If you're eagerly awaiting a new Mac mini announcement at the upcoming WWDC, you might need to adjust your expectations. According to a recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, Apple is likely skipping the M3 chip for the Mac mini, opting instead for a leap to the M4 and M4 Pro chips in a future update.
The last upgrade saw the Mac mini outfitted with the M2 and M2 Pro chips in January 2023, which introduced enhancements like additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI 2.1 for the M2 Pro model, and updated Bluetooth capabilities. While it’s unclear what hardware changes beyond the M4 chip the next Mac mini will bring, significant enhancements are expected, particularly to the Neural Engine and AI features.
This strategy mirrors Apple's approach with other products in its lineup; for instance, the iMac skipped the M2 chip and was upgraded directly to the M3 late in 2023. Meanwhile, models like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro remain on the M2, indicating a pattern of selective updates across Apple's product range.
The M4 chip is anticipated to be a major topic of discussion at WWDC, focusing on substantial upgrades to its Neural Engine and AI capabilities, positioning Apple at the forefront of the next generation of computing technologies.
For those anticipating immediate updates, this news may be disappointing, but the wait promises a more significant leap in technology with the forthcoming M4-equipped Mac mini. Apple enthusiasts and tech industry watchers will be looking closely for more details as they emerge closer to the launch timeframe projected for late 2024 to early 2025.
