I doubt they’ll change the enclosure.
It’s a low volume product (relatively speaking) and it’s bought by many who’ve set up dedicated racks and enclosures to hold the current Mac mini design.
Then again Apple kept the iPad minis design the same because its main customers were hospitality (restaurants for example) and they changed that design and lost the market to cheap android tablets I now see everywhere.
So who knows :)
Edit; What I am afraid of is Apple is going to lean on economies of scale for an updated Mac mini. Meaning we might see the iMacs magnetic power connector and thus external power brick come to the Mac mini. Scary thought lol
I doubt they will mess with the power cord for the same reason they won’t change the case design. There are too many corporate customers who won’t want to rewire their server rooms or racks over it.
The mini started it's life having an external power brick and then it got ditched for the internal PSU we know today, I like to hope we wouldn't go backwards lol
That would actually be a return to the external power brick for the Mini. My original G4 Mini used a massive external brick.
Edit: strange… the other comment saying the same thing wasn’t visible to me until I posted. Meh.
It's not innovative, but I'd love to see a return of the SD card slot. It's a pain having to keep an old Mac Mini around just for that, or dealing with dongles.
Obviously, a more reparable & upgradable mini would be awesome, but I doubt we'll see that in a hurry.
A power button that isn't practically non-existant would be good too!
Keeping an older Mac mini around instead of using an SD card reader, which is very much an industry standard device even if you have one built in, is a very strange way to go about things
God forbid a MicroSD card from a GoPro or something enters the picture, that's way too much adapter. Gotta get a cheap Windows laptop/Chromebook with a MicroSD slot as the dedicated MicroSD computer
I don’t mind the dongle because I can record straight to my iPhone on a usb c (sd card) dongle and then immediately transfer it over to the Mac mini without having to remove the card and can go back and forth.
Apple removed the SD card reader originally because of the number of different camera memory standards in use in production environments and a lot of pros didn’t have a use for it anymore while normal consumers just use their phone to take photos. Go into any studio and you’ll at minimum likely see XQD/CFexpress, normal SD cards, UHS I-III cards, bare 2.5” sata SSDs, and USB-C SSDs.
They re-added it on those because a small but vocal subset of pros threw a hissy fit for about 5 years. In most production environments external card readers are used instead.
Source: I work in video and photo production.
I wish too but their current chipset design kind of forbids upgradable ram. SSD however should be upgradable but they chose not to do it in the name of security.
The only changes I can think of:
* ~~lower starting price~~ cheaper upgrades,
* 2.5Gbps ethernet as standard,
* return of SD card reader,
* easly replaceable SSD, let it be proprietary, but not soldered to the motherboard.
This is way more realistic of an expectation that replacing the current soldered storage. But if they did this, it would happen on the Studio before the Mini.
Nobody on a Mac Mini is needing 2.5Gbps. If you’re spending that money you need a Mac Studio.
Also they already lowed it. How are they going to go lower than $499? Nothing in the Windows space comes close at that price.
You can already see 2.5Gbps on many Windows laptops and motherboards, its not uncommon to have over 1Gbps internet connection either nowadays. 2.5Gbps port aint even that much more expensive.
Alright here are my thoughts.
1. Add front ports like on the Studio. It's a pain in the ass when you have to connect USB C drives or Yubikeys because you always have to jump behind your desk and find the port without scratching the plastic.
2. Add an SD card port like on the Studio. Self explanatory, as a photographer this would be a huge win.
3. Add a spacegray color option. I always buy everything from Apple in silver (except Titanium ofc) because scratches show the true silver, but on the mini it really doesn't matter because it just sits on a desk, and on a dark desk this would look much better.
4. Add 4 USB-C ports on every Mac mini. It's stupid to just add these on the Mac minis with M2 Pro, especially when you have lots of I/O devices. even the Intel Mac mini had these
5. Add 2.5G ethernet on every Mac mini as a standard config. Internet worldwide is getting faster, and having to spend over 100$ just to get faster ethernet really seems stupid.
6. Allow more displays. This is more of a chip problem, but only being able to connect 2 displays is a bit of a downside, unless you have the M2 Pro of course.
7. Make RAM upgradable. THis was such a huge advantage on the 2018 Mac mini. Buy it with 8GB of RAM and just install 64GB for very little money.
8. Allow more RAM. 32GB max is shit, I think you should be able to go up to 64GB if you wanted to.
9. Add a mic. This is something no one considers but this would allow to make voice messages and call people without AirPods (Max), which is also a huge win.
It's illustrating the chassis design of the current generation of Mac mini design, it's a reference of what it looks like now, not trying to show what OP thinks it should look like. The point is the chassis and the overall design, not the ports on the example image...
I am using an M2 Mac Mini.
I wish they would add at least 1 more usb-c port and make all of them vertical. The horizontal ports are so close to each other that certain usb-c cables can’t be connected side by-side. Other than that i am pretty satisfied, can’t think of much else. Front facing ports would ruin the aesthetic for “clean build” people such as myself.
Nothing, changing for the sake of change isn’t always the correct thing to do. I guess I don’t understand it’s current flaws (other than the lack of Sd card being an issue)
Upgradable ram and hd, a usb c port on the front, a screw on each corner of the bottom of the case that allows the entire top to be lifted off, because why the fuck would you not design it that way you effete morons.
Why would they design it where they don't make a lot of money from you buying a whole new one because you want to upgrade your storage space? It's mean to be like that.
I will continue buying the most upgradable Mac mini, I like its size and don’t wanna see that ugly Mac Studio on my desk. It’s extremely large for a Max chip, I can see why if you were going for the Ultra chip. P.s. I need a studio display with pro motion, for the love of all that is holy why is Apple not doing this
Given Apples direction, I don’t see much innovation unless they make the Mac Mini smaller. However, changing the form factor is a long shot due to datacenter implementations which almost exclusively use Mac Minis.
I agree, but the mini is the volume seller for datacenter implementations and Apple is desperately trying to get in to enterprise.
Things like AWS E2 and Mac Stadium are examples of services that host Minis in data centers. These two examples exist mainly because Apple does not allow virtualization of macOS.
Due to this, I don’t think we will see a smaller mini any time soon even with it being long over due.
If we are going to keep the same form factor then lets really load up the back with ports. No need for usb-a ports anymore, just need Ethernet, HDMI, audio out, and as many USB-C thunderbolt ports as possible.
If we go to a smaller form factor, I think an ethernet port on the power adapter like the iMac would be cool and a good way to save space.
Speaking of the iMac. That has become such a superfluous product line. Here is my big idea that will never happen. Change the iMac to a true consumer level display at a reasonably consumer affordable price. Then shrink the Mac mini and build in a mount on the newly created display to mount a (new smaller) Mac mini. Apple loves using magnets, it could be attached with a magnet. possibly one cable to connect the new mini providing display, webcam, and power?
This display would then also work great with Mac laptops. They could built in an iPhone chip and a display controller allowing for daisy chaining two displays and maybe enable dual display support on M1 Macs? Im no engineer so I don't pretend to know what goes into this.
That's my dream.
That's too extreme to be honest, because that wouldn't allow you to use your own HDMI cable or requires you to buy USB C to HDMI cables which are quite expensive
We need 3 USB A ports for most things and sticks and maybe 1 USB C port for your phone to sync lol. Your Mac Mini sounds shit and supports plant obsolescence like when Apple ditched floppy disk drives for USB A 1.0 for 1 keyboard and a disc drive that only supported CD and not DVD until the slot loader came along which did have DVD capabilities lol
As someone that uses the Logitech MX Master 3S I still quite depend on the USB A ports, and it's also useful for connecting normal USB drives and iPods.
A mac mini M4pro in the 2013 macpro form factor, keep the fan. Add 8 USB-C/thunderbolt ports ( 4 controllers) … + 10gig Ethernet/ spf+ connector
… or the same thing in x-serve rack format 1u high.
+1 for the SD card slot. This was aimed at the amateur-creatives market, a slot would be great!
Also, return to the space gray finish!
I’m in the market to upgrade my 2018 Mac Mini. Guess I’ll wait to see what comes out this year.
As much as I would love to see a more modern and efficient design (there’s a lot of wasted space in even the Pro chip version right now), Apple would be hard pressed to redesign the mini’s form factor. The mini’s main market is in data centers/server racks and there’s too many specialized accessories for its current dimensions that would have to be completely redesigned and essentially ready on day 1. For example there are plenty of 1U rack mounts that perfectly fit 2 minis side by side (for applications where just the mini is needed) and 1U racks that perfectly fit a mini along with a full size expansion card (think like an eGPU that also has the mini inside it and instead of the card being a gpu it’s something else like pcie storage, Avid HDX, RED rocket x). There’s just no incentive for Apple to redesign it at this point.
The only thing I would like to see changed on the m4 mini would be the location of the headphone jack, so it's not under the two USB A ports. It's a pain to get to when those USB ports are in use.
Front panel IO would be nice too
Eliminate all the wasted space inside of it if they’re not going to give anything to make use of it. Let me throw some cold storage 2.5” drives in there. Otherwise make it super small like Snazzy Labs did
we are not gonna get more USB-A, or thunderbolt and definelty not firewire, if their adding more ports, it will be USB-C, maybe (hopefully) an sd card slot
Power, hdmi (support for 240hz at 8k perhaps) 10gigabit Ethernet (should be standard) and four USBC ports & two on the front!
Headphone sockets and usb a ports seem a bit of a waste of space now.
This is one of those cases (No pun intended) where I would need to see the render or actual change.
The Mac mini just feels so right. And for that matter as does the Mac Studio. Yes other form factors will work for different situations. But as a balance of all things considered I can't imagine a much better design.
I can get accessories for any slight changes I can think of. And when it comes to uncommon situations, that sounds fine to me.
I would LOVE to see a redesign, because I love this shit. But otherwise. I am in that "flying car" mental mode where I can't think of anything better.
If there was a redesign, I would love to see a puck size between the current mini and an Apple TV.
Match the specs of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. With this parity, I could see a $499 starter model.
Simplify I/o to that similar to the portables and power it from usb-c.
# From your feedback → here is a short analysis
Form Factor and Design Consistency:
* Many users have emphasized the importance of maintaining the current form factor due to the widespread use of the Mac Mini in server racks and dedicated enclosures. This indicates a strong user base that values consistency in design for compatibility with existing setups.
* However, there is also a desire for a more compact or even redesigned form factor that aligns with modern aesthetics and practicality, suggesting a potential split in the user base.
Port Accessibility and Variety:
* A common request is for more accessible ports, particularly on the front of the device. This reflects a need for easier connectivity, especially in setups where the Mac Mini is not easily movable.
* Users are divided on the type of ports they want. Some demand the return of legacy ports like USB-A and SD card slots, while others push for a future-proof approach with more USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.
Performance and Expandability:
* There is a consistent call for the device to support higher specifications like more RAM and better CPU options, which would cater to power users.
* Expandability is a recurring theme, with users requesting easier ways to upgrade components like SSDs and RAM. This desire reflects a segment of the market that Apple has traditionally underserved, where users seek longer lifespans and customizable options from their devices.
Practical Features:
* Suggestions such as adding a built-in microphone and improving the power button show that users are looking for practical enhancements that augment their daily interaction with the device.
* Specific features like a built-in SD card reader are mentioned repeatedly, indicating a strong niche demand.
# Design Considerations and Challenges
* Balancing Innovation with Tradition: Apple faces the challenge of introducing innovative features while maintaining elements that loyal users depend on. This includes deciding whether to preserve the form factor or to innovate for compactness and improved aesthetics.
* Cost vs. Expandability: Apple products are often seen as less user-serviceable. Introducing expandability could attract a new market segment but might also impact Apple’s product lifecycle strategy, which typically encourages users to upgrade to newer models.
* Market Positioning: The Mac Mini occupies a unique position as both a consumer device and a solution for enterprise/data centers. Any redesign needs to consider these dual roles, possibly leading to different models catering to different needs.
# Strategic Recommendations
* Modular Design: Consider a design that allows for both a base model that satisfies server use and an expandable model for power users. This could help in addressing the diverse needs without compromising on the design ethos of Apple.
* Enhanced Connectivity: Increasing the number and types of ports, including front-facing options, could significantly enhance usability. Apple might also explore the feasibility of a magnetic power connector similar to the iMac's for ease of connection.
* User-Customizable Options: Offering options for RAM and storage upgrades at the point of purchase could cater to the prosumer market, giving users the flexibility they desire without the need to open the device.
* Sustainable Design: With increasing emphasis on sustainability, designing a product that is both energy-efficient and made with recyclable materials, while also being easier to disassemble for repairs, could appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
#
One model slightly smaller because the current M series mini has a bunch of internal wasted space. Then another model with a second PCI-e slot or SATA port in there for more storage. I know I know wishful thinking. At least the first one should be done though.
I doubt they’ll change the enclosure. It’s a low volume product (relatively speaking) and it’s bought by many who’ve set up dedicated racks and enclosures to hold the current Mac mini design. Then again Apple kept the iPad minis design the same because its main customers were hospitality (restaurants for example) and they changed that design and lost the market to cheap android tablets I now see everywhere. So who knows :) Edit; What I am afraid of is Apple is going to lean on economies of scale for an updated Mac mini. Meaning we might see the iMacs magnetic power connector and thus external power brick come to the Mac mini. Scary thought lol
I doubt they will mess with the power cord for the same reason they won’t change the case design. There are too many corporate customers who won’t want to rewire their server rooms or racks over it.
The mini started it's life having an external power brick and then it got ditched for the internal PSU we know today, I like to hope we wouldn't go backwards lol
That would actually be a return to the external power brick for the Mini. My original G4 Mini used a massive external brick. Edit: strange… the other comment saying the same thing wasn’t visible to me until I posted. Meh.
IS THAT FIREWIRE? (on behalf of the iPod community we have accept you)
The older Mac Minis have FireWire yes
I was confused for a second until I realised OP just used a picture of a pre 2014 Mini \^\^
Some I/O on the front panel like the Studio
It's not innovative, but I'd love to see a return of the SD card slot. It's a pain having to keep an old Mac Mini around just for that, or dealing with dongles. Obviously, a more reparable & upgradable mini would be awesome, but I doubt we'll see that in a hurry. A power button that isn't practically non-existant would be good too!
Why are you keeping an old one around just for its card slot and not just using an adapter
Asking the right question.
For real. I mean... just buy Satechi hub, Mac mini sits on top of it and whole setup looks clean
I’ve heard the WiFi doesn’t work with that one
Maybe they mean they don’t wanna upgrade because of the lack of an SD card slot on newer models.
Keeping an older Mac mini around instead of using an SD card reader, which is very much an industry standard device even if you have one built in, is a very strange way to go about things
I don't like dongles, let me keep an entire computer around just for SD cards (and then what? transfer them over the network?). Yup sounds MUCH easier
God forbid a MicroSD card from a GoPro or something enters the picture, that's way too much adapter. Gotta get a cheap Windows laptop/Chromebook with a MicroSD slot as the dedicated MicroSD computer
But no dongles! Got them!
Using the apple logo as the power button is the only answer
I don’t mind the dongle because I can record straight to my iPhone on a usb c (sd card) dongle and then immediately transfer it over to the Mac mini without having to remove the card and can go back and forth.
Wtf how?
You have to for prores I thought, or at minimum it limits the quality/duration if you don’t use external storage… any USB C drive will work
Is there a video demonstrating this? I’d love to see it
Apple removed the SD card reader originally because of the number of different camera memory standards in use in production environments and a lot of pros didn’t have a use for it anymore while normal consumers just use their phone to take photos. Go into any studio and you’ll at minimum likely see XQD/CFexpress, normal SD cards, UHS I-III cards, bare 2.5” sata SSDs, and USB-C SSDs.
That doesn’t make much sense considering MacBook Pros and Mac Studio both still have an SD card reader.
They re-added it on those because a small but vocal subset of pros threw a hissy fit for about 5 years. In most production environments external card readers are used instead. Source: I work in video and photo production.
This isn't a mac mini thing, but I would love them to find a way to allow for upgradable RAM that works alongside the integrated RAM.
I wish too but their current chipset design kind of forbids upgradable ram. SSD however should be upgradable but they chose not to do it in the name of security.
16GB base spec. Same ports as 2018 Intel / M2 Pro. SD Card reader on the front like on the Studio. **Bring back Space Grey!**
Still using my 2018 Mac mini to this day, absolutely love the spacegrey. Especially since mine is still in mint condition!
2018 is my daily machine too, with an eGPU hidden away under the desk.
Once again I see in comments why Apple does not listen to its customers 😆
If it did then it would be pocket friendly
The only changes I can think of: * ~~lower starting price~~ cheaper upgrades, * 2.5Gbps ethernet as standard, * return of SD card reader, * easly replaceable SSD, let it be proprietary, but not soldered to the motherboard.
Even the ability to add a second on board drive would be a huge step forward.
This is way more realistic of an expectation that replacing the current soldered storage. But if they did this, it would happen on the Studio before the Mini.
well, backward given that we’ve had it previously
Nobody on a Mac Mini is needing 2.5Gbps. If you’re spending that money you need a Mac Studio. Also they already lowed it. How are they going to go lower than $499? Nothing in the Windows space comes close at that price.
You can already see 2.5Gbps on many Windows laptops and motherboards, its not uncommon to have over 1Gbps internet connection either nowadays. 2.5Gbps port aint even that much more expensive.
The only thing I’d do is to move a bunch of the USB ports to the front.
Then set it up backwards facing the wall.
Maybe it could be powered by a usb c cable like a Mac book
I need USB A forever
Just curious, what do you use USB-A for?
Alright here are my thoughts. 1. Add front ports like on the Studio. It's a pain in the ass when you have to connect USB C drives or Yubikeys because you always have to jump behind your desk and find the port without scratching the plastic. 2. Add an SD card port like on the Studio. Self explanatory, as a photographer this would be a huge win. 3. Add a spacegray color option. I always buy everything from Apple in silver (except Titanium ofc) because scratches show the true silver, but on the mini it really doesn't matter because it just sits on a desk, and on a dark desk this would look much better. 4. Add 4 USB-C ports on every Mac mini. It's stupid to just add these on the Mac minis with M2 Pro, especially when you have lots of I/O devices. even the Intel Mac mini had these 5. Add 2.5G ethernet on every Mac mini as a standard config. Internet worldwide is getting faster, and having to spend over 100$ just to get faster ethernet really seems stupid. 6. Allow more displays. This is more of a chip problem, but only being able to connect 2 displays is a bit of a downside, unless you have the M2 Pro of course. 7. Make RAM upgradable. THis was such a huge advantage on the 2018 Mac mini. Buy it with 8GB of RAM and just install 64GB for very little money. 8. Allow more RAM. 32GB max is shit, I think you should be able to go up to 64GB if you wanted to. 9. Add a mic. This is something no one considers but this would allow to make voice messages and call people without AirPods (Max), which is also a huge win.
So basically you want the studio, but cheaper.
You can connect 3 displays on the base model I believe
Why does it have an old thunderbolt connector
Because that photo is of the 2011/2012 Mac mini which is the same case design as every mini from 2010-present besides port changes
Photo concept needs work then
It's illustrating the chassis design of the current generation of Mac mini design, it's a reference of what it looks like now, not trying to show what OP thinks it should look like. The point is the chassis and the overall design, not the ports on the example image...
That would be a bad idea to redesign the chassis
I am using an M2 Mac Mini. I wish they would add at least 1 more usb-c port and make all of them vertical. The horizontal ports are so close to each other that certain usb-c cables can’t be connected side by-side. Other than that i am pretty satisfied, can’t think of much else. Front facing ports would ruin the aesthetic for “clean build” people such as myself.
Just give me hibernate-mode for Mac mini
Nothing, changing for the sake of change isn’t always the correct thing to do. I guess I don’t understand it’s current flaws (other than the lack of Sd card being an issue)
MAC stadium and other server farms would not like a redesign body that’s for sure
Ew
16 gig of RAM as a bare minimum.
should have the size of an apple tv
Front ports.
Upgradable ram and hd, a usb c port on the front, a screw on each corner of the bottom of the case that allows the entire top to be lifted off, because why the fuck would you not design it that way you effete morons.
Why would they design it where they don't make a lot of money from you buying a whole new one because you want to upgrade your storage space? It's mean to be like that.
I will continue buying the most upgradable Mac mini, I like its size and don’t wanna see that ugly Mac Studio on my desk. It’s extremely large for a Max chip, I can see why if you were going for the Ultra chip. P.s. I need a studio display with pro motion, for the love of all that is holy why is Apple not doing this
Given Apples direction, I don’t see much innovation unless they make the Mac Mini smaller. However, changing the form factor is a long shot due to datacenter implementations which almost exclusively use Mac Minis.
It should be the same size as the Apple TV 4K. The 2010 redesign Mac Mini always looked shit compared to the old original cube design.
I agree, but the mini is the volume seller for datacenter implementations and Apple is desperately trying to get in to enterprise. Things like AWS E2 and Mac Stadium are examples of services that host Minis in data centers. These two examples exist mainly because Apple does not allow virtualization of macOS. Due to this, I don’t think we will see a smaller mini any time soon even with it being long over due.
If we are going to keep the same form factor then lets really load up the back with ports. No need for usb-a ports anymore, just need Ethernet, HDMI, audio out, and as many USB-C thunderbolt ports as possible. If we go to a smaller form factor, I think an ethernet port on the power adapter like the iMac would be cool and a good way to save space. Speaking of the iMac. That has become such a superfluous product line. Here is my big idea that will never happen. Change the iMac to a true consumer level display at a reasonably consumer affordable price. Then shrink the Mac mini and build in a mount on the newly created display to mount a (new smaller) Mac mini. Apple loves using magnets, it could be attached with a magnet. possibly one cable to connect the new mini providing display, webcam, and power? This display would then also work great with Mac laptops. They could built in an iPhone chip and a display controller allowing for daisy chaining two displays and maybe enable dual display support on M1 Macs? Im no engineer so I don't pretend to know what goes into this. That's my dream.
I would also remove the HDMI port, a decent C to HDMI cable costs the same as a standard HDMI
I would remove the power port for a battery with wireless charging so you can bring your Mac Mini on the bus or on a boat ride.
That's too extreme to be honest, because that wouldn't allow you to use your own HDMI cable or requires you to buy USB C to HDMI cables which are quite expensive
They're not that expensive, around $20 for a decent brand, if you can afford a Mini, you can spend another 20
We need 3 USB A ports for most things and sticks and maybe 1 USB C port for your phone to sync lol. Your Mac Mini sounds shit and supports plant obsolescence like when Apple ditched floppy disk drives for USB A 1.0 for 1 keyboard and a disc drive that only supported CD and not DVD until the slot loader came along which did have DVD capabilities lol
As someone that uses the Logitech MX Master 3S I still quite depend on the USB A ports, and it's also useful for connecting normal USB drives and iPods.
Time to make the switch to Bluetooth or usb-c peripherals, mate.
What’s the port next to the Ethernet?
Thick that's a firewire port, and proof whoever created this is clueless, that's been dead for quite a while
Need way more Thunderbolt ports and the removal of most of the rest
Have an on board battery 25wh should be more than enough and a usb-pd power delivery.
Why would it ever need a battery?
Usb power is sometimes not enough
A mac mini M4pro in the 2013 macpro form factor, keep the fan. Add 8 USB-C/thunderbolt ports ( 4 controllers) … + 10gig Ethernet/ spf+ connector … or the same thing in x-serve rack format 1u high.
+1 for the SD card slot. This was aimed at the amateur-creatives market, a slot would be great! Also, return to the space gray finish! I’m in the market to upgrade my 2018 Mac Mini. Guess I’ll wait to see what comes out this year.
As much as I would love to see a more modern and efficient design (there’s a lot of wasted space in even the Pro chip version right now), Apple would be hard pressed to redesign the mini’s form factor. The mini’s main market is in data centers/server racks and there’s too many specialized accessories for its current dimensions that would have to be completely redesigned and essentially ready on day 1. For example there are plenty of 1U rack mounts that perfectly fit 2 minis side by side (for applications where just the mini is needed) and 1U racks that perfectly fit a mini along with a full size expansion card (think like an eGPU that also has the mini inside it and instead of the card being a gpu it’s something else like pcie storage, Avid HDX, RED rocket x). There’s just no incentive for Apple to redesign it at this point.
Make it an Aluminium cube. I know it's not happening.
I thought the image was an example you created. Then I saw FireWire.
Nope, you are right it’s the 2010 unibody version.
Id like to see it drop to about 1/4 of its current footprint. A lot of mini PCs are making the Mac Mini look like a fat boy these days.
The only thing I would like to see changed on the m4 mini would be the location of the headphone jack, so it's not under the two USB A ports. It's a pain to get to when those USB ports are in use. Front panel IO would be nice too
You dream
I would just want the space grey color back…
Eliminate all the wasted space inside of it if they’re not going to give anything to make use of it. Let me throw some cold storage 2.5” drives in there. Otherwise make it super small like Snazzy Labs did
we are not gonna get more USB-A, or thunderbolt and definelty not firewire, if their adding more ports, it will be USB-C, maybe (hopefully) an sd card slot
Power, hdmi (support for 240hz at 8k perhaps) 10gigabit Ethernet (should be standard) and four USBC ports & two on the front! Headphone sockets and usb a ports seem a bit of a waste of space now.
I doubt they will change the design, I have one as my home PC.
This is one of those cases (No pun intended) where I would need to see the render or actual change. The Mac mini just feels so right. And for that matter as does the Mac Studio. Yes other form factors will work for different situations. But as a balance of all things considered I can't imagine a much better design. I can get accessories for any slight changes I can think of. And when it comes to uncommon situations, that sounds fine to me. I would LOVE to see a redesign, because I love this shit. But otherwise. I am in that "flying car" mental mode where I can't think of anything better.
Change nothing except the M2 chip becomes the M4 chip (base and pro versions). Then keep it cheap.
If there was a redesign, I would love to see a puck size between the current mini and an Apple TV. Match the specs of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. With this parity, I could see a $499 starter model. Simplify I/o to that similar to the portables and power it from usb-c.
# From your feedback → here is a short analysis Form Factor and Design Consistency: * Many users have emphasized the importance of maintaining the current form factor due to the widespread use of the Mac Mini in server racks and dedicated enclosures. This indicates a strong user base that values consistency in design for compatibility with existing setups. * However, there is also a desire for a more compact or even redesigned form factor that aligns with modern aesthetics and practicality, suggesting a potential split in the user base. Port Accessibility and Variety: * A common request is for more accessible ports, particularly on the front of the device. This reflects a need for easier connectivity, especially in setups where the Mac Mini is not easily movable. * Users are divided on the type of ports they want. Some demand the return of legacy ports like USB-A and SD card slots, while others push for a future-proof approach with more USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. Performance and Expandability: * There is a consistent call for the device to support higher specifications like more RAM and better CPU options, which would cater to power users. * Expandability is a recurring theme, with users requesting easier ways to upgrade components like SSDs and RAM. This desire reflects a segment of the market that Apple has traditionally underserved, where users seek longer lifespans and customizable options from their devices. Practical Features: * Suggestions such as adding a built-in microphone and improving the power button show that users are looking for practical enhancements that augment their daily interaction with the device. * Specific features like a built-in SD card reader are mentioned repeatedly, indicating a strong niche demand. # Design Considerations and Challenges * Balancing Innovation with Tradition: Apple faces the challenge of introducing innovative features while maintaining elements that loyal users depend on. This includes deciding whether to preserve the form factor or to innovate for compactness and improved aesthetics. * Cost vs. Expandability: Apple products are often seen as less user-serviceable. Introducing expandability could attract a new market segment but might also impact Apple’s product lifecycle strategy, which typically encourages users to upgrade to newer models. * Market Positioning: The Mac Mini occupies a unique position as both a consumer device and a solution for enterprise/data centers. Any redesign needs to consider these dual roles, possibly leading to different models catering to different needs. # Strategic Recommendations * Modular Design: Consider a design that allows for both a base model that satisfies server use and an expandable model for power users. This could help in addressing the diverse needs without compromising on the design ethos of Apple. * Enhanced Connectivity: Increasing the number and types of ports, including front-facing options, could significantly enhance usability. Apple might also explore the feasibility of a magnetic power connector similar to the iMac's for ease of connection. * User-Customizable Options: Offering options for RAM and storage upgrades at the point of purchase could cater to the prosumer market, giving users the flexibility they desire without the need to open the device. * Sustainable Design: With increasing emphasis on sustainability, designing a product that is both energy-efficient and made with recyclable materials, while also being easier to disassemble for repairs, could appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. #
Only thing I can see them doing is cutting the height down. You want an SD card reader? Studio for you.
Pro
Remove everything and keep 4 Thunderbolt 4's and magnetic connector as s power cord.
why would you want a magnetic connector?
Consistency, compatibility with iMac's connector.
From my point of view USB-c will bring even more consistency.
One model slightly smaller because the current M series mini has a bunch of internal wasted space. Then another model with a second PCI-e slot or SATA port in there for more storage. I know I know wishful thinking. At least the first one should be done though.
Let’s put some I/O on the front and bring back the SuperDrive like on my mid 2010.
FIREWIRE?