Apple originally planned to make the redesigned Mac mini even smaller than its current footprint. However, thermal considerations, especially for the M4 Pro variant, prevented further size reduction.
Balancing Size and Performance
In an interview with Fast Company, Apple executives Kate Bergeron (VP of Hardware Engineering) and Sophie Le Guen discussed the challenges of designing the new Mac mini. Balancing performance with a compact size required careful engineering to avoid thermal issues.
Bergeron revealed that the M4 Pro's higher performance demands necessitated a more robust cooling solution, which impacted the final size. Had the Mac mini only shipped with the less powerful M4 chip, Apple might have achieved a smaller form factor.
Apple's efforts to minimize size are evident in the Mac mini's internal design, including a separate motherboard for wireless connectivity and a unique spiraling heatsink.
Even with the current design, Apple has achieved remarkable miniaturization, particularly with the redesigned power supply unit. Despite the complex and costly PCB design, the Mac mini remains affordable, starting at $599.
Discounts on Amazon
The base model with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD is currently discounted on Amazon for $579. The 512GB storage variant is also available at a reduced price of $744.
