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Apple announced its redesigned Mac mini on 29 October 2024, pairing a 5-by-5-inch enclosure with M4 and M4 Pro chip options. The smaller case changes the front and rear ports, while the two configurations differ substantially in memory, storage, display support and Thunderbolt speed. The models became available on 8 November 2024; the prices below are historical UK launch prices, not current pricing.
How small is the redesigned Mac mini?
The 2024 Mac mini measures 12.7 cm (5.0 inches) wide, 12.7 cm (5.0 inches) deep and 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) high. Apple said its footprint is less than half that of the preceding design. The M4 model weighs 0.67 kg (1.5 lb); the M4 Pro weighs 0.73 kg (1.6 lb), according to Apple’s technical specifications.
The smaller enclosure also uses a revised cooling layout. Apple says air moves through different levels of the system and exits through the foot. That is Apple’s description of the design, not an independent thermal assessment.
What changed in the M4 Mac mini?
Two chip tiers and more configuration headroom
At announcement, Apple described the M4 Mac mini with a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU and 16GB of unified memory as its starting configuration. Apple’s technical listing shows memory options of 16GB, 24GB or 32GB and SSD capacities from 256GB to 2TB.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The M4 Pro starts at 24GB of unified memory, configurable to 48GB or 64GB. Its SSD options begin at 512GB and go up to 8TB. Apple listed M4 Pro options with up to a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, and memory bandwidth of 273GB/s. These higher ceilings suit users whose workloads need more memory, graphics capacity or local storage; they do not establish that every task will run faster in proportion to the specifications.
New front ports, different rear ports
Both models put two USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the front. Those USB-C ports support USB 3 at up to 10 Gb/s. On the back, the chip choice determines the Thunderbolt generation:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Feature | Mac mini with M4 | Mac mini with M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Thunderbolt ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports; Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 up to 40 Gb/s | Three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports; Thunderbolt 5 and USB 4 up to 120 Gb/s |
| Memory configurations | 16GB, configurable to 24GB or 32GB | 24GB, configurable to 48GB or 64GB |
| SSD configurations | 256GB, configurable up to 2TB | 512GB, configurable up to 8TB |
| Weight | 0.67 kg (1.5 lb) | 0.73 kg (1.6 lb) |
| Other rear connections | HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet, configurable to 10Gb Ethernet | HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet, configurable to 10Gb Ethernet |
Port speeds and configuration details are from Apple’s Mac mini (2024) technical specifications. Thunderbolt 5’s up-to-120-Gb/s figure applies to the M4 Pro model; actual transfer rates depend on connected devices and use.
How many displays can each model support?
Display support depends on the chip, the connection used and the resolution and refresh rate. Apple lists these simultaneous-display arrangements:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- M4: Two displays up to 6K at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, plus a third display up to 5K at 60Hz over Thunderbolt or 4K at 60Hz over HDMI.
- M4: An alternative two-display arrangement can include one display up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz.
- M4 Pro: Up to three displays at 6K and 60Hz, or an alternative two-display arrangement that includes one display up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz.
These are not interchangeable blanket limits: confirm the precise port and display combination in Apple’s model-specific display specifications before planning a multi-monitor setup.
What did Apple claim about performance and emissions?
Apple said the M4 Mac mini delivers up to 1.8 times the CPU performance and 2.2 times the GPU performance of the M1 Mac mini. These are Apple’s 2024 comparisons, not independent benchmark results. The company also said the new enclosure’s footprint is less than half the previous design.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Apple called the 2024 Mac mini its first carbon-neutral Mac and reported an over-80% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions across materials, manufacturing, transportation and customer use, compared with its modeled business-as-usual scenario. It also said the packaging was entirely fibre-based. These are company-reported claims and should not be read as independent lifecycle verification.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which launch configuration makes more sense?
Choose the M4 when
- The 10-core CPU and GPU tier, memory ceiling of 32GB and SSD ceiling of 2TB fit your planned use.
- Your peripherals work with three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports, front USB-C and HDMI, and you do not need the higher M4 Pro display or transfer options.
Consider the M4 Pro when
- Your workload can use the higher CPU/GPU options or needs more than 32GB of unified memory or more than 2TB of configured SSD storage.
- You need Thunderbolt 5 or one of the M4 Pro’s supported high-resolution display arrangements.
Check a current listing in your region before comparing costs. Apple’s UK announcement priced the M4 Mac mini at £599 and the M4 Pro at £1,399 at launch, with availability beginning 8 November 2024; those figures are historical and do not establish today’s price or availability.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What comes in the box?
Apple’s specifications list a 1.8 m power lead in the box. They do not list a keyboard, mouse or display, so plan to use compatible peripherals you already own or obtain them separately. A USB-C or Thunderbolt cable may also be needed for a display or storage device, depending on that device’s inputs and the connection you want to use.
Quick Recap
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.
