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Apple announced a redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips on October 29, 2024. The five-by-five-inch enclosure added front USB-C ports and updated rear connectivity; the M4 Pro version brought Thunderbolt 5 to the lineup. It is now a previous-generation Mac: Apple says M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models became available on September 22, 2026.
What changed in the redesigned M4 Mac mini?
The 2024 redesign reduced the Mac mini enclosure to five by five inches, according to Apple. It also added USB-C ports at the front, making it easier to connect peripherals without reaching behind the computer. Rear Thunderbolt connectivity varied by configuration: the M4 used Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro introduced Thunderbolt 5 to Mac mini.
Apple positioned the system for Apple Intelligence and promoted its performance, but those are Apple’s claims rather than independent benchmark results. The published chip specifications distinguish the two 2024 configurations:
| 2024 configuration | Apple-listed chip specification | Thunderbolt |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Thunderbolt 4 |
| M4 Pro | 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU; configurable to a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU | Thunderbolt 5 |
These are specifications, not a direct measure of performance in a particular app. Memory, storage, display support and workload also matter when comparing configurations. See Apple’s Mac mini technical specifications and Mac mini model comparison for configuration details.
#1 Best Overall
- SIZE DOWN. POWER UP — The far mightier, way tinier Mac mini desktop computer is five by five inches of pure power. Built for Apple Intelligence.* Redesigned around Apple silicon to unleash the full speed and capabilities of the spectacular M4 Pro chip. With ports at your convenience, on the front and back.
- LOOKS SMALL. LIVES LARGE — At just five by five inches, Mac mini is designed to fit perfectly next to a monitor and is easy to place just about anywhere.
- CONVENIENT CONNECTIONS — Get connected with Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back and, for the first time, front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 PRO — The M4 Pro chip brings extra power to take on demanding projects like working with complex scenes or compiling millions of lines of code.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
Is the M4 Mac mini still current?
No. The M4 redesign remains the 2024 generation, but Apple’s newer Mac mini models are M6 and M5 Pro. Apple said those models became available on September 22, 2026. Its U.S. launch announcement listed starting prices of $899 for M6 and $1,699 for M5 Pro; those are launch prices, not a guarantee of current retailer pricing or prices in other countries.
Apple’s current specifications list Thunderbolt 4 for M6 and Thunderbolt 5 for M5 Pro. The current comparison page lists M6 and M4 as separate models, so check the exact generation and configuration when comparing listings. Apple’s stated capability specifications can help confirm ports, memory, storage and supported displays, but they do not establish which model is best for every workload.
Rank #2
- LITTLE DO-IT-ALL — Mac mini packs pure power into a small, five-by-five-inch desktop as the M6 chip delivers next-level AI capabilities. Mac mini features 2.5Gb Ethernet with support for Wi-Fi 7* and Bluetooth 6, with ports on the front and back.
- M6 CHIP — Everything you do on Mac mini feels more responsive with the M6 chip and its next-generation CPU. Fly through AI workflows with up to 4.8x faster AI performance,* thanks to a Neural Accelerator in each GPU core, faster unified memory, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine.
- CONNECT IT ALL — Features three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port in the back, and two USB-C ports and a headphone jack in front. Supports up to three external displays. With the Apple-designed N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7* and Bluetooth 6.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon is designed to run demanding AI workflows like using huge LLMs, directly on device. And Apple Intelligence* helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly, while Siri AI* is your profoundly capable assistant — all with groundbreaking privacy protections.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon is designed to run demanding AI workflows like using huge LLMs, directly on device.
How to choose between the 2024 models
Choose an M4 configuration based on everyday requirements
For a 2024-generation Mac mini, compare the M4’s 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with the M4 Pro’s higher listed core counts, then check the memory, storage and display support of the specific configuration. If your setup relies on Thunderbolt 5 peripherals, note that Apple associated Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Pro, not the standard M4.
Check the complete setup before buying
The Mac mini is a desktop computer, so plan for a compatible display, keyboard and mouse if you do not already have them. Confirm that the ports on the exact model work with your display and peripherals; do not assume every M4-family configuration has the same connectivity. Apple’s technical specifications are the place to check model-specific capabilities.
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- WHY APPLECARE+ — Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or schedule a pickup at your home or office with Onsite Service. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- SIZE DOWN. POWER UP — The far mightier, way tinier Mac mini desktop computer is five by five inches of pure power. Built for Apple Intelligence.* Redesigned around Apple silicon to unleash the full speed and capabilities of the spectacular M4 chip. With ports at your convenience, on the front and back.
- LOOKS SMALL. LIVES LARGE — At just five by five inches, Mac mini is designed to fit perfectly next to a monitor and is easy to place just about anywhere.
- CONVENIENT CONNECTIONS — Get connected with Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back and, for the first time, front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 — The powerful M4 chip delivers spectacular performance so everything feels snappy and fluid.
How to choose among current Mac mini models
For a current-generation purchase, compare M6 and M5 Pro using the intended workload and the configuration you can actually buy. Apple’s comparison page and 2026 technical specifications list the models’ memory and storage options, display support and connectivity. In particular, distinguish M6 with Thunderbolt 4 from M5 Pro with Thunderbolt 5 if you have equipment that depends on that interface.
Apple claimed “up to 4x faster AI performance” for M6 against its stated prior-generation comparison. Treat that as a vendor claim, not an independent benchmark; it does not by itself predict the speed of a task in your own software. Check live prices and availability in your region before deciding, because Apple’s cited U.S. figures were launch prices.
Quick Recap
Apple sources
- Apple’s October 2024 Mac mini announcement
- Apple’s September 2026 availability announcement
- Apple Mac mini model comparison
- Apple Mac mini technical specifications
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.
