m4 Mac 2024 and 2025 releases (1 Viewer)

[DaveF]

New Mac mini to have five USB-C ports but lose the old-school USB-A connectors. As I’ve been reporting for several months now, the Mac is in for a big transition to M4 chips — starting around the end of this year and extending into the first half or so of 2025. Apple plans to kick things off soon with a new Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pro. Of those models, the Mac mini will get the most dramatic new design, its first major overhaul since 2010. Just to put that in perspective: The last time there was a Mac mini redesign, preorders of the iPhone 4 had just began.

I already reported on this fresh look, but now I have some additional details. First, suppliers are scheduled to begin shipping Mac mini units from China — with the standard M4 chip — to warehouses globally in early September. The higher-end version, with an M4 Pro, won’t begin shipping until October. That probably means neither will be announced until about a month after the iPhone unveiling. I’ve also been told that the computer’s power supply will be internal, so don’t expect to need to lug around a separate brick.

I’ve received a lot of questions about the ports on the new Mac mini. In the past, Apple has removed connectors to simplify designs, irking customers in the process. So here’s the good news: The M4 Pro version will have five USB-C ports (three on the back and two on the front like the Mac Studio). That model will also retain an Ethernet port, HDMI connector and headphone jack. But prepare to say goodbye to the USB-A ports found on the current Mac mini. And one has to wonder if those will survive the Mac Pro and Mac Studio upgrades next year.

Apple Succession Strategy: Keep the Old Guard Around as Long as Possible
Making a new thread for the upcoming m4 mac releases, to not clutter or be lost in the iPhone thread.

 

[Citizen87645]

My M2 Mini will be 2 years old in January 2025. Not sure if I'm ready for a refresh yet, but it will be interesting to watch the developments.

 

[DaveF]

My M2 Mini will be 2 years old in January 2025. Not sure if I'm ready for a refresh yet, but it will be interesting to watch the developments.

I’m guessing your m2 mini is not quite obsolete

 

[JohnRice]

I can’t even remotely stress my M1 Studio. I can’t imagine what would motivate me upgrade. As far as no USB3 ports, it’s nothing to connect a hub, which I expect most will do.

 

[DaveF]

Five USB-C ports should be enough for me, along with the ethernet and HDMI. I think I can sunset my USB-A cords and my USB hub as well.

Next year, when the iMac m4 is comes out, we'll probably replace my wife's m1 imac. It's been adequate, but 8GB RAM was a mistake I made. The m4 upgrade plus 16 or 32 GB RAM for her will last years to come.

 

[JohnRice]

I tried an 8GB M2 Mini as my main computer at work, and it doesn't quite measure up to the task. It was a no risk thing, because it can easily function as one of the lesser computers. Like the one dedicated to shipping, which only runs Firefox, an internal messaging app, Mail, and the USPS shipping app. The 64GB I have in my Studio is gross overkill.

 

[Rodney]

The difference in Mac performance from 8GB to 16GB is so pronounced, they never should have offered just 8GB.

"It was a bad call Ripley. It was a bad call."

 

[Citizen87645]

My M2 Mini will be 2 years old in January 2025. Not sure if I'm ready for a refresh yet, but it will be interesting to watch the developments.

I haven't really stressed it, no. I will put it to more of a test than it ever has in the next few months when I do some 4K video editing for a friend. Even then, since I'm not doing this as a business, if it takes more time it's not really a big deal. My main expectation is that it doesn't totally lock up and leave me dead in the water.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

The difference in Mac performance from 8GB to 16GB is so pronounced, they never should have offered just 8GB.

"It was a bad call Ripley. It was a bad call."

Well, they were trying to make Sam happy, LOL... but clearly not nearly enough w/ this expected, upcoming Mac Mini that won't be a dongle.

_Man_