Just as Apple's product announcement week began, Amazon accidentally published product information for the new Mac mini, revealing key specifications of the next-generation model. A comparison chart featured on the M4 iMac product page exposed the full details of the next-generation Mac mini, confirming significant performance improvements that meet the expectations of professional users.
Key Specs Leaked, Memory Increased to Up to 64GB
According to the comparison chart posted on Amazon, the new Mac mini will offer the following specifications:
- CPU: Up to 14 cores (M4 Pro)
- GPU: Up to 20 cores (M4 Pro)
- Unified memory: Up to 64GB (double the previous generation)
- Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
- Case color: Silver only
The M4 chip that will power the new Mac mini is Apple's latest silicon, manufactured using a second-generation 3nm process (TSMC's N3E). This advanced manufacturing process makes it possible to deliver computing performance equivalent to the M2 chip while consuming half the power. This exceptional power efficiency is one of the reasons the device can offer high processing performance despite its smaller enclosure.
The top-of-the-line M4 Pro model of the new Mac mini will feature a powerful configuration with a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU. This surpasses the processing capabilities of the previous-generation M2 Pro model (12-core CPU, 19-core GPU). The most notable advancement is the significant boost in unified memory, doubling from the previous maximum of 32GB to 64GB. Storage configurations of up to 8TB will also be available.
New Design Reminiscent of the Mac Studio
A bold redesign of the exterior is also underway. The leaked images confirm the adoption of a new enclosure design reminiscent of the current Mac Studio. Interestingly, according to multiple sources, its size will be compact enough to rival that of the Apple TV.
Improvements to accessibility have also been made, with two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack placed on the front. However, the SD card slot—a distinctive feature of the Mac Studio—is expected to be omitted. The color options will be limited to a single silver finish.
Two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack are expected to be placed on the front, though the SD card slot found on the Mac Studio is reportedly being left out.
This Week's Product Announcement Schedule
According to industry sources, the new Mac mini is expected to be officially announced sometime this week. Specifically, there are reports suggesting it will be unveiled via press release on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Around the same time, new MacBook Pro models equipped with the M4 chip are also expected to be announced, though the Mac Studio is reportedly not included in this round of updates.
Xenospectrum's Take
This leak represents an unexpected setback for Apple, which typically favors a staged product announcement strategy. Nevertheless, the evolution of the new Mac mini revealed through the leaked information is more than capable of meeting the expectations of professional users. What stands out in particular is the fact that Apple has achieved both a significant performance boost and a more compact form factor simultaneously.
With support for up to 64GB of memory now available, creators and developers who previously had no choice but to opt for the Mac Studio will now have a new alternative. Furthermore, the compact enclosure design will likely appeal to users who want to build a professional workspace within limited desk space.
The M4 chip's excellent power efficiency is expected to contribute not only to energy savings but also to quieter workstations. There's no doubt that the new Mac mini represents an important step forward in Apple's silicon strategy and the future of desktop computing.
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