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Apple announced a redesigned Mac mini on 29 October 2024. The new desktop uses either an M4 or M4 Pro chip, keeps a 5-by-5-inch footprint, and adds front-facing USB-C ports while retaining HDMI, Ethernet and multiple high-speed rear ports. The M4 is aimed at everyday productivity and mainstream creative work; the M4 Pro is built for demanding video, 3D, AI and multi-display workloads.

What is the new M4 Mac mini?

The 2024 Mac mini is a small desktop computer built around Apple silicon. Both versions use the same 5-by-5-inch footprint, but their internal chips, memory limits, storage configurations, display capabilities and rear connectivity differ.

Apple says the M4 version delivers up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance and up to 2.2 times faster GPU performance than the M1 Mac mini. Those are Apple’s own comparisons using its stated test configurations, not independent benchmark results.

Design and accessibility

  • 5-by-5-inch footprint.
  • Front USB-C ports for easier access to everyday peripherals.
  • Front headphone jack.
  • Rear HDMI and Ethernet connections.
  • Three rear high-speed ports: Thunderbolt 4 on M4 models and Thunderbolt 5 on M4 Pro models.

Because the Mac mini is a desktop, you must supply a display, keyboard, mouse or trackpad and, where needed, external storage. Apple lists Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse and a Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable among compatible accessories.

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M4 versus M4 Pro: specifications

Feature Mac mini with M4 Mac mini with M4 Pro
CPU/GPU 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU 12-core CPU/16-core GPU standard; configurable to 14-core CPU/20-core GPU
Unified memory 16GB standard; configurable to 24GB or 32GB 24GB standard; configurable to 48GB or 64GB
Memory bandwidth 120GB/s 273GB/s
Rear high-speed ports Three Thunderbolt 4 Three Thunderbolt 5
Storage 256GB standard; configurable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB 512GB standard; configurable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB

Which Mac mini should you buy?

Choose the M4 Mac mini for everyday and moderate creative work

The M4 model is the practical choice for web and office applications, software development, education, home use, general photo work and entry-level video production. Its 16GB standard memory is suitable for typical workloads, while 24GB or 32GB configurations provide more room for large projects, virtual machines and heavier multitasking.

Choose the M4 Pro Mac mini for sustained heavy workloads

M4 Pro is designed for users who regularly edit high-resolution video, render 3D scenes, run local AI or machine-learning workloads, compile very large projects, connect several high-resolution displays or move large datasets between fast external devices. Its higher CPU/GPU counts, 273GB/s memory bandwidth and memory options up to 64GB provide substantially more headroom than M4.

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The M4 Pro also starts with twice the listed storage capacity of the M4 model and offers configurations up to 8TB, which can reduce dependence on external working drives for large media libraries.

How many displays can each model support?

M4 display combinations

Apple lists support for up to three displays on the M4 Mac mini. Supported combinations include up to two 6K displays plus one 5K display, or one 8K display (or a 4K display at 240Hz) alongside a second display.

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M4 Pro display combinations

The M4 Pro supports up to three 6K displays, or one 6K display together with one 8K display or 4K display at 240Hz. The exact arrangement depends on the displays’ resolutions, refresh rates and the ports used.

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Does the M4 Pro Mac mini have Thunderbolt 5?

Yes. The M4 Pro Mac mini has three rear Thunderbolt 5 ports. Apple advertises transfer speeds of up to 120Gb/s for Thunderbolt 5. That higher bandwidth is useful for fast external storage, docks, capture hardware and high-resolution display setups.

The standard M4 Mac mini has three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports instead. Both versions also provide HDMI and Ethernet, so display and network plans do not have to rely entirely on a dock.

Launch date, UK pricing and availability

Apple announced the redesigned Mac mini on 29 October 2024. In the UK, launch pricing was £599 for the M4 model and £1,399 for the M4 Pro model. Availability began on 8 November 2024.

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Those figures are historical launch prices, not current retail prices. The price of a particular configuration, retailer stock and discounts can change; check a current retailer listing before buying.

Environmental claim

Apple described the 2024 Mac mini as its first carbon-neutral Mac and reported more than an 80% reduction in modeled greenhouse-gas emissions compared with its business-as-usual scenario. The percentage is Apple’s modeled lifecycle estimate, not an independent measurement supplied here.

What to check before ordering

  • Memory: Unified memory is not user-upgradable after purchase, so select 24GB or more if your applications routinely use large datasets, virtual machines or demanding media projects.
  • Storage: Choose the internal capacity that fits your active projects, or budget for a compatible external SSD and the necessary cable or dock.
  • Displays: Confirm your monitors’ resolution and refresh rate against Apple’s supported combinations before buying adapters.
  • Connectivity: M4 provides Thunderbolt 4; M4 Pro provides Thunderbolt 5. Choose the Pro model if your workflow depends on the latter’s bandwidth.
  • Complete setup: The computer does not include a built-in display or input devices, so include those in the total system cost.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.