Next-Gen M4 Mac Mini to Drop USB-A Ports
Apple is planning a significant redesign of its Mac mini, expected to launch later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The new model, which will feature the M4 and M4 Pro chips, will eliminate the existing USB-A ports in favor of five USB-C ports. The ports will be distributed with three on the back and two on the front, akin to the design of the Mac Studio. The Mac mini will continue to include HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack, along with an internal power supply.
The redesign marks the first major update to the Mac mini since 2010. The new form factor is expected to be smaller and taller than the current Apple TV hardware. Apple plans to start shipping the new models in early September, with the M4 Pro version following in October. This move aligns with Apple's broader strategy to standardize the chip generation across its entire Mac lineup, which includes upcoming refreshes for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro by the end of 2024.