New smaller, faster, and carbon-neutral Mac Mini with M4

Is the new, smaller Mac Mini just as fast as the previous models? In what ways does this new computer help with saving energy? Is the smaller size worth the compromises this model might come with?

Inside, the device is supercharged with Apple’s latest M4 and M4 Pro processors, which Apple says can deliver 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance than the previous model, which has the M2 chip. It also features 16GB of unified memory and starts at $599, which was the same price as the previous model when it was released. 

When compared to the Mac mini with Intel Core i7, Mac mini with M4:

• Applies up to 2.8x more audio effect plugins in a Logic Pro project.
• Delivers up to 13.3x faster gaming performance in World of Warcraft: The War Within.
• Enhances photos with up to 33x faster image upscaling performance in Photomator.

When compared to the Mac mini with M1, Mac mini with M4:

• Performs spreadsheet calculations up to 1.7x faster in Microsoft Excel.
• Transcribes with on-device AI speech-to-text up to 2x faster in MacWhisper.
• Merges panoramic images up to 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic.

The new Mac Mini also comes with front and back ports, including a new Thunderbolt 5 port, which aims to provide blazing-fast transfer speeds in conjunction with the M4 chip. On the back of the M4 Mac Mini, there are three additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the back of the Mac Mini M4 Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports. Both also come with a Gigabit Ethernet port and HDMI port.

Obviously, you’re going to need to hook up a display to this little powerhouse, and Apple made sure it was more than capable of increasing support for external monitors. The Mac Mini with the M4 can support up to two 6K displays and up to one 5K display, whereas the Mac Mini with the M4 Pro can support up to three 6K displays running at 60Hz, supporting a total of 60 million pixels. 

Regarding the device’s designation as the first carbon-neutral Mac, Apple says that it was able to reduce carbon emissions used in the sourcing of its materials by 80% and constructed the device with over 50% recycled content overall. 

Pricing and Availability

• Customers can pre-order the new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro starting today, Tuesday, October 29, on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will start arriving to customers, and in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, beginning Friday, November 8.

• Mac mini with M4 starts at $599 (U.S.) and $499 (U.S.) for education. Additional technical specifications are available at apple.com/mac-mini.

• Mac mini with M4 Pro starts at $1,399 (U.S.) and $1,299 (U.S.) for education. Additional technical specifications are available at apple.com/mac-mini.

• New accessories with USB-C — including Magic Keyboard ($99 U.S.), Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ($149 U.S.), Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad ($179 U.S.), Magic Trackpad ($129 U.S.), Magic Mouse ($79 U.S.), and Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable ($69) — are available at apple.com/store.