Ever since the fateful release of theM1 Mac miniback in 2020, fans of the form factor have been clamoring for a true next-generation product redesign. Rumors of asmaller case designhave long swirled in tech circles, and the time may finally be upon us.
A brand-newM4-poweredMac mini – complete with a more compact outer casing – is expected to arrive at Apple’s next hardware event in late October, according toBloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
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A truly tiny Mac mini is reportedly right around the corner
The new product could launch at Apple’s rumored October 28 hardware event
This new Mac mini could end up being as compact as anApple TVset-top box, owing to the thermal efficiency of the company’sARM-based custom silicon. The existing product is relatively small, but doesn’t reach the truly diminutive status that a true redesigned successor could achieve.
Beyond the Mac mini, Gurman also expects a number of other M4-powered Mac products to hit the scene. He specifically flags the potential release of a new low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, new higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, as well as a new 24-inch iMac. A refreshed iPad mini is also expected to be featured at this event, though details are somewhat sparse.
Also rumored for Apple’s upcoming keynote presentation is the much-anticipatedrelease of Apple Intelligencevia the iOS 18.1 update. This software release could arrive as early as October 28, bringing with it AI features such as writing tools, improved search in Photos, notification summaries, and more.
These AI tools will arrive exclusively on the latestiPhone 16 series, as well as on last year’siPhone 15 Proand15 Pro Maxmodels.
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Apple’s Magic accessories are in dire need of a proper refresh
Apple’s modern Mac products are well-developed, owing to the company’s major transition to custom silicon back in 2020. While the computers themselves have received lots of love in recent years, the same can’t be said of their corresponding first-party peripherals.
Indeed, theMagic Mouse 2,Magic Trackpad 2, andMagic Keyboardaccessories are in dire need of some TLC. They’re the only Apple products still stuck on the antiquated Lightning charging connector, and a definitive switch to USB-Cremains highly requested.
The Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2, and Magic Keyboard accessories are in dire need of some TLC.
The Magic Keyboard in particular would benefit from the addition of a backlight, to better compete with the likes ofLogitech’s MX Keysseries. As for the Magic Mouse 2, many are hoping for a fundamental rethinking of the device’s form factor, ranging from ergonomic improvements, to rectifying the precarious placement of the charging port.
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