The Apple Mac Mini (2022) is one of our most anticipated products here, which is why we were startled when it was absent from the March 8 Apple Peak Performance event.
As said in our live blog from the Apple March Event, we did see something else for lovers of the Apple desktop line in the Mac Studio. However, this time, it’s the new M1 Ultra SoC (system-on-a-chip) designed for creative professionals.
It’s been over two years since Apple introduced the Mac Mini (M1), powered by the Apple M1 processor, alongside the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M1, 2020). Hence, a new model, presumably powered by the same M2 chip as the speculated MacBook Air (2022), is probably due.
When we tested the mini-PC in 2020, it impressed us, and the M1 processor that powers it proved to be quite a capable performer in general. Even then, a home PC is a very large piece of gear, so can a Mac Mini convert users outside of the device’s fanbase?
One of the Mac Mini’s primary advantages is its compact size, ideal for individuals who want a home PC but do not require a huge PC case or an all-in-one computer such as the current iMac. Others may be concerned that a mini-PC will be insufficiently powerful for their requirements.
The anticipated release of a new CPU, the Apple M2, may allay such fears, allowing the Mac Mini (2022) to make a considerably greater impression this year. Make sure to subscribe to our to avoid missing any breaking news from today’s event.
Apple Mac Mini Release Date and Price (2022)
Because the Apple Mac Mini (2022) has not yet been revealed, there is no confirmed release date. Given that the previous Mac Mini (M1) was introduced in late 2020, we expected it to be unveiled at Apple’s March 2022 presentation, but this was not the case.
It’s still possible that we’ll hear about it before the end of the year if Apple wants to unveil an M2 SoC.
Both items’ 2020 versions were introduced concurrently, and both contain the M1 chip. Additionally, several reports show that the 13-inch MacBook Pro will not get a significant overhaul, which may be saved for a new MacBook Air announcement later this year.
If that is the case, it may make sense to launch the Mac Mini with M2 alongside the 13-inch MacBook Pro, as there is far less enthusiasm about a Mac Mini makeover than there is for a MacBook.
After all, unveiling two new M2-powered devices without major redesigns is preferable to announcing just one, and replacing the M1 for the M2 would simplify mass manufacturing greatly.
Apple Mac Mini design for 2022
There has been considerable discussion on Apple’s likely redesign of the MacBook Air in 2022, as well as the absence of a makeover for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, so where do we anticipate the Mac Mini to fall?
Unfortunately, because there is less interest in seeing a Mac Mini makeover, Apple has less reason to redesign the Mac Mini.
However, one explanation for the absence of a makeover for the 13-inch MacBook Pro is that the 13-inch MacBook Pro may be phased out after this year in favor of the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021).
If you’re going to continue to release a product, and we don’t expect the Mac Mini to be discontinued anytime soon, it’s almost certain that it will require a redesign (albeit a minor one) to fit in with other Mac products that already do, namely the iMac and, presumably, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch.
Also check:
- Apple Introduces the M1 Ultra, the World’s Most Powerful Personal Computer Chip
- Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. iPhone SE (2020): A Comparative Analysis
Apple Mac Mini (2022): technical specifications and performance
We can’t tell much about the Mac Mini’s specifications without knowing the Apple processor that powers it. Still, we anticipate offering the same 8GB/16GB Unified Memory configuration options, along with a 256GB or 2TB SSD.
We also anticipate that the number and kind of connectors will remain relatively unchanged, but we’re looking for an update to USB-C Thunderbolt 4 from Thunderbolt 3.
The same is true for updates like HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort 1.4output; however, with Thunderbolt 4, those ports may become obsolete and may be eliminated with a new Mac Mini.
This may cause some changes to our ranking of the best Mac Mini displays, but something tells us Apple isn’t concerned.
Things might become interesting when it comes to the processors that will power the new gadget.
There is considerable speculation that we will see an M2-powered Mac Mini and an M1 Pro and, on a more remote possibility, an M1 Max-powered Mac Mini.
These last two may be better suited to professionals than to home PCs. Still, they might give the Mac Mini a far broader appeal, especially given that they could provide customers of all hues with the performance of an M1 Pro or M1 Max at a lower price point than a MacBook Pro.