Mac mini M4, 2024

The Apple Mac mini "M4" 10-Core CPU/10-Core GPU (2024) model is equipped with a 4.4 GHz Apple M4 processor featuring 10 cores (4 performance and 6 efficiency), a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Default configurations include 16 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage, 16 GB of RAM with 512 GB of storage, and 24 GB of RAM with 512 GB of storage. The RAM is integrated and cannot be upgraded post-purchase, but the storage is removable, though officially "not user accessible." Both RAM and storage can be custom configured with larger capacities at the time of order.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, two front-facing USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s) and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the back, it has three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C connector; up to 40Gb/s) ports, HDMI 2.1, and Gigabit Ethernet. All components are housed in a compact silver cube measuring just 5 x 5 inches wide and deep, and 2 inches tall.

Compared to its predecessor, this model is physically smaller but features a faster internal architecture, more standard RAM, and more convenient, higher-performance connectivity, although it has a more awkwardly placed power button on the bottom.

All Mac mini systems are sold by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.

The 2024 M4 Mac mini was praised for its dramatic redesign, shrinking to an even more compact 5x5-inch footprint while delivering a significant performance leap. The M4 chip, with its focus on efficiency and AI, was found to be incredibly fast for everyday tasks and surprisingly capable in pro apps, further blurring the line between base and pro models. A major highlight of the evaluation was the new port configuration; the addition of two front-facing USB-C ports was universally celebrated for its convenience, a long-requested feature. The move to three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports was also a welcome I/O boost. Perhaps the most surprising feature was the technically removable storage, which, while not officially user-serviceable, offered a glimmer of hope for future repairs and upgrades. The only consistent gripe was the relocation of the power button to the bottom of the device, which was deemed an awkward and unintuitive design choice.