Apple’s just-launched Mac mini looks exactly the same on the outside as the previous model. But an M6 Mac mini versus M4 Mac mini comparison reveals a very different machine inside.
The all-new M6 chip is one option for the tiny desktop, and it’s the one designed for students and casual users. The Mac can also be configured with an M5 Pro processor, but that is for professionals and was discussed in a separate article. This one focuses on the benefits the M6 brings to consumers.
Apple recently nixed the $599 Mac mini from its product lineup. And the most affordable version of the MacBook Pro also got cut.
This raises serious questions about how much longer Apple can keep offering the cheapest versions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo.
Apple no longer offers RAM upgrade options for the Mac Studio on its online store. As a result, you can get the Mac Studio with a maximum of 96GB memory — over 5x lower than its previous maximum of 512GB.
Likewise, the M4 Mac mini is now unavailable with 32GB memory.
Apple no longer offers the M4 Mac mini with 256GB of storage at a $599 price. Instead, the base model now comes with 512GB of storage and a higher $799 price tag.
Here’s why.
Apple’s $599 M4 Mac mini is the latest casualty of the ongoing DRAM shortage. The machine is no longer available for purchase on Apple’s website.
It’s possible this is a sign that a new model with a faster processor is imminent. But for now, only the M4 Pro Mac mini is available, and with ridiculous wait times stretching into July.
Apple no longer accepts orders for certain high-end Mac mini and Mac Studio models. As of Sunday, the company’s online store lists the computers as “currently unavailable.”
This comes after delivery times for most Mac mini and Mac Studio models slipped to a few months.
Getting your hands on a Mac mini or Mac Studio might be harder than expected. Delivery times for even the basic configurations now stretch to four weeks, with high-end models showing lead times of up to five months.
Apple either appears to be struggling to meet demand or gearing up for an imminent M5 refresh.
To make the most of the upcoming Lunar New Year in China, Apple is running some special offers at its stores. The sale will run from January 24-27, with Apple taking up to 1,000 yuan (~$145) off on select products.
The limited-time promotional offer should help further boost iPhone shipments in the country.
Apple’s tiny yet powerful M4 Mac mini is an amazing deal at any time, and a sale on the desktop computer makes it an even better value. You can get the latest model with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD for only $499. That’s 17% off the list price. Plus Amazon deals apply to a range of specs. And you can get the M4 Pro model for $129 off, or 9% ($1,399.99 $1,269.99).
Mac mini is a great option for someone needing their first computer. Especially at this low, low price.
Looking to level up your Apple ecosystem? The Mac mini packs serious punch in a pint-sized package that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Apple users love the little desktop machine — as our roundup of best Mac mini setups below shows.
Apple no longer advertises the M4 Mac mini and its Apple Watch lineup as “carbon neutral.” The company proudly unveiled its first carbon neutral products — the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — in 2023.
But just two years later, it has removed the claim from all such product pages. And it’s not because Apple suddenly started making its devices differently.
Some computer setups on social media are like highly functional art, beautifully curated and seemingly permanent, like museum pieces. Others are just weird, wonderful and fleeting. Today’s example is more the latter case, featuring a “spec’d out” M4 Mac mini used with an iPad Air and a tiny touch screen as external displays, plus a Magic Trackpad and a crazy split keyboard.
People questioned the lack of a MacBook, but other commenters rose up in defense of the oddball setup.
Apple is now selling DIY repair parts for its M4-equipped Macs, including the MacBook Pro and Mac mini.
You can purchase the repair parts from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store in the US and Europe.
Apple’s newest M4-equipped Macs — iMac, MacBook Pro and the redesigned Mac mini — reached store shelves Friday. Customers who placed preorders for delivery should receive their new computers today, too.
Apple announced its new Macs in the last week of October through press releases.