatever compatibility snags I faced when I reviewed the M1 Mac Mini have disappeared -- so much so that Apple’s set to phase out Intel chips altogether. 

Despite an eight year head start, Microsoft hasn’t had the same success.  Arm-based hardware like 2022’s Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) hasn’t done well either and met with underwhelming reviews. So when a new Chinese-American startup, Robo & Kala, sent me their latest, Arm-powered Windows two-in-one, I was skeptical, but to my surprise, weeks later, it’s become the computer I reach for daily to work and leisure. 

For a $799 Windows convertible, the Robo & Kala two-in-one, except for its tedious name, gets everything right on paper: it has a 12.3-inch, OLED 2.5K screen, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of upgradable SSD, and a light, slim design. But unlike most of its competition, it doesn’t run on a traditional AMD or Intel chip; Instead, it’s powered by Qualcomm’s ARM system-on-chip, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 -- the same one found inside the Surface Pro 9 ARM, whose otherwise high-end experience was marred with a range of Arm compatibility issues. 

Half a year later, how far have Microsoft’s arm efforts come? Here’s what it was like to live with an arm-based Windows PC in 2023. 

ARMed to the teeth

If you are not familiar with how an Arm SoC differs from typical computer chips, it works similarly to the processor powering your smartphone. This architecture allows manufacturers to integrate various key components like the GPU and the CPU onto a single chip, enabling a more efficient output. 

However, traditionally such chips have been limited to smaller devices like a phone or a smartwatch, PC makers are now increasingly adopting them as well to capitalize on a host of upsides such as a much longer battery life, 5G compatibility, and more. Because it’s so different, it also needs its own kinds of apps, and developers have to update their services for arm-based chips to get the most out of them. While even when they don’t, an Arm SoC can run their x86 apps in an emulation, the experience won’t be nearly as efficient, or smooth as it can be. 

Historically, Microsoft has struggled to convince developers to release Arm versions of their software, unlike Apple, which is why you won’t find many Arm-based PCs on sale. But things appear to be taking a turn for the better. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve extensively put the Robo & Kala computer through its paces. Many of the apps I rely on every day, including Mozilla Firefox, Zoom, Adobe Photoshop, VLC, and Spotify have already been updated for Windows on Arm, and run well. More, such as WhatsApp, and Dropbox, are expected to follow suit soon. 

When I exclusively work from Arm-native Windows apps, the results are impressive: Not only does the Snapdragon chip perform well and do a decent job at preventing lags even when I have dozens of tabs open, but the laptop also lasts comfortably up to nine hours and longer than most Windows PCs I have tested. Another Windows on Arm quality that’s on full display here is that the laptop boots near-instantly and barely warms up under heavy duress. 

In the last two years, Microsoft has made a series of updates to improve Windows on Arm. It has introduced better support for third-party developers, via kits, and Arm-native versions of Visual Studio and .NET platforms. Thanks to some under-the-hood Windows 11 updates, it’s also made it easier for developers to convert their existing x86 and x64 apps and ensure they’re stable even if they’re not completely compatible with Arm-based chips. 

Not quite there yet…

At the same time, there’s still a long way ahead for Windows on Arm to become a default choice for most buyers. While unlike before I’m not constantly reminded -- whether via poor performance or crashing apps -- that I’m on an Arm-based chip, non-native app support is far from perfect. 

For starters, many of the popular apps people look for immediately after setting up their PC like Google Chrome have not yet received the Windows on Arm overhaul. Though most run just fine in emulation, some like Slack are particularly bad and jittery. I could, however, overcome many of these issues simply by switching to a service’s web app or by changing their emulation settings from the right-click menu. 

More importantly, when you do actively work on non-Arm apps, you won’t benefit from the chip’s extended endurance, and in my experience, it can slash the battery life by nearly 2-3 hours. 

The biggest roadblock to Windows on Arm for many people could be the lack of VPN apps. Almost no VPN provider, from ExpressVPN to NordVPN, is available at all on Arm-based chips and doesn’t run in emulation either due to its incompatibility with the TAP adapter, a key module needed to configure safe virtual networks. After some back and forth with the ExpressVPN team, though, I did figure out a workaround and was able to set it up manually but I doubt most users would want to do that. Plus, you still don’t get to use the VPN app interface and have to connect or switch coverage areas through a tedious, technical process. 

Another thing to remember about arm chips is that they’re not nearly as capable of high-performance or graphic-intensive tasks. Adobe, for example, even excludes a bunch of tools from its arm-native Photoshop program like the oil paint filter and video layer edits. Often, new features such as Android’s Nearby Sharing, too are limited to Intel and AMD computers. 

Game on!

Gaming, surprisingly, is not terrible on Windows on Arm. Of course, you won’t be able to install most titles, let alone play them, but Microsoft has been steadily rolling out improvements. 

It recently updated the Xbox app for Arm-based chips so that you can stream any Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games to Arm devices, and added Unity engine support, allowing devs to target Windows on Arm devices to get native performance on current and future titles. 

What was more impressive was that I could effortlessly play a couple of older games such as Team Fortress 2 at 50-60fps. Hopefully in a couple of years, you won’t have to switch on another PC like me to play your usual desktop games. 

Bottom Line

There’s no denying the efforts Microsoft for Windows on Arm has put in have borne solid results. The Robo & Kala two-in-one is one of the best Windows experiences I have had in a while. Yet, Windows on Arm still often feels like an afterthought. Since it’s such a small user set, it’s difficult to get support for it too. 

I couldn’t find any material on VPN installation for Windows on Arm, for example, and there are no dedicated categories on the Microsoft Store for arm-native apps and games and you have to scroll all the way down to an app’s technical details to understand whether it’s compatible with arm chips. 

A Microsoft spokesperson told me the company “regularly shares resources and continues to listen to end-users and developers feedback in these areas, and have more planned ahead.”

The company appears to have momentum now with arm chips with many, reliable hardware like Lenovo’s ThinkPad X13s and Robo & Kala that have done well to showcase the best of Windows on Arm and we expect more from Microsoft itself at its upcoming Surface event. 

But this year and the next may very well be its chance to get it right. The question is whether it can get itself out of its long struggle with arm chips before buyers lose trust.

Extended Apple Labor Day sales continue to slash prices on the brand's popular gadgets. We're days from Apple's September event and we're seeing the lowest prices of the year on select MacBooks, iPads, iPhones. 

For example, you can still get the MacBook Air M1 for $749 at Amazon and several other retailers. If you want to spend the least amount possible on a new MacBook, this is the one to buy. Despite being replaced by the MacBook Air with M2 Chip — also on sale for $929 ($170 off) at B&H, the M1-charged MacBook Air is still one of the best laptops to buy. If you prefer a larger display to work on, you can get the latest 15-inch MacBook Air M2 for an all-time low price of $1,099 at Amazon. 

Adding fuel to ongoing iPad mini 7 rumors, the iPad mini 6 is heavily discounted. For a limited time, you can get yourself an iPad mini 6 for $399 ($100 off) at Amazon. In our iPad mini 6 review, we gave it a solid 4 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice award. The tablet's compact size, speedy performance, bright display, and battery life were some of the things we love about it. If you were hoping for a price break on the iPad mini 6 or want a tablet you can take everywhere, the iPad mini 6 is a wise choice. 

These are just a few examples of the best Apple Labor Day sales you can still snag this week. From MacBooks to charging accessories, see the best Apple Labor Day deals still available. 

Apple Labor Day deals still available

Quick links

• Amazon: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• Best Buy: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• B&H: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• Target: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals 
• Walmart: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals 

MacBook

iPad

Mac mini & iMac

AirPods

Apple Watch

iPhone

Apple accessories

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M3 Pro and M3 Max are on the way, but you will be waiting a year at the most to claim one.

According to the latest “Power On” newsletter, Mark Gurman confirms that while you won’t be waiting as long as you did for M2 Pro/Max, you could see them by summer 2024 at the latest.

See you next summer

According to his newsletter, Gurman believes that the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will not be among the first Macs launched in October — that’s for (reportedly) a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch Air and an iMac.

You’ll see the beefier big siblings “probably” roll around by the middle of 2024, which would fall in line with the refresh cycle of roughly a year, give or take. Gurman does also mention the M3 Mac Mini, which is “eventually coming.” He notes how it took two years for the Mini to get an M2 chipset — showing this system is not part of the annual refresh cycle.

With that in mind, he predicts we’ll see this desktop machine by “late 2024” at the earliest.

Outlook

While there doesn’t seem to be any potential supply chain issues and delays to worry about, which did push the M2 Pro and M2 Max to the beginning of this year, we are still going to be waiting a while for the next generation 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

To me, that makes these current models a safe buy for anyone looking to get the most powerful portable machines in the Mac lineup. But use your best judgement based on what machine you have right now.

For example, if you already have the M1 Pro or M1 Max-armed Pros, then an upgrade is definitely not worth it right now. But if you’re still rocking Intel, I’d look at switching up sooner rather than later.

macOS Sonoma was just announced last month at WWDC and there are some enticing macOS 14 features that may convince you to update, but not everyone has that option. MacBooks made before 2018 didn't make the cut for support this year and it's possible the last of the Intel-based MacBooks will join them next year with the release of macOS 15.

That speculation stems from extensive research done by ArsTechnica surrounding macOS support going all the way back to 1998, which lays out the case for Apple potentially hitting the kill switch early on Intel Macs due in large part to the Apple Silicon transition that kicked off in 2020.

Which MacBooks would this effect?

• 2018 MacBook Air
• 2018 MacBook Pro
• 2019 MacBook Air
• 2019 MacBook Pro
• 2020 MacBook Air (Intel)
• 2020 MacBook Pro (Intel)

Keep in mind again that this is speculation, Apple won't announce the official list of devices supported by macOS 15 until WWDC 2024. Most would agree that the 2018 MacBook models are likely to be dropped, but the real question lies with those last Intel-based 2019-2020 models. 

Ars looked to the PowerPC transition back in 2006, when Apple originally moved to Intel, for some instruction on how aggressive the company could be in dropping support for the previous generation laptops. The very last of the PowerPC laptops (the plastic white 2008 MacBook) "received only 2.7 years of new macOS updates and 3.3 years of security updates from the time it was introduced." 

So while cutting off laptops released in 2020 might feel aggressive, it would not be completely unprecedented for Apple. One possible differentiating factor this time around is that MacBooks were wildly more popular in 2020 than they were back in 2008, so Apple has far more customers to worry about upsetting. 

Apple was also selling some Intel-based desktops into 2023: the 2018 Mac Mini and 2019 Mac Pro. While it would be hard to argue anyone bought those computers not knowing that Apple Silicon was the way of the future, they also likely didn't expect to only see one major OS update for their computers. So that may be a second reason for Apple to stay the execution on the last of the Intel-based MacBooks until macOS 16 in 2025.

Now we are talking about the end of new OS updates, not security updates, which as highlighted above will typically extend for at least another 3 years beyond the end of major OS updates.

So if you are reading this from an Intel-based MacBook, don't panic, regardless of whether Apple drops support with macOS 15 or macOS 16, your laptop isn't going to suddenly stop working. Apple will certainly continue to offer security updates that will have your laptop running safely, you just won't be getting whatever the latest and greatest new macOS features might be.

One of the key takeaways from this is for those that are looking at purchasing a used MacBook. Steer clear of Intel-based MacBooks, while there was some trepidation early on, Apple Silicon is thoroughly proven and even the original M1 MacBook Air remains one of the best Apple laptops, so if you are looking for the most affordable MacBook that is where you should draw the line.

As for the actual fate of Intel-based MacBook support, we'll have to wait until WWDC 2024 for the answer.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. What is a Mac Mini doing on Laptop Mag? But here me out, weighing a scant 2.6 pounds, the Mini is lighter than a lot of laptops on the market and a lot more compact. With that out of the way, let’s talk about what we’ve got here. The Mac Mini M2 delivers all the power of Apple’s M2 silicon in a lightweight box that can slip into a backpack or purse.

And with a starting price of $599 ($799 reviewed), the Mac Mini M2 is a mobile marvel that will pique the interest of many a consumer. It’d just be nice if you could swap out or repair the system yourself. My one complaint aside, the Mac Mini is a viable option for shoppers looking for a powerful, compact system under $1,000. Just be sure you have a nice display handy.

Mac Mini M2 pricing and configuration

Affordability, thine name is Mac Mini M2. The base model of the system costs $599 and has an 8-core (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, a 256GB SSD, 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. My review unit has double the storage which jacks the price up to $799. The M2 Mac Minis can be configured with up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD, which will of course, cost more.

If you want more performance oomph, Apple offers a Mac Mini M2 with a 10-core (6 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) CPU with 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, a 16-core GPU and the 16-core Neural Engine –– all for $1,299. The memory can be expanded to 32GB while the storage can reach 8TB. 

Mac Mini M2 design

Instead of asking what’s in the box, we need to talk about the actual box. It’s a vision of silvery modern minimalist functionality. The Mac Mini M2 doesn’t deviate from the Mac aesthetic which means rounded corners, a shiny half-eaten apple logo on the top and a big black round cover on the bottom. It’s all encapsulated by a silver anodized silver case. The Mini’s rear is a black connectivity haven as it houses all the ports (more on that later).

And before you get any ideas about and DIY upgrades or repairs, that bottom cover doesn’t grant access to the device’s internals as Apple wants to keep any potential tinkering in house. It’s a shame because it seems like it be so simple to slide in some extra memory or storage. C’est la vie. 

At 2.6 pounds, 7.8 x 7.8 x 1.4-inches, the Mini is small and lightweight enough to fit in a small to medium book bag or purse. The Mini M2 Pro is slightly heavier at 2.8 pounds. 

Mac Mini M2 ports

Apple’s loaded up the Mac Mini M2 up with a gaggle of ports. You name it, this thing’s got it –– within reason. You get a pair of USB Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a HDMI port, a headset jack and a port for the power cable. If you’re interested with the Mac Mini M2 Pro iteration of the device, you get an extra pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports. 

Mac Mini M2 performance

My review unit is equipped with a M2 chip. And it’s got plenty of performance to spare. I ran 65 Google Chrome tabs with a mix of Google Docs, Sheets and Presentations, along with a few YouTube videos, Twitter, Facebook and a few news websites. The Mini didn’t stutter. 

That’s all well and dandy, but how did the Mac Mini do on our synthetic tests? Pretty well actually. On the Geekbench 5.5 overall performance test, the Mac Mini M2 achieved 9,048. Our sister site, Tom’s Guide, reviewed the Mac Mini M2 Pro which notched 15,038. 

During the Handbrake test, the Mini M2 took 6 minutes and 46 minutes to transcode a 4K video to 1080p. The Mini M2 Pro was significantly faster at 4:26. 

On the Photoshop benchmark, the Mac Mini M2 reached 812 while the Mac Mini M2 Pro posted 963. On the Premiere Pro test, we saw scores of 454 and 847 from the Mini M2 and Mini M2 Pro. 

And on the BlackMagic Read/Write test, the Mini M2’s 512GB SSD achieved 3,220.1MBps/2,933.7MBps. The Mini M2 Pro with its 1TB SSD produced speeds of 5,057.1MBps/6,186.5MBps.

Mac Mini M2 graphics

Are you a photographer, filmmaker or musician? How about a gamer? Then the Mac Mini and its 10-core GPU might be what you’re looking for, yes even gamers. The diminutive boxes have a mighty big punch, especially the Mini M2 Pro with its 16-core GPU. Still, I saw smooth gameplay without lag as I made my way through Lady Dimitrescu’s castle as I avoided her while hunting down her murderous daughters on the Mac Mini M2. However, I had to downgrade the graphics to medium at 1920 x 1080 to do so. 

The differences between the M2 and M2 Pro became clear during our benchmark, with the Mini M2 only reaching 27 frames per second during the Rise of the Tomb Raider test (1080p). Meanwhile, the M2 Pro reached an impressive 53 fps. 

On the Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark, the Mini M2 produced 45 fps, compared to the Mini M2 Pro’s 50 fps. 

Mac Mini M2 software

Just like the MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch laptops, the Mac Mini M2 runs macOS Ventura. The operating system is smooth and intuitive as Apple optimized how well Ventura assigns multithreaded tasks to the CPU cores. The OS intelligently disseminates tasks between the performance and efficiency cores, with a focus on delivering optimal performance and endurance. This is accomplished by utilizing advanced power management features.

Ventura brings seamless connectivity between all your iDevices including youryour MacBook, iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch. Handoff, for examplef, allows you to start writing an email on your iPad or iPhone and pick up right where you left off on your MacBook or Mac Mini. Airdropping between iDevices has become even easier. The Universal Clipboard allows you to copy and paste text or images from an iPhone or iPad right into a document on the MacBook. 

And there are a few new GPU-centric features via Metal 3, allowing the system to render high-res graphics faster. That means games and content creation apps like Final Cut Pro are less taxing on the system, taking less time to render and load. There’s even Ray Tracing that shifts the weight of all that complex rendering over to the GPU, freeing up the CPU for other tasks. 

The Mac Mini M2 ships with a one-year limited warranty. See how Apple fared during Tech Support Showdown and Best and Worst Brands, our annual reports. 

Bottom line

Yes, the Mac Mini is a little different than what I’m used to reviewing. But after spending time with the diminutive device, I don’t think it’s out of my wheelhouse. I’m an absolute fan of the tiny form factor and I could see myself traveling with it, if only to my office for some quick plug-and-play action. It’s got a nice amount of ports and that M2 chip has plenty of power on for productivity and GPU-heavy tasks, even gaming as I discovered first hand. 

And while the Mac Mini is indeed powerful (and très affordable!), I recommend upgrading to the M2 Pro iteration of the device as you’ll get even more power on both fronts. Again, my only gripe is that you can’t swap out components even though that big rounded cap on the bottom says otherwise. Still, the Mac Mini is a great choice for people looking for a mini-computing selection for under $1,000.

Apple's "Peek performance" event was quite the show, showing off the new iPhone SE 2022 with 5G, a fresh iPad Air 5 with M1, the exciting introduction of M1 Ultra, and the powerful Mac Studio and Mac Studio Display.

Apple revealed the next-generation iPhone SE (2022) with an A15 processor upgrade (the same as the iPhone 13) and 5G connectivity, along with an updated iPad Air 5 with a speedy M1 chip like the iPad Pro, 5G support, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with the iPad Pro's Centre Stage feature. What's more, we got a look at Apple's M1 Ultra chip, which is basically two M1 Max chips stuck together, along with the Mac Studio that works hand-in-hand with the Mac Studio Display.

You can check out the whole show below, along with everything announced as it happened in our live blog. Plus, find out where to buy the exciting products Apple announced. 

• Where to buy the Mac Studio — pre-order starting today
• Where to pre-order the iPad Air 5 — starting March 11
• Where to pre-order the iPhone SE — starting March 11

Check out the biggest announcements from the Apple March event as it happened below.

And we're kicking off! The Cupertino tech giant's virtual event is rumored to finally give us the low-down on its next-generation iPhone SE (2022) and fifth-gen iPad Air. However, we may also see one new Mac model. The invitation doesn't offer too many clues as to what will be revealed with "Peek performance," but this could suggest bringing an M1 Pro or M1 Max chip to another Mac. Better yet, it could mean the introduction of Apple's M2 chips.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is sure to give us all the deets. 

Apple's first product launch event of the year is expected to bring the debut of its new third-generation iPhone SE model, and there are a few notable updates to look forward to.

Apple's low-budget smartphone is looking to finally make the leap to 5G connectivity, and it may get a significant boost in processing power with an A14 or A15 Bionic. The new model is also set to feature the same 4.7-inch display found in the current model and iPhone 8. We're hoping the new SE model will be identically priced with its predecessor, as it may leave room for a $199 iPhone SE (2020).

There have been plenty of hot takes on how the iPhone SE 3 will turn out, including a model with a similar design to the iPhone X. Recently, MacRumors spotted a rumor on Korean blog Naver, stating that the next-gen iPhone SE model will feature support for MagSafe, a Ceramic Shield, along with better battery life. We'd gladly welcome all these features, but we won't know until it's shown off.

For more, we've got you covered on all the latest iPhone SE 2022 rumors. 

Apple's iPad Air (2020) is deemed the best tablet for most people, and for very good reason. This is why we're excited to see what the fifth-generation iPad Air has in store, even though it's not expected to be a major update.

Taking cues from the revamped Apple iPad mini 6, the iPad Air 5 is expected to be equipped with a speedy A15 Bionic, 5G support, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with the iPad Pro's Centre Stage feature. However, expect it to look very similar to the hugely popular iPad Air (2020).

Apparently, the iPad Air 5 is now tipped to boast an M1 chip with 5G, similar to the significant upgrade the iPad Pro 2021 received. This comes from sources speaking to 9to5Mac, stating that Apple has now opted to bring its popular, powerful chip to one of the most popular tablets on the market. This may bump up the price when compared to the previous generation (priced from $599), but it may lose out on the iPad Pro's ProMotion display with XDR tech.

If Apple does announce the iPad Air 5, we'll be excited to see if it's a game-changer. .

As previously reported, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we may even see Apple preview a next-generation external display named the Apple Studio Display. He stated, "I'm told Apple completed work on it months ago, and the device was due to launch soon after last year's MacBook Pro." Gurman doesn't elaborate on this so we're left to wonder why it didn't make an appearance alongside or shortly after the MacBook Pro 14.

It's been three years since the Apple Pro Display XDR was launched, so it would be a good time for a refresh for the 32-inch 6K display that focused on high-end content creators who require exact color calibration — and who can afford the $4,999 (standard glass) to $5,999 (Nano-textured glass) price. 9to5Mac recently revealed alleged leaked specs for this monitor, which included a 7K resolution, an A13 Bionic chip, and either a 32-inch or 36-inch panel.  

The event is called "Peek performance" after all, and it may very well be related to this display. 

If you head to the Apple Store, you'll find that it's currently undergoing maintenance of sorts ahead of the Apple event. It's a clear indication we're about to see some new Apple products populate the page once it returns.

Apple often does this before a big launch to make sure no products leak before they are unveiled. Expect the company's official store to go back to normal once the event is over. Oh, and you might expect the new iPhone SE and iPad Air 5 on there, too. 

Is Apple gearing up to announce a brand new Mac Studio? According to sources speaking with 9to5Mac, we may see the new product be revealed at the Apple March event, but it may arrive during the annual WWDC event in June instead.

According to the report, the Mac Studio is expected to be based on the popular Mac mini, except far more powerful. The device could be powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips introduced in last year's MacBook Pro 14, as we've previously heard about. However, the Mac Studio, known by the codename “J375,” will reportedly have two versions. One with the M1 Max chip and the other with an even more powerful chip than the M1 Max. A possible variation of the rumored M2 chips, perhaps?

The new product may not be announced during the event, but it's expected to release this year, along with what Mark Gurman believes will be the "widest array" of devices in 2022. 

With just over four hours to go, the hype is already kicking off for the Apple March event. Try out the #AppleEvent hashflag over on Twitter and you'll find it shows off a neat Apple animation when you like a tweet on the iOS Twitter app. Go on, give it a go. 

More details about the new iPad Air 5 dropped from Korean blog Naver, as a post from account yeux1122 states the next-gen iPad Air will come with an M1 chip and 8GB of RAM, along with a starting storage of 128GB. What's more, it will be priced from $599 — the same starting price as the previous iPad Air (2020).

According to MacRumors, the account previously predicted the launch of the latest iPad mini 6, albeit getting the mini tablet's 8.3-inch display size wrong (the account stated 8.7-inches).

Will the account hit the nail on the head? Just four hours to go. 

We're just over two hours away from all of Apple's surprises, which may not be so surprising if the recent rumors ring true. For those interested in the new iPhone SE 3 (which is apparently 40% of iPhone users, according to a survey by SellCell via MacRumors), you may want to know why the iPhone SE (2020) is still one of the best iPhones.  

Just a few hours before the Apple March event, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted to celebrate International Women's Day, which falls on Tuesday, March 8 (that's today!). Since it falls on the same day, Apple's event is likely to give a shout-out to "the women who are charting the course for a more equitable future."  

Just under two hours to go. 

With rumors swirling about a new M1 series Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, will there be room for the announcement of the hotly anticipated M2 chips? As Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently claimed, Apple has been testing M2 Macs, which means we may not see the M2 chips until later this year. He suggests it would be "odd" for the M2 chips to be announced alongside powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max Mac models.

This also means we may not see a new 13-inch MacBook Pro show up at the event if the spotlight is on other Mac models. However, the MacBook Pro may get an M1 Pro and M1 Max update instead, much like its MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 siblings.

Only Apple knows what's in the pipeline, but we're only just over an hour away. At least many still believe we'll see a new iPhone and iPad Air at the event. 

Just under an hour to go! If you're looking for a spot to watch everything announced, Apple has a livestream set up on its official YouTube (check it out above), and you can catch it on Apple's official website or the Apple TV app.

You can also click on "Set Reminder" to get two alerts about the event: one thirty minutes before the broadcast and another one when the stream begins.

We'll be providing constant updates throughout the event, so stay tuned. 

Just 30 minutes to go. The Apple event is expected to last around 60 to 90 minutes, but the company could throw in a surprise announcement. Apple's WWDC 2021 event lasted around two hours, so get the popcorn out.

Oh, and don't worry about that refresh button, this live blog will do it all for you. 

As we're inching closer to the event, it's time to cast your votes on what you're most excited to see at today's Apple Event! Looking for a new budget iPhone SE? A fresh iPad Air? Would a M2 MacBook suit your fancy? Let us know below!

We're in the 10-minute window!

And the last-minute results are in. An M2 MacBook Pro takes the cake. We're hoping it shows up, but if it doesn't, that doesn't mean it won't arrive sometime in 2022.

Only a minute to go, and we're getting some groovy vibes with a nice Apple animation before it all kicks off. 

Here. We. Go.

Good morning, Tim Cook. 

We're starting with Apple TV+, talking about Apple's original TV shows and movies such as Ted Lasso, Swan Song, The Tragedy of Macbeth, CODA, and more.

We're getting a sneak peek (get it?) at all the upcoming shows and movies coming to the streaming service. We're seeing Spirited with Will Farrell, and animated movie called Lucky, Argyle with Henry Cavil, Cha Cha Real Smooth, along with a list of famous actors starring in each of the movies. 

Now there's an Apple TV+ special announcement. We're getting Friday night baseball, which will show two games that will only show on Apple TV+. 

Now Cook is talking about all things iPhone. We're seeing a recap of the iPhone 13 and all of its features, including its different colors.

We're getting a fancy green iPhone 13! Cook states its a Alpine Green for iPhone Pro and a bold green for the standard iPhone models. 

The A15 Bionic chip is coming to the new iPhone SE model! This has been largely rumored for a while, but now we know it comes with the same chip as the iPhone 13. Happy days for budget smartphone fans. 

It's 1.8 times faster than the iPhone 8, which is great news for anyone looking for a budget upgrade. The iPhone SE will come in the usual three colors.

The new iPhone SE will also come with the same glass as the iPhone 13, which is the toughest glass Apple has at the moment. We're also getting better battery life, along with 5G connectivity. All the rumors have hit the nail on the head. 

We're also seeing the latest camera specs in the iPhone SE, including Smart HDR4 and a boost in video quality. Apple also states it will no longer include a plastic wrap in packaging, all to help the environment.

It states at $429, and will be available on March 18. That's slightly pricier than the previous gen ($399), but not by much.

We're now talking about iPad, with Cook focusing in on the iPad Air. We think a new iPad Air is about to be announced. 

Low and behold, the new iPad Air has been announced. We're seeing a bunch of new color models, too.

The M1 chip is coming to to the iPad Air, with up to 60% faster performance than previous generations. These specs will be exactly the same as the iPad pro with M1, and we're excited to see it come to an even more affordable price. 

Another big update is the 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera, which means it supports Centre Stage. Plus, the new iPad Air will have 5G connectivity, along with an increased performance of the USB-C port. As for accessories, the new iPad Air will be compatible with the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil stylus. 

The new iPad Air has components that are 100% recycled as well. The new iPad Air will come in Pink, Purple, Starlight, Black, and a new Blue color.

It will be priced from $599 from 64GB of storage in both Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity, and you can begin ordering this Friday, and will be available on March 18. 

We're now on to Mac models.

Apple Silicon is getting one more chip to the M1 family, called M1 Ultra! Yeah, it sounds like a monster alright. 

M1 Ultra is based on Apple's other monster chip, the M1 Max. Basically, it's two M1 Max chips combined together thanks to "Ultra fusion." It boasts 2.5TB/s of interprocessor bandwidth, which is wild. It has 114 billion transistors, and has 800GB/s bandwidth memory along with 128GB of unified memory. You can also expect a 20-core CPU and a 64-core GPU, and is nearly eight times faster than the original M1 chip. 

M1 Ultra is clearly a game changing chip for professionals, and macOS will scale with M1 Ultra. You can also expect industry-leading security. iPhone and iPad apps will also work on the M1 Ultra Macs. 

We just heard the Apple Studio, which means those Mac Studio rumors may ring true. 

Hello, Mac Studio.

Sorry, Mac Studio and Mac Studio Display. Both will complement one another. 

It's 7.7 inches in length and 3.7 inches in height, which is designed to fit on most desk setups.

The aluminum base also a high tech cooling system, all so it stay quiet while under pressure. There are four Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10GB Ethernet port, a HDMI port, a audio jack (!), and two USB-A ports.

On the front, there are two USB-C ports, and with M1 Ultra, these ports are Thunderbolt 4 ports. You can link up to a 4K TV and four other display. 

Max Studio is 2.5 faster than the 27-inch iMac, with a GPU performance boost of 3.4 times faster than the iMac. But with M1 Ultra, its 3.8 times faster, and 90% faster than the Mac Pro. As for GPU, its 4.5 times faster than the iMac, and 80% faster than the Mac Pro.

It has a maximum 48GB of video memory, and with M1 Ultra, expect that 128GB of unified memory. Phew. 

Wow, Mac Studio is a beast. But there's also the Mac Studio Display.

It's in a class of its own, apparently. With the design, it has narrow bezels, and a slim profile like the iMac. There's an adjustable arm option along with the standard tilt option, which is incredibly handy.

The Studio Display boasts a 27-inch display with 14.7 million pixels, making it 5K retina display. Also expect True Tone and anti-reflective coating.

12MP ultra-wide camera at the front, including Center Stage. There's also a six-speaker sound system, and is claimed to offer a clear surround sound experience with Spatial Audio. 

In terms of I/O, there's three USB-C ports along with a Thunderbolt port (presumable Thunderbolt 4, but not stated). You can also connect three other displays to the Studio Display, and charge the MacBook Pro 14 with the ports.

There's also two color options available, along with new Magic Keyboard options. 

M1 Max Mac Studio will be priced from $1,999, while the M1 Ultra Mac Studio from $3,999. The Studio Display is $1,599.

You can order both products today, and will be available on March 18. 

And now we're finishing up. What a show, eh? We can't wait to get our hands on Apple's new products, so be sure to stay tuned to Laptop Mag for all the big Apple reviews. 

So, here's a quick summary of what the Apple event delivered:

We didn't see any M2 chips, nor did we see a new MacBook Pro reveal, which many rumors suggested. Still, we're amped about the reveal of a new iPhone SE model, iPad Air with M1, the crazy-powerful M1 Ultra, along with the Mac Studio and Mac Studio Display. 

Apple Event predictions are trickling in as the Cupertino-based tech giant's first event of 2022 takes place on March 8. A low-cost iPhone SE (2022) with 5G connectivity and a new iPad Air 2022 are gearing up to be the stars of the show — but there may be another surprise in store.

Taking place on Tuesday, March 8 at 1 PM EST / 6PM GMT / 10 AM PT, the Cupertino tech giant's virtual event is rumored to finally give us the low-down on its next-generation iPhone SE (2022) and fifth-gen iPad Air. However, we may also see one new Mac model. The invitation doesn't offer too many clues as to what will be revealed with "Peek performance," but this could suggest bringing an M1 Pro or M1 Max chip to another Mac. 

Stay tuned for Laptop Mag's upcoming live blog to find out all the latest announcements. 

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As previously reported, at least one new Mac model is expected to arrive this spring. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this may be a new Mac mini with M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, but this could be left until later in the year. Gurman claims there are several Macs with M2 chips that will be announced in 2022, including a revamped MacBook Air, an iMac and a Mac Pro.

Apple may also have a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro up its sleeve. This comes from industry sources speaking with Digitimes, indicating a new MacBook Pro "is set for launch in early March." Apparently, production lines have been running throughout the Lunar New Year holiday period, which lines up with Apple's launch event. 

Only time will tell if we see these new Apple devices introduced on March 8, but the likely contenders are the iPhone SE 2022 and iPad Air 5. Taking cues from the revamped Apple iPad mini 6, the iPad Air 5 is expected to be equipped with a speedy A15 Bionic, 5G support, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with the iPad Pro's Centre Stage feature. However, expect it to look very similar to the hugely popular iPad Air (2020).

The iPhone SE 2022 may get a similar update, with a processor upgrade (A14 or A15 Bionic) and 5G connectivity. The new model is also set to feature the same 4.7-inch display found in the current model and iPhone 8. We're hoping the new SE model will be identically priced with its predecessor, as it may leave room for a $199 iPhone SE (2020).

Whatever Apple is gearing up to unveil, we'll keep you posted on all the latest announcements. In the meantime, find out why the iPhone SE (2020) is still one of the best iPhones. 

After months of anticipation, Apple's long-rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive in the next month, with the likely reveal date set to land sometime in October. However, Apple may have another mini surprise up its sleeves.

Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro models with the updated M1X Apple Silicon may be announced a lot sooner than fans think, seeing as last year's MacBook event landed in November. This year, however, Apple is expected to be going back to its usual "major new Mac introductions in October."

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According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via MacRumors), the M1X chip found in the rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will come in two variations, with both including 10 CPU cores and either coming with 16 or 32 graphics cores.

We may also know a thing or two about the new models' displays. As previously reported, two new display resolutions that don't match any other panel on previous MacBook models were found in a recent macOS Monterey release, including a "3456 x 2234 Retina" display and a "3024 x 1964 Retina" display. 

Reports and leaks have suggested the next set of M1X MacBook Pro models have been tipped to arrive before 2021 for a while now, with Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo placing the release date as sometime in the third quarter of 2021. However, MacBook Pros may not be the only Apple device coming with the M1X chip. 

Gurman also mentions a "higher-end" redesigned Mac mini with an M1X chip, stating it's likely to show up at some point. As previously reported in August, the M1X Mac mini was rumored to launch in "the next several months," and there's reason to believe it will arrive in October with the MacBook Pro models.

The upcoming Mac mini is also rumored to have more ports, as the mini desktop computer may become the new home of Mac power users who prefer a desktop over a laptop. 

Of course, it's best to take these rumors with a grain of salt. While we wait for the next generation of MacBook Pro models and a potential Mac mini, check out our thoughts on Apple's latest releases, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. 

The Mac mini has always been Apple’s most modest and consistent computer both in function and form. Since the PowerPC era, it has remained a single slab of metal that’s reasonably specced to offer you a seamless and vanilla Mac experience at an accessible price -- away from the controversies and limelight shared by the company’s Touchbar-equipped MacBooks and Pro desktop computers. 

With its latest iteration, however, the Mac mini is stepping into the spotlight. It’s one of the three Mac models and the only Mac desktop being upgraded with Apple’s first, in-house silicon. Apple’s new Arm-based M1 chip promises unprecedented performance gains for the Mac mini, which now starts at $700, which is $100 cheaper than its predecessors. And I’m glad to report the M1 Mac mini does deliver -- in spades. 

Here’s what we think about the Mac mini after putting the base model (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) through its paces for three weeks. 

Design and build

From the outside, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the new M1 Mac mini apart from its Intel counterpart — if it weren’t for the lighter silver paint job. Apple oddly returned to the classic color option instead of the matte black shade found on the 2018 model. Personally, I prefer the stealthy black option since it does a better job of hiding the Mac mini, which itself doesn’t take a lot of space on your desk. 

Other than that, the Mac mini inherits the same clean and familiar aluminum unibody exterior with the Apple logo etched on the top center and a power status light on the front. While this plain and minimal design may appear outdated, it’s ideal for a miniature machine like the Mac mini that’s meant to function behind the scenes on your desk. Similar to previous generations, it has a protruded bottom that raises it ever so slightly for better ventilation. 

Another minor alteration Apple made is apparent as soon as you take the new Mac mini out of its box: it’s 0.3 pounds lighter. As teardowns revealed, that weight loss is the result of a more closely packed SoC, which we’ll get to in more detail later. 

Connectivity and ports

One of the areas where Apple cut corners to bring down the cost is the port selection. Although all of the inputs are neatly clustered at the back on a black plastic strip, as they were before, the M1 Mac mini loses a handful of ports that were available on its two-year-old Intel sibling. 

For starters, the new Mac mini has just two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C slots, compared to the Intel version’s four. On top of that, it supports a maximum of two external screens -- the Intel Mac mini can handle three -- and only one of them can be hooked via Thunderbolt. It’s also not configurable to 10GB Ethernet, which means network speeds will top out at 1GBps. Other than that, you’ll find a pair of USB-A ports, an HDMI input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

For most buyers, these changes won’t be deal-breakers but they’re still worth keeping in mind especially if you intend to use your Mac mini for the next four or five years. 

On the plus side, the M1 Mac mini’s wireless connectivity is of the highest quality, courtesy of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. Bluetooth performance has been flawless as well and I was able to work with three Bluetooth-enabled devices (headphones, keyboard, and mouse) at the same time. 

My only complaint is the placement of the audio jack. The Mac mini, as you may know, doesn’t have a microphone. I regularly plug in a wired pair of earphones while working from home because I find them the most reliable for video and voice calls. Unfortunately, as the audio port is situated on the back, I have to run the earphones’ wire to the rear, which can often create desk clutter. So even though I like the Mac mini’s minimalistic look, I do wish Apple had fitted the audio jack and maybe an extra USB port on the front. 

Speakers

The speakers are the second major compromise Apple made to bring down the price. There’s no way around it: the Mac mini’s built-in speakers are tiny, shallow, and downright embarrassing for a 2020 computer. Even for casual YouTube playback, I found myself casting the output to my Google Home instead of using the built-in speakers. If you often play music on your computer’s speakers, you’ll have to invest in an external pair.  

Hardware

Most of the new Mac mini’s upgrades are on the inside. The cornerstone of this refresh is Apple’s new M1 chip, which is based on the same architecture that powers an iPhone or iPad. That might sound like a step-down but the M1 SoC is anything but. 

For starters, the M1 processor houses an eight-core CPU (even on the base model) with four performance cores and four configured for efficiency. It’s paired with an eight-core integrated GPU and, unlike the MacBook Air, the Mac mini can fire all eight of those cores if needed. There’s also a 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to machine learning tasks. 

The signs of a first-gen release are first clear when you scroll down to the memory section. You only have two options for now: 8GB and 16GB (the 2018 Mini can be outfitted with 64GB), as Apple looks to test the waters before offering more powerful specs with the M1 chip. The built-in SSD is configurable up to 2TB. 

Another first-gen downside: the new Mac mini doesn’t support external GPUs. Therefore, down the line, if your workflow demands more graphical horsepower, you’ll be out of luck. 

A key highlight of the M1 SoC is how Apple has engineered the memory. Its “unified memory” structure places a single pool of RAM on the same substrate as the CPU and GPU. In layman’s terms, this means that the CPU and GPU have faster access to the memory which potentially will lead to better performance. In addition, the M1 chip can dynamically adjust memory portions for individual components. So for instance, if you are playing a game, the Mac mini can channel the memory between the CPU and GPU as needed --- as opposed to pre-assigning a specific portion of the RAM to each. 

That’s a lot of jargon but the bottom line is that Apple made a range of intelligent tweaks that enable more efficient processing to make sure you get the most out of the M1 chip depending on what you are doing. 

But because the RAM is now soldered on the SoC, you can’t upgrade it yourself which raises serious long-term concerns. Therefore, if you expect your work can easily hit the M1 Mac mini’s performance ceiling in a few years, you probably should look elsewhere or at least invest in the top-end model. 

Software

The new Mac mini has a different kind of processor that has more in common with your iPhone than its Intel counterpart. For most of the experience, you’ll feel right at home if you’re a Mac user but there are two fundamental changes: the Mac mini can now run iOS apps and any traditional, non-optimized Intel software goes through a transition layer before loading.

Called Rosetta 2, that transition layer is clever enough to automatically translate apps engineered for Intel chips for your M1-powered machine. You won’t even notice it’s there except for the first time you try to install an Intel-optimized app. However, to hit the Mac mini’s top-tier performance levels, you’ll need apps that are updated for the M1 chip, and thankfully, most of the leading ones like Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop are already on board. 

Apple also allows you to pick between M1 and Intel versions of an app so you can decide for yourself which one works best for you. This comes in handy especially for apps that were just recently updated for the M1 chip. For instance, the early M1 build of Google Chrome had a fatal image processing bug. So I simply downloaded and used its Intel version instead. 

Mobile apps on a desktop computer like the Mac mini, on the other hand, are a hit and miss. Apple made tweaks to replicate touch gestures with a mouse and keyboard, but I have yet to come across any iOS app that I would find useful on my computer. Offline Netflix access is one decent example but sadly, most iOS developers (including Netflix) have yet to update their offerings for macOS. 

Apart from that, the latest macOS Big Sur update takes a lot of visual cues from iOS and features bloated UI elements that seem more suited for a touchscreen than a mouse and keyboard. It does take a few days to get used to and even after that, there’s a chance that, like me, you may not find the new look all that appealing. 

Performance and benchmarks

I will cut to the chase: with the new M1 chip, the Mac mini takes a giant performance leap and punches well above its weight as well as its price segment. Whether it’s juggling between dozens of Chrome tabs or editing 4K videos, the new Mac mini keeps up without breaking a sweat. 

In my three weeks of testing, I also failed to trigger the Mac mini’s fan and the machine barely got warm -- even when I edited a five-minute-long 4K clip using Adobe Premiere Pro while streaming three UltraHD YouTube videos in the background. 

What’s more, the M1 Mac mini is the first computer that lets me browse the web faster than my Chromebook. Web pages on Google Chrome and Safari load in a snap and thanks to the M1 optimizations, they do so without hogging the memory. 

In benchmarks too, the Mac mini scores past its Intel rivals and predecessors. 

At 1706 points, the Mac mini 2020 comfortably topped the Geekbench 5 single-core charts -- well above the 2018 Mac mini, 24-core Mac Pro, and the 10-core iMac Pro with Intel Xeon chips. Even when it came to multi-core, the M1 Mac mini held its ground and outperformed the 16-inch MacBook Pro that has an 8-core Intel Core i9 processor. 

When I ran Geekbench’s test through Rosetta, the 2020 Mac mini did take a performance hit but even then, it was quicker than the 2018 Mac mini. 

The 256GB SSD also lives up to Apple’s claim that it’s twice as fast as before and the figures speak for themselves. In the Blackmagic test, the Mac mini was astonishingly quick and reached about 2400MBps write and 2700MBps read speeds, blowing past the industry average that hangs somewhere around 1300-1400Mbps. 

On the Apple silicon-friendly edition of Handbrake, the M1 Mac mini transcoded a 4K to 1080p in about 8 minutes, twice as quick as the competition average. That timeframe rose to nearly 13 minutes when we launched Handbrake through Rosetta.

In Cinebench’s rendering tests, the Mac mini retained the top spot on the single-core leaderboard (1509) -- bested only by Intel’s latest i7 chipset and came in at an impressive seventh in multi-core (7741). 

I was also pleasantly surprised by the M1 Mac mini’s gaming performance as it managed to produce a respectable 40fps frame rate at high settings on Counter-Strike Global Offensive and Fortnite. As long as you stick to casual titles like Among Us, the Mac mini will do you just fine, but for anything beyond that, you will have to use a system with a discrete GPU. For a more in-depth analysis, drop by our dedicated gaming review of the M1 Mac mini. 

The M1 Mac mini can also save you energy. While it demands the same 150-watt power supply as the Intel model, Anandtech found that it’s up to 60% more energy efficient. 

Should you buy it? 

The M1 Mac mini is a powerhouse of a compact computer that blows most of its competition (including the Intel Mac mini) out of the water and will work well for just about anyone -- whether you want to upgrade your home office or are looking to build a top-of-the-line home theatre setup. At a starting price of $699, it offers an unrivaled value and will last you for years to come.

Although the absence of upgradability options (for memory and eGPU) won’t affect most buyers, people who heavily rely on professional creative tools may want to wait for a few months. Apple is rumored to release more advanced M1 configurations next year.

The latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini are the first computers to come equipped with Apple’s in-house M1 chip instead of Intel CPUs. There are a few things to consider when purchasing these new systems, but that doesn’t mean you have to face a steep learning curve when you boot up your new computer. 

We’ve compiled the following tips to help you make the most out of your new M1 Mac. Use these tips and you’ll be browsing the web, editing spreadsheets and multitasking between several apps -- or performing any other activity -- as you would normally on your old Intel-powered Mac (but with even better performance!).

1. Check which apps support Apple silicon

M1-powered Macs work best with apps that are optimized for Apple Silicon. However, since this technology is still in its first generation, you’ll often come across apps that haven’t been yet updated for Apple’s M1 platform. While you can run software made for Intel chips on your M1 Mac, it won’t be as efficient as an Apple Silicon client and can take a toll on your battery life.

To check whether the app you’re about to install supports Apple's custom ARM-based chips, you can head over to this handy web tool and look for it. The website lists M1 compatibility for the majority of leading Mac apps and also says when it was last updated. On top of that, you’ll find details on how well that app’s Intel counterpart performs on an M1 Mac. 

Similarly, there is a range of online resources where you can learn which games have been optimized for Apple Silicon, such as this exhaustive, real-time spreadsheet. 

2. What’s Rosetta and why do you need it

When you install an app written for an Intel processor on your M1 Mac for the first time, you’ll be prompted to set up something called Rosetta. 

Rosetta is what makes it possible for you to effortlessly run apps that are not compatible with Apple Silicon. You can think of it as a transition layer between the new M1 chip and Intel software. It automatically reengineers that app so that it can work on your M1 MacBook. That means you don’t have to sit around waiting for the original developer to roll out an update. 

Configuring Rosetta takes mere seconds and all you have to do is click the “Install” button in the confirmation box that will appear when you try to install the first Intel software on your M1 Mac.

3. Force run universal apps in Rosetta

Even if an app has been rewritten for Apple Silicon, there’s a chance it may not function as intended on your Mac. That’s because every app is housed with many different modules, and in case the developer misses any one of these in their M1 revamp, the app can malfunction. 

By default, your M1 Mac will launch such apps in the Apple Silicon environment. But if you face troubles or glitches with an app, you can easily switch back to Rosetta and render it as Intel software. 

To do that, visit the “Applications” tab in the Finder, and right-click the app. Select “Get Info”  and check the “Open using Rosetta” box if you’d like to run it with Rosetta.

4. Choose between Apple silicon and Intel versions of an app

Since the M1 chip is in its early days, most developers offer the option to pick between the Apple Silicon and Intel versions of their apps. This lets you compare both iterations’ performances and keep the one that’s currently better suited to your workflow. 

For instance, at the time of writing, Google Chrome’s Apple Silicon client had web image rendering issues. So instead, I downloaded its Intel counterpart. 

You should be able to access the option to download either of these versions on the developer’s website if they have made it available.

5. Install iPhone and iPad apps on your Mac

One of the highlights of Apple’s new M1 processor is the ability to natively run iPhone and iPad apps on your MacBook laptop. This means you can install the apps and games you use on your smartphone on your computer and operate them with a mouse and keyboard instead of a touchscreen. 

Most of the time, you will have a better experience with the service’s Mac-based app. However, there are plenty of instances where a mobile app is better suited for the job, like watching Netflix without an internet connection and accessing a larger games library. 

To install an iOS app on your Mac, you will have to search for it in macOS’ App Store and switch to the “iPhone & iPad Apps” tab in the results. 

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, most iOS apps and games are not officially available for the Mac or are not optimized for a desktop OS.  If you’re not concerned about bugs or abrupt crashes and you own an iPad or an iPhone, you can take advantage of workarounds like iMazing. 

With iMazing, you can grab the IPA files of an iOS app from your iPhone or iPad and simply double-click it to install it on your Mac.

6. Find the keyboard alternatives to touch gestures

iPhone apps are designed to be used with a finger and rely on touch gestures like swipes and taps for performing various actions -- none of which you can do on your touchscreen-less Mac. To compensate for the lack of a touchscreen, Apple bundled a set of “Touch alternatives,” which let you execute these gestures with a mouse and a keyboard. 

To check these out, launch an iOS app or game on your Mac. Click the app’s name at the top left corner and, in the dropdown, select “Touch Alternatives.”

Apple has officially kicked off its Oct. 30 media briefing at the Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, NY, where it took the wraps off of a slew of products including a MacBook Air with Retina Display as well as a revamped iPad Pro.

Looking to catch up on all the big announcements? Here's everything you missed.

MacBook Air with Retina Display

After years of lying dormant, the MacBook Air is officially back. The refreshed Air will finally get a 13.3-inch Retina Display, as well as a slew of updated internals including 8th-gen dual-core processors and up to 16GB of RAM. The new Air's 2050 x 1060 display touts four times the resolution of the previous model, offering a whopping 4 million pixels. The design is even thinner, sporting 17 percent less overall volume compared to the previous Air and weighing just 2.75 pounds.

MORE: Apple Unveils New MacBook Air with Retina Display for $1,199

The sleek new machine will pack two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and will come in a variety of colors including silver and gold. The laptop will support Touch ID built right into the keyboard for fingerprint logins, packs Apple's T2 security chip and will sport a top-facing FaceTime camera despite its very slim bezels.

Apple says the new Air's improved keyboard offers four times the stability over the previous generation for a "more precise, responsive typing experience." You can also expect a Force Touch trackpad that's 20 percent larger. The Air is built to offer 12 hours of wireless web browsing, and 13 hours of iTunes video playback.

The new MacBook Air will launch Nov. 7 starting at $1199, and is available for pre-order now.

iPad Pro

Apple is launching a brand-new iPad Pro, which sports a thinner, revamped design, slimmer bezels and a 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display options. The tablet offers magnetic charging support for Apple Pencil, a USB-C port, and a speedy A12X processor that promises twice the graphics performance over previous models, better AR quality and up to 10 hours of battery life.

MORE: New iPad Pro: All-Screen, Face ID and Xbox-Level Graphics

The new iPad Pro finally adopts the Apple's Face ID functionality for instant logins, which will work in both portrait and landscape modes. And like on recent iPhones, these new features come at the expense of a physical home button and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Apple's refreshed iPad Pro will launch alongside a revamped Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the tablet for charging and pairing and can perform a variety of functions with a quick tap. Apple is also launching a refreshed Smart Folio Keyboard, which promises more flexible angles for typing.

The new iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model, and $999 for the 12.5-inch version. Both will be available Nov. 7.

The older 10.5-inch model will continue to be available for a cheaper $649.

Mac Mini

Speaking of products that are long overdue for a refresh, the Mac Mini is back. The new Mac mini sports up to a more powerful 6-core processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and a myraid of ports including four Thunderbolt 3 connections and up to 10GB Ethernet support. It's also the first Mac mini to use all flash storage. Config options include up to a Core i7 CPU and up to 2TB RAM.

MORE: Apple Updates the Mac mini for 2018

The new Mac mini launches on Nov. 7 starting at $799.

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