Mac Mini#Fifth generation (Apple silicon)
{{Short description|Desktop computer by Apple Inc.}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox computing device
| name = Mac Mini
| logo = File:Mac mini (logo).svg
| image = 250px
| caption = Mac Mini (2024, M4)
| alt = Silver-colored Mac Mini
| developer = Apple Inc.
| type = Compact desktop
Server (pre-October 2014 models)
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|2024|11|8}} (current release)
{{Start date|2005|1|22}} (original release)
| price = US$499 (original)
US$599 (current release)
| os = macOS
| cpu = {{Plainlist|
- Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, PowerPC G4, Intel Core Solo, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo (previously)
}}
| soc = {{Plainlist|
}}
| related = iMac, Mac Pro, iMac Pro, Developer Transition Kit, Mac Studio
| website = {{official URL}}
| family = Mac
}}
Mac Mini (stylized as Mac mini) is a small form factor desktop computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is one of the company's four current Mac desktop computers, positioned as the entry-level consumer product, below the all-in-one iMac and the professional Mac Studio and Mac Pro. From its launch, the device has been sold without a display, keyboard, or mouse, and was originally marketed with the slogan "BYODKM" (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse). This strategic pitch targeted current owners of Windows desktop computers; by leveraging peripherals users likely already owned, the computer offered a cost-effective way to switch to a Mac.{{cite web | title = Macworld San Francisco 2005-The Mac mini Introduction | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJpZGeihy0s | website = YouTube | date = February 12, 2006 | access-date = June 9, 2024}}
In January 2005, the original Mac Mini was introduced with the PowerPC G4 CPU. In February 2006, Apple switched to an Intel Core Solo CPU. A thinner unibody redesign, unveiled in June 2010, added an HDMI port and was more readily positioned as a home theater device and an alternative to the Apple TV.
The 2018 Mac Mini model had Thunderbolt, an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU, solid-state storage and replaces most of the data ports with USB-C. The Apple silicon Mac Mini based on the Apple M1 chip was introduced in November 2020; however Intel-based models remained available with more RAM options until the release of an updated model based on the M2 and M2 Pro chips in January 2023.
In October 2024, Apple redesigned the Mac Mini for the first time since 2010. The new design is much smaller than previous models and features ports on the front and back of the device. The new design debuted with the M4 and M4 Pro chips, with the M4 Pro computers supporting Thunderbolt 5 for the first time.
A server version of the Mac Mini that is bundled with the Server edition of the OS X operating system was offered from 2009 to 2014. The Mac Mini received generally tepid reviews except for the Apple silicon model, which was praised for its compatibility, performance, processor, price, and power efficiencies, though it drew occasional criticism for its ports, speaker, integrated graphics, non-user-upgradable RAM and storage.
Form and design
The Mac Mini was modeled on the shape of a standard digital media player,{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=May 6, 2013 |title=The computer in the living room: setting up a Mac mini media center |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/220794/the-computer-in-the-living-room-setting-up-a-mac-mini-media-center.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002181306/https://www.macworld.com/article/220794/the-computer-in-the-living-room-setting-up-a-mac-mini-media-center.html |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |website=Macworld}} and runs the macOS operating system (previously Mac OS X and OS X).{{Cite web |title=Mac mini Technical Specifications |url=https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101003429/https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=November 11, 2020 |website=Apple Inc.}} It was initially advertised as "BYODKM" (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse), aiming to expand Apple's market-share of customers using other operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2021 |title=A high-end Mac Mini with 'Plexiglass' on top and thinner design could be in the works |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/a-high-end-mac-mini-with-plexiglass-on-top-and-thinner-design-could-be-in-the-works-7330737 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531043641/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/a-high-end-mac-mini-with-plexiglass-on-top-and-thinner-design-could-be-in-the-works-7330737 |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |website=The Indian Express}} Mac Mini was the company's only consumer computer that shipped without a paired display, keyboard, and mouse since its original release in 2005.{{Cite web |last=Casella |first=Anthony |date=November 14, 2018 |title=How to set up your new Mac mini |url=https://www.imore.com/how-setup-your-new-mac-mini |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729094133/https://www.imore.com/how-setup-your-new-mac-mini |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |website=iMore}}
Since the unibody redesign in 2010, the Kensington Security Slot and the optical drive were removed from all models,{{Cite web |last=Frakes |first=Dan |date=June 15, 2010 |title=Hands on with the new Mac mini |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/152061/2010/06/macmini2010handson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618054550/http://www.macworld.com/article/152061/2010/06/macmini2010handson.html |archive-date=June 18, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Macworld}} leaving internal storage spaces for either a second internal hard drive or an SSD, which can be ordered from Apple or as an upgrade kit from third party suppliers.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=Serenity |date=August 23, 2011 |title=iFixit's Mac Mini kit lets you add a second hard drive |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1161878/ifixits-mac-mini-kit-lets-you-add-a-second-hard-drive.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023003849/https://www.macworld.com/article/1161878/ifixits-mac-mini-kit-lets-you-add-a-second-hard-drive.html |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=Macworld}}
G4 polycarbonate (2005)
{{Anchor|First generation (G4 Polycarbonate)}}
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Mac-mini-1st-gen.jpg
| alt1 = Original Mac Mini, viewed above
| image2 = Mac mini G4 silent upgrade back.jpg
| alt2 = Rear view of a Mac Mini G4
| direction = vertical
| total_width = 220px
| caption1 = The first Mac Mini was intended as an entry-level computer for budget-minded customers.
| caption2 = Back panel of a Mac Mini (2005). Similar to other models up to 2009, with some differences: for example, models from 2006 onwards have more USB ports). Pictured from left to right and top to bottom, Power button, Kensington Lock, Power Input, Ethernet, Blanked Modem, DVI-I, x2 USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and 3.5mm Audio
}}
Apple's release of a small form factor computer had been widely speculated upon and requested before the Mac Mini.{{Cite web |last=Doctor Q |date=December 28, 2004 |title=$499 Headless iMac? [Updated] |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2004/12/29/499-headless-imac |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605192557/https://www.macrumors.com/2004/12/29/499-headless-imac |archive-date=June 5, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2021 |website=MacRumors}} In January 2005, the Mac Mini G4 was introduced alongside the iPod shuffle at the Macworld Conference & Expo; Apple CEO Steve Jobs marketed "The cheapest, and most affordable Mac ever".{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2005 |title=Apple unveils low-cost 'Mac mini' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4162009.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111161121/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4162009.stm |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Wiggers |first=Kyle |date=October 30, 2018 |title=A brief history of the Mac Mini |work=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/30/apple-updates-mac-mini-with-4-or-6-core-cpus-and-2tb-ssd |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420171158/https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/30/apple-updates-mac-mini-with-4-or-6-core-cpus-and-2tb-ssd |archive-date=April 20, 2021}} The machine was intended as an entry-level computer for budget-minded customers. In comparison to regular desktops, which use standard-sized components such as 3.5-inch hard drives and full-size DIMMs, the Mac Mini G4 uses low-power laptop components to fit into small cases and avoid overheating.{{Cite web |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |date=June 27, 2009 |title=Is Apple's Mac mini a MacBook inside? |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10274335-64.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806015844/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10274335-64.html |archive-date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=CNET}}
The aluminum case, the top and bottom of which is capped with polycarbonate plastic, has an optical drive slot on the front, and the I/O ports and vents for the cooling system on the back. It has an external 85W power supply.{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2014 |title=Mac mini: How to identify external power adapters on Mac mini models released before 2010 |url=http://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201823 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205004216/http://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201823 |archive-date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=February 4, 2015 |website=Apple Inc.}} Mac Mini G4 has no visible screws, reflecting Apple's intention the computer may not be upgraded by the user. Some Mac Mini owners used a putty knife or a pizza cutter to open the case to install third-party memory, which could be obtained more cheaply than Apple's offering.{{Cite web |last=Frakes |first=Dan |date=January 20, 2005 |title=The Mac mini: Inside and Out |url=http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2005/01/macminiinside/index.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704213234/http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2005/01/macminiinside/index.php |archive-date=July 4, 2008 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Macworld}}
The Mac Mini G4 is based on a single-core, 32-bit, PowerPC CPU with 512 KB of on-chip L2 cache. The processor, running at 1.25, 1.33, 1.42, or 1.5 GHz depending on the model, accesses memory through a front-side bus clocked at 167 MHz. The CPU can be overclocked to higher frequencies by either soldering or desoldering certain zero-ohm resistors on the logic board.{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2014 |title=Overclocking Apple Mac mini |url=http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/macmini |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214094614/http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/macmini |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2021 |website=Leo Bodnar Electronic}}{{Cite web |date=2014-10-12 |title=Overclock a Mac mini @ 1.67 GHz |url=http://www.hardmac.com/news/2005/05/12/overclock-a-mac-mini-1-67-ghz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012123622/http://www.hardmac.com/news/2005/05/12/overclock-a-mac-mini-1-67-ghz |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |access-date=2021-01-14 |website=Hardmac}}
An ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor (GPU) with 32 megabytes (MB) of DDR SDRAM was supplied as standard; in the final 2005 model, Apple added a high-end option of 64 MB VRAM.{{Cite web |title=Apple Mac mini G4/1.25 Specs |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac_mini_g4_1.25.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814093422/https://everymac.com/systemsapple/mac_mini/specs/mac_mini_g4_1.25.html |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2021 |website=EveryMac}} In Apple's early marketing of the Mac Mini G4, it touted the superiority of the discrete graphics board over the integrated graphics in many budget PCs.{{Cite web |title=Mac mini G4 Graphics |url=https://www.apple.com/macmini/graphics.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305044151/http://www.apple.com/macmini/graphics.html |archive-date=March 5, 2005 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Apple Inc.}}
The machine uses 333 MHz DDR SDRAM and has one desktop-sized DIMM slot for RAM, allowing a maximum of 1 gigabyte (GB) of memory, a relatively small amount. Because of the small amount of memory, the system often had to page against the hard drive, slowing operation considerably. The Mac Mini G4 uses a single 2.5-inch Ultra ATA/100 hard drive that offers a maximum transfer rate of 100 megabytes per second (MB/s). It is not possible to open the sealed enclosure to upgrade the hard drive without possibly voiding the warranty of the system.{{Cite web |year=2009 |title=Mac mini Late 2009 User Guide |url=http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Mac_mini_Late2009_UG.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331212054/http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Mac_mini_Late2009_UG.pdf |archive-date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Apple Inc. |page=60}} The Mac Mini G4 also contains a second ATA cable that connects to the optical drive. A Combo drive was included as standard while a SuperDrive that could write to DVDs was also an option.{{Cite web |title=Mac mini G4 Q&A – Updated March 11, 2007 |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/faq/differences-between-mac-mini-g4-models.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114205809/https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/faq/differences-between-mac-mini-g4-models.html |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |access-date=September 18, 2021 |website=EveryMac}}
The Mac Mini G4 has two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port. Networking is supported with 10/100 Ethernet and a 56k V.92 modem, while 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were additional, build-to-order options. External displays are supported via a DVI port, and adapters for VGA, S-Video, and composite video output were available. The system contains a built-in speaker and an eighth-inch stereo mini jack for analog sound output. The new Wi-Fi card no longer used an MMCX-Female connector for the antenna, as do prior models, but rather a proprietary Apple one.{{Cite web |title=Mac mini (original) – Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/sp65?locale=en_US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210919185000/https://support.apple.com/kb/sp65?locale=en_US |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}}
The Mac Mini G4 was initially supplied with Mac OS X 10.3, then later with Mac OS X 10.4, and can run Mac OS 9 applications, as long as a bootable copy of the OS 9 system folder is installed from which to run the Classic environment (although the Mac Mini G4 cannot natively boot to Mac OS 9). As of Mac OS X 10.5, the ability to run the Classic environment was removed. Later, Mac OS 9 was able to run on the Mac Mini G4 through an unofficial patcher, though this was not supported by Apple.{{Cite web |title=Mac OS 9.2.2 (Mac mini G4 Only) Previously Unsupported – Bootable ISO v9 |url=http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php?topic=4365.msg30502#msg30502 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727225917/http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php?topic=4365.msg30502#msg30502 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |website=Mac Os 9 Lives}} It is compatible with operating systems designed for the PowerPC architecture. Users can install the AmigaOS-compatible MorphOS, OpenBSD,{{Cite web |title=OpenBSD/macppc |url=http://www.openbsd.org/macppc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706120107/http://www.openbsd.org/macppc.html |archive-date=July 6, 2009 |access-date=April 17, 2016 |website=OpenBSD}} and Linux distributions such as Debian and Ubuntu.{{Cite web |last=Sowerbutts |first=William R |year=2006 |title=Linux on the Mac mini |url=http://sowerbutts.com/linux-mac-mini |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209001541/http://www.sowerbutts.com/linux-mac-mini |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |publisher=Sowerbutts}}{{Cite web |title=How to Install Power Linux on the Mac mini G4 |url=http://www.powerlinux.com/mini |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305075840/http://www.powerlinux.com/mini |archive-date=March 5, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Powerlinux}}{{Cite web |title=Debian GNU/Linux installation on PowerPC machines |url=http://www.debian.org/ports/powerpc/inst/install |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100517210721/http://www.debian.org//ports/powerpc/inst/install |archive-date=May 17, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Debian}}{{Cite web |last=Muto |first=Kenshi |title=Apple: Mac mini PowerPC G4 |url=http://kmuto.jp/debian/hcl/Apple/Mac+mini+PowerPC+G4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717083711/http://kmuto.jp/debian/hcl/Apple/Mac+Mini+PowerPC+G4 |archive-date=July 17, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Kmuto}}
= Technical specifications =
The serial number and specifications sticker on the underside of the latest revision do not carry the actual specs of the upgrade. For example, on a 1.5 GHz model, 1.42 GHz is listed. The product packaging also did not reflect the upgrade. Apple did not revise the official specifications on their website.{{Citation |last=Preimesberger |first=Chris |title=Apple Confirms Some Mac minis Have Unlabeled Upgrades |date=September 29, 2005 |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Apple/Apple-Confirms-Some-Mac-Minis-Have-Unlabeled-Upgrades |access-date=June 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914182415/https://www.eweek.com/apple/apple-confirms-some-mac-minis-have-unlabeled-upgrades |url-status=live |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-date=September 14, 2022}}
{{All are obsolete}}
| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable sticky-header sort-under mw-collapsible" style="font-size:small; text-align:center" |
| colspan=2 | Model
! colspan=2 style="background-color:#FF9999" | Early 2005 ! colspan=2 style="background-color:#FF9999" | Mid 2005{{Citation |title=Mac mini (original) – Technical Specifications |date=September 3, 2009 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP65 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621070619/http://support.apple.com/kb/sp65 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=June 21, 2010}} ! colspan=2 style="background-color:#FF9999" | Late 2005{{Citation |title=Apple Mac mini G4/1.25 Specs (M9686LL/A*) |url=http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/stats/mac_mini_g4_1.25.html |access-date=June 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618092725/http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/stats/mac_mini_g4_1.25.html |url-status=live |publisher=Kyle Media |archive-date=June 18, 2010}} |
|---|
| rowspan=2 | Timetable
! Released | colspan=2 | September 27, 2005 |
| Discontinued
| February 28, 2006 | July 26, 2005 | colspan=2 | September 27, 2005 | colspan=2 | February 28, 2006 |
| rowspan=3 | Model numbers
! Order number | M9686/A | M9687/A | M9686/A | M9971/B | M9686/B | M9687/B |
| Model identifier
| colspan=4 | PowerMac10,1 | colspan=2 | PowerMac10,2 |
| Model number
| colspan=6 | A1103 |
| rowspan=6 | Performance
| colspan=6 | PowerPC G4 (7447A) |
| Processor Clock speed
| 1.25 GHz | 1.42 GHz | 1.25 GHz | 1.42 GHz | 1.33 GHz | 1.5 GHz |
| Cache
| colspan=6 | 64 KB L1, 512 KB L2 (1:1) |
| Front-side bus
| colspan=6 | 167 MHz |
| Memory (one RAM slot)
| colspan=2 | 256 MB 333 MHz DDR SDRAM | colspan=4 | 512 MB 333 MHz DDR SDRAM |
| Graphics
| colspan="5" | ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32 MB DDR SDRAM | ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 64 MB DDR SDRAM |
| rowspan=3 | Storage
! Hard drive capacity | 40 GB | 80 GB | 40 GB | 80 GB | 40 GB | 80 GB |
| Hard drive type
| colspan=4 | 2.5" PATA/100 at 4200 rpm | colspan=2 | 2.5" PATA/100 at 5400 rpm |
| Optical drive
| colspan=3 | Slot-in Combo drive | Slot-in Combo drive or SuperDrive | Slot-in Combo drive or SuperDrive |
| rowspan=3 | Connections
! Connectivity | colspan=4 | Optional or integrated Wi-Fi 3 (802.11b/g) | colspan=2 | Optional or integrated Wi-Fi 3 (802.11b/g) with Bluetooth 2.0+EDR card |
| Peripherals
| colspan=6 | 2x USB 2.0 |
| Video out
| colspan=6 | DVI (supports resolutions up to 1920x1200) |
| rowspan=2 | Dimensions
! Weight | colspan=6 | {{Convert|2.9|lb|kg}} |
| Volume
| colspan=6 | {{Convert|2.0|in|mm}} H × {{Convert|6.5|in|mm}} W × {{Convert|6.5|in|mm}} D |
| colspan=2 | Power
| colspan=6 | 32W (Idle), 85W (Max){{Citation |title=Mac mini: Power consumption and thermal output (BTU) information |date=March 22, 2016 |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201897 |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021004917/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201897 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=October 21, 2017}} (1.25 GHz model with 256 MB RAM, 40 GB drive, and Combo drive) |
| rowspan=2 | Operating system
! Minimum | colspan=3 | Mac OS X 10.3 Panther | colspan=3 | Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger |
| Latest release
| colspan=2 | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard if at least 512 MB RAM installed, otherwise Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger | colspan=4 | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard |
Intel polycarbonate (2006–2009)
{{Anchor|Second generation (Intel-based Polycarbonate)}}
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Apple Mac Mini (March 2009) 03.jpg
| alt1 = The Intel polycarbonate Mac Mini
| image2 = Apple Mac Mini (March 2009) 02.jpg
| alt2 = Back panel of a Late 2009 3,1 model Mac Mini. Ordered from left to right, top row: power button, ventilation holes, Kensington lock slot, audio in, audio out. Bottom row: DC in, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, Mini DVI, Mini-DisplayPort, 5 USB 2.0 ports
| direction = vertical
| total_width = 220px
| caption1 = Mac Mini (Early 2006). Note the tiny black infrared sensor at the right of the disc slot.
| caption2 = Back panel of a Mac Mini (Late 2009). Pictured from left to right, top row: power button, ventilation holes, Kensington lock slot, audio in, audio out. Bottom row: DC in, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, Mini DVI, Mini-DisplayPort, 5 USB 2.0 ports
}}
In February 2006, Apple announced the first Intel Mac Mini, as part of the Mac's transition to Intel processors. Based on the Intel Core Solo and Duo CPUs, they are four times faster than its predecessor PowerPC G4.{{Cite web |last=Seff |first=Jonathan |date=March 8, 2006 |title=Intel-based Mac minis |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/179099/macmini-4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921014327/https://www.macworld.com/article/179099/macmini-4.html |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Macworld}}{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2006 |title=Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003041138/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}} This would be the only Mac to have the Core Solo, and by extension the only Intel-based and final Mac with a single-core processor. An updated server version of the machine was released in October 2009, having been marketed as an affordable server for small financial and academic uses; this model omitted the optical drive and used a hard drive instead.{{Cite web |last=Frakes |first=Dan |date=March 11, 2009 |title=Mac mini (Early 2009) |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/195473/mac-mini-2009.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121002846/https://www.macworld.com/article/195473/mac-mini-2009.html |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=Macworld}}{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2009 |title=Apple Unveils New iMac With 21.5 and 27-inch Displays |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4162009.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111161121/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4162009.stm |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |access-date=January 2, 2015 |website=BBC News}}
The 2006 and 2007 models are fitted with 32-bit Intel Core Solo or Duos, CPUs that is upgradable with the 64-bit Core 2 Duo processors.{{Cite web |last=Galan |first=Walter |title=Installing Mac mini Model A1176 Core 2 Duo Processor |url=http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-Mac-mini-Model-A1176-Core-2-Duo-Processor/1178/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107003524/http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-Mac-mini-Model-A1176-Core-2-Duo-Processor/1178/1 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |website=iFixit}} The 2006 and 2007 Merom-based Mac Mini models were supplied with socketed CPUs; the 32-bit processor can be removed, and replaced with a compatible 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Models manufactured in and after 2009 had their CPUs soldered onto a logic board, preventing its upgradability. The upgrades make the 2006/2007 models perform better than the 2009 models.{{Cn|date=December 2023}} Geekbench has shown the 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo fitted Mac Mini with 2 GB of RAM has a score of 3060 whereas a late 2009 Mac Mini with 2 GB of RAM has 3056 making the two machines fairly comparable.{{Cite web |title=2006 Mac mini with 2.33 GHz T7600 Geekbench data |url=http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/view/114123 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618072122/http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/view/114123 |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |website=Geekbench}}{{Cite web |title=Late 2009 Mac mini Geekbench data |url=http://www.primatelabs.com/blog/2009/10/mac-benchmarks-late-2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825111454/http://www.primatelabs.com/blog/2009/10/mac-benchmarks-late-2009 |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2012 |website=Geekbench}}
The built-in Intel GMA was criticized for producing stuttering video despite supporting hardware accelerated H.264 video playback, and disappointing frame rates in graphics-intensive 3D games.{{Cite web |last=Seff |first=Jonathan |date=March 9, 2006 |title=Intel-based Mac minis Review |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/49772/2006/03/macmini.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610003521/http://www.macworld.com/article/49772/2006/03/macmini.html |archive-date=June 10, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Macworld}} Early and Late 2009 models corrected these performance issues with an improved Nvidia GeForce 9400M chipset.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2009 |title=Apple Mac mini (nVidia GeForce 9400M) |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/mac-desktops/23530/apple-mac-mini-nvidia-geforce-9400m |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918044431/https://uk.pcmag.com/mac-desktops/23530/apple-mac-mini-nvidia-geforce-9400m |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2020 |website=PCMag}}
The Intel-based Mac Mini includes four USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port. The I/O ports were changed with the early 2009 revision, adding a fifth USB 2.0 and swapping the FireWire 400 port for a FireWire 800 port. An infrared receiver was added, allowing the use of an Apple Remote. Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and 802.11g Wi-Fi became standard and the Ethernet port was upgraded to Gigabit. A built-in 56k modem was no longer available.{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2006 |title=Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831235416/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}} The 2009 models added 802.11 draft-n and later 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth was upgraded from 2.0 to 2.1. External displays are supported through a DVI port. The 2009 models have Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort video output, allowing the use of two displays. The Mini DisplayPort supports displays with a resolution up to 2560×1600 at 60Hz, which allows use of the 30-inch Cinema Display. The Mini-DVI port supports displays with a resolution up to 3440x1440 at 30 Hz (21:9 UWQHD displays). The Intel-based Mac Mini has separate Mini-TOSLINK/3.5 mm mini-jacks that support both analog audio input and output, and optical digital S/PDIF input and output.{{Cite web |title=Mac mini (Early 2009) – Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/sp505?locale=en_US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830230733/https://support.apple.com/kb/sp505?locale=en_US |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}}{{Cite web |title=Mac mini (Mac OS X Server, Late 2009) – Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/sp578?locale=en_US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514173214/https://support.apple.com/kb/SP578?locale=en_US |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}}
= Technical specifications =
{{All are obsolete}}
Intel unibody (2010–2018)
{{Anchor|Third generation (Unibody)}}
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| total_width = 220px
| image1 = 2012 Mac Mini 1003.jpg
| alt1 = The 2011 model eliminated the optical drive.
| caption1 = The 2011 Mac Minis removed the optical drive.
| image2 = 2012 Mac Mini 1000.jpg
| alt2 = Back panel of a 2012 Mac Mini. From left to right power button, AC power supply plug, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, HDMI, Thunderbolt/Mini-DisplayPort, USB 3.0 ports, SDXC card slot, audio in, audio out
| caption2 = Back panel of a 2012 Mac Mini, showing ports
| image3 = Mac mini (2018) ports.jpg
| alt3 = Backpanel labels for the forth generation Mac Mini
| caption3 = Back panel of a 2018 Mac Mini, showing ports
}}
In June 2010, Apple redesigned the Mac Mini, giving it a more compact, thinner unibody aluminum case that has an internal power supply, an SD card slot,{{Cite web |title=Designed to put more power in less space. |url=https://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627051656/http://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html |archive-date=June 27, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Apple Inc.}} a Core 2 Duo CPU, and a HDMI port for video output that Apple marketed as HDMI 1.4 compliant, replacing the Mini-DVI port of the previous models.{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Malcolm |date=October 3, 2020 |title=Malcolm |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/10/03/hdmi-displayport-dvi-vga---everything-mac-ipad-and-iphone-users-need-to-know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813090015/https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/10/03/hdmi-displayport-dvi-vga---everything-mac-ipad-and-iphone-users-need-to-know |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=AppleInsider}}{{Cite web |title=Apple Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo" 2.4 (Mid-2010) Specs |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-2-duo-2.4-mid-2010-specs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003533/https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-2-duo-2.4-mid-2010-specs.html |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=EveryMac}}
In July 2011, a hardware update was announced; models were now fitted with a Thunderbolt port, dual-core Intel Core i5 and 4-core i7 CPUs, support for up to 16 GB of memory, Bluetooth 4.0, and either an Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics or an AMD Radeon HD 6630M dedicated graphics. The revision, however, removed the internal CD/DVD optical drive. The server model was upgraded to a quad-core Core i7 processor. Apple updated the line in October 2012, with Ivy Bridge processors, USB 3.0, and upgraded graphics.{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=October 23, 2012 |title=Apple announces updated Mac mini starting at $599 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3542576/apple-announces-updated-mac-mini-starting-at-599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003041135/https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3542576/apple-announces-updated-mac-mini-starting-at-599 |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |website=The Verge}} In October 2014, the line was updated with Haswell processors, improved graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 4K output via HDMI and Thunderbolt 2, with a second Thunderbolt port replacing the FireWire 800 port.{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2021 |title=Use 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202856 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905222431/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202856 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |website=Apple Inc.}} The Fusion Drive and SSD models include a second bay for PCIe-based NVMe flash storage; hard drive-only models require an aftermarket adapter.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-20 |title=Mac mini Late 2014 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac+mini+Late+2014+Teardown/30410 |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=iFixit |language=en}} The price of the base model was lowered by $100. Two holes that were used to open the case were removed from the case because the memory, being soldered to the logic board, was no longer upgradable. Because the integrated GPU does not have its own dedicated memory, the system shares some of the main system memory with it.{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Mac mini (Late 2014): Memory specifications |url=http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203091 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210023306/http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203091 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |website=Apple Inc.}}
Comparing the high-end models of both releases, the 2012 model has a 4-core, 8-thread Intel Core i7-3720QM whereas the 2014 model has a 2-core, 4-thread Intel Core i7-4578U. The 2014 updated model has Intel Iris graphics (GT3), which greatly outperforms the Intel HD Graphics 4000 (GT2) in the previous models.{{Cite web |last=Shimpi |first=Anand Lal |author-link=Anand Lal Shimpi |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Intel Iris & Iris Pro Graphics: Haswell GT3/GT3e Gets a Brand |url=http://anandtech.com/show/6926/intel-iris-iris-pro-graphics-haswell-gt3gt3e-gets-a-brand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022010613/http://www.anandtech.com/show/6926/intel-iris-iris-pro-graphics-haswell-gt3gt3e-gets-a-brand |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 19, 2014 |website=AnandTech}} The 2014 CPUs were more energy-efficient: their maximal thermal design power (TDP) was 62% lower than that of the 2012 models.{{Cite web |title=Intel Core i7-3720QM (PGA) vs i7-4578U |url=http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/277/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-3720QM_(PGA)_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4578U.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212162451/http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/277/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-3720QM_(PGA)_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4578U.html |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |website=CPU-World}}{{Cite web |title=Intel Core i7-3720QM (BGA) vs i7-4578U |url=http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/263/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-3720QM_(BGA)_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4578U.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212091857/http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/263/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-3720QM_(BGA)_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4578U.html |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |website=CPU-World}} The 2014 revision underwent internal process transition to dual-core CPUs, performing a lower-quality of multi-threaded workloads compared to the quad-core processors in the 2012 model, though the single-threaded workload interactions speeds increased.{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2014 |title=Estimating Mac mini Performance |url=http://www.primatelabs.com/blog/2014/10/estimating-mac-mini-performance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021192542/http://www.primatelabs.com/blog/2014/10/estimating-mac-mini-performance |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |access-date=October 19, 2014 |website=Primate Labs}}
In October 2018, Apple announced a "space gray"-colored Mac Mini with Intel Coffee Lake series CPUs, the T2 series chip for internal security, Bluetooth 5, four Thunderbolt 3 ports with USB 3.1 gen 2 support, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.0. PCIe-based flash storage is standard with no option to fit a hard drive. The baseline storage was changed to 128 GB with a maximum of 2 TB. RAM was increased to a baseline of 8 GB and a maximum of 64 GB of SO-DIMM DDR4. The chassis is a carryover from Mac Minis released between 2010 and 2014, and has the same dimensions, but its color was changed from silver to "space gray", similar to the iMac Pro.{{Cite web |last=Brant |first=Tom |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Apple's New Mac mini Kills the Entry-Level Mac |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/364698/apples-new-mac-mini-kills-the-entry-level-mac |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031234958/https://www.pcmag.com/news/364698/apples-new-mac-mini-kills-the-entry-level-mac |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |website=PCMag}}.
The 2018 Mac Mini removes legacy I/O such as the SD card reader, SATA drive bay, IR receiver, optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK) audio out, and audio in. macOS Catalina added support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 3, 2019 |title=Apple unveils new macOS update with iPad apps |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/3/18650205/apple-macos-catalina-10-15-update-announced-features-wwdc-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603190106/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/3/18650205/apple-macos-catalina-10-15-update-announced-features-wwdc-2019 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |access-date=June 3, 2019 |website=The Verge}} Memory can again be replaced.{{Cite web |last=O'Camb |first=Adam |date=November 7, 2018 |title=Mac mini late 2018 memory and replacement |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Late+2018+Memory+Replacement/115309 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108161737/https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Late+2018+Memory+Replacement/115309 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |website=iFixit}}. According to Apple, memory is not officially user-replaceable, and requires service by an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2021 |title=Upgrade or install memory in your Mac mini |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205041 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116055020/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205041 |archive-date=January 16, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |website=Apple Inc.}} The CPU and flash storage are soldered to the logic board and cannot be replaced.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2018 |title=Mac mini Late 2018 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac+mini+Late+2018+Teardown/115210 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019184016/https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac%2Bmini%2BLate%2B2018%2BTeardown/115210 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |website=iFixit}}
In March 2020, Apple doubled the default storage in both base models.{{Cite web |last=Jaffe |first=Justin |title=Apple's modest Mac Mini update: Twice the storage for the same price |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/apples-modest-mac-mini-update-twice-the-storage-for-the-same-price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319200827/https://www.cnet.com/news/apples-modest-mac-mini-update-twice-the-storage-for-the-same-price |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=CNET}} Apple discontinued the Core i3 model following the release of the M1 Mac Mini in November 2020, but continued to sell the Core i5/i7 models until January 2023.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Chance |date=2023-01-17 |title=Apple finally kills Intel Mac mini, leaving one Intel machine left |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/17/intel-mac-mini-discontinued |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301054138/https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/17/intel-mac-mini-discontinued/ |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}
= Technical specifications =
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#F99" |
| Obsolete{{Efn|name=Obsolete_macs_note}} | style="background:#FFDDDD" | | Vintage | style="background:#ffdead" | | Discontinued |
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="font-size:small; text-align:center" |
| colspan=2 | Model
! colspan=2 style="background-color:#FF9999" | {{Nowrap|Mid 2010/Mid 2010 Server}}{{cite web |title=Mac mini (Mid 2010) – Technical Specifications |date=June 15, 2010 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP585 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622043430/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP585 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=June 22, 2010}}{{cite web |title=Mac mini Server (Mid 2010) – Technical Specifications |date=June 15, 2010 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP586 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831222732/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP586 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=August 31, 2010}} ! colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF9999" | {{Nowrap|Mid 2011/Mid 2011 Server}}{{cite web |title=Mac mini (Mid 2011) – Technical Specifications |date=July 21, 2011 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP632 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811232433/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP632 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=August 11, 2011}}{{cite web |title=Mac mini Server (Mid 2011) – Technical Specifications |date=July 21, 2010 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP633 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025155854/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP633 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=October 25, 2011}} ! colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF9999" | Late 2012/Late 2012 Server{{cite web |title=Mac mini (Late 2012) – Technical Specifications |date=October 24, 2012 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP659 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028200058/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP659 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=October 28, 2012}}{{cite web |title=Mac mini Server (Late 2012) – Technical Specifications |date=October 30, 2012 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP660 |access-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113085815/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP660 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=November 13, 2012}} ! colspan=3 style="background-color:#FFDDDD" | Late 2014{{cite web |title=Mac mini (Late 2014) – Technical Specifications |date=October 16, 2014 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/SP710 |access-date=April 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217035021/http://support.apple.com/kb/SP710 |url-status=live |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-date=February 17, 2015}} ! style="background-color:#FFDEAD" | 2018{{Cite web |title=Mac mini (2018) – Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP782 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918044428/https://support.apple.com/kb/SP782?locale=en_US |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |access-date=November 28, 2018 |website=support.apple.com |language=en}} |
|---|
| colspan=2 | Released
| November 7, 2018 |
| colspan=2 | Discontinued
| colspan=2 | July 20, 2011 | colspan=3 | October 23, 2012 | colspan=3 | October 16, 2014 | colspan=3 | October 30, 2018 | January 17, 2023{{efn|Low-end model discontinued November 10, 2020}} |
| colspan=2 | Processor
| 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 | 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | colspan=2 |2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 | 1.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 |
| colspan=2 | Turbo Boost frequency
| colspan=5 | {{gray|—}} | 3.1 GHz | colspan=2 | 3.3 GHz | 2.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 4.1 GHz (i5) |
| colspan=2 | Cache
| colspan=2 | 3 MB L2 | 3 MB L3 | 3 MB L3 | 6 MB L3 | 3 MB L3 | colspan=2 | 6 MB L3 | 3 MB L3 | colspan=2 | 3 MB L3 | 6 MB (i3), 9 MB ( i5), 12 MB ( i7) |
| colspan=2 | Memory
| 2 GB 1066MHz DDR3 | 4 GB 1066MHz DDR3 | 2 GB 1333MHz DDR3 | colspan=2 | 4 GB 1333MHz DDR3 | colspan=3 | 4 GB 1600MHz DDR3 | colspan=1 | 4 GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 (soldered) | colspan=2 | 8 GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 (soldered) | 8 GB 2666MHz DDR4 |
| colspan=2 | Graphics
| colspan=2 | Nvidia GeForce 320M using 256 MB DDR3 SDRAM | Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 288 MB DDR3 SDRAM | AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics with dedicated 256 MB GDDR5 memory | Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384 MB DDR3 SDRAM | colspan=3 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | colspan=2 | Intel Iris Graphics 5100 |
| colspan=2 | Storage
| 2× 500 GB 7200 rpm HDD | 500 GB 5400 rpm HDD | 500 GB 5400 rpm HDD | 2× 500 GB 7200 rpm HDD | 500 GB 5400 rpm HDD | 1 TB 5400 rpm HDD | 2× 1 TB 5400 rpm HDD | 500 GB 5400 rpm HDD | 1 TB 5400 rpm HDD | 1 TB Fusion Drive | 256 GB SSD (before March 2020); 512 GB {{Gray|Configurable to 1 or 2 TB}} |
| colspan=2 | Optical drive
| 8x slot-loading SuperDrive | colspan=11 | {{Gray|None}} |
| colspan=2 | Network
| colspan=2 | Gigabit Ethernet | colspan=6 | Gigabit Ethernet | colspan=3 | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| colspan=2 | Peripherals
| colspan=2 | 4x USB 2.0 1x Mini DisplayPort | colspan=3 | 4x USB 2.0 | colspan=3 | 4x USB 3.0 | colspan=3 | 4x USB 3.0 | 2x USB 3.0 |
| rowspan=2 | Operating system
! Minimum | colspan=2 | Mac OS X 10.6.4 Snow Leopard | colspan=3 | Mac OS X 10.7 Lion | colspan=3 | OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion | colspan=3 | OS X 10.10 Yosemite |
| Latest release
| colspan=5 | macOS 10.13 High Sierra | colspan=3 | macOS 10.15 Catalina | colspan=3 | macOS 12 Monterey |
| colspan=2 | Greenhouse gas emissions |
| colspan=2 | Weight
| {{Convert|3.0|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|2.8|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | colspan=2 | {{Convert|2.7|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|3.0|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | colspan=2 | {{Convert|2.7|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|2.9|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | colspan=2 | {{Convert|2.6|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | {{Convert|2.7|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | colspan=2 | {{convert|2.9|lb|kg|abbr=on}} |
| colspan=2 | Dimensions
| colspan=13 | 1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 in (36 x 196 x 196 mm) |
Apple silicon unibody (2020–2023)
{{Anchor|Fifth generation (Apple silicon)}}
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Mac Mini 2020 silver.png
| alt1 = The Apple silicon Mac Mini
| image2 = Mac mini 2020 (M1) Anschlüsse.jpg
| alt2 = Back Panel labels for the Apple silicon Mac Mini
| direction = vertical
| total_width = 220px
| caption2 = Back panel of the Mac Mini (M1, 2020). Pictured from left to right, first row: power button, power port plug, Gigabit Ethernet/10 Gigabit Ethernet, 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), HDMI 2.0, 2 USB 3.0. Second row: ventilation holes, and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
| caption1 = Mac Mini (M1, 2020)
| align = right
}}
As part of the Mac transition to Apple silicon, Apple announced a new Mac Mini with the Apple M1 chip on November 10, 2020.{{Cite web |last1=Nicas |first1=Jack |last2=Clark |first2=Don |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Apple Introduces New Macs With the First Apple Chips |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/technology/apple-chips-intel.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916221214/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/technology/apple-chips-intel.html |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=The New York Times}} It was released on November 17, 2020, and was one of the first three Apple silicon-based Macs released (alongside the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro).{{Cite web |title=Apple Announces New 13-inch MacBook Pro With M1 Apple Silicon |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/10/new-13-inch-macbook-pro-apple-silicon-unveild |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202350/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/10/new-13-inch-macbook-pro-apple-silicon-unveild |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=MacRumors|date=November 10, 2020 }}{{Cite magazine |last1=Ashworth |first1=Boone |last2=Calore |first2=Michael |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Everything Apple Announced, From New Macs to New Chips |url=https://www.wired.com/story/everything-apple-announced-november-2020 |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902235155/https://www.wired.com/story/everything-apple-announced-november-2020 |archive-date=September 2, 2021}}
With the M1, this Mac Mini has a 3x faster eight-core CPU, a 6x faster GPU, and 15x faster machine learning performance than its predecessor, the base 2018 model.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Apple Mac Mini with M1 review: over-performer |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21570046/apple-mac-mini-2020-m1-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824173426/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21570046/apple-mac-mini-2020-m1-review |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=The Verge}} Options for more than 16 GB of RAM are not available on M1-based systems.{{Cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Apple's new M1 computers top out at 16 GB of RAM |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/10/21559200/apple-m1-macbook-pro-mac-mini-16gb-ram-memory-limit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212120118/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/10/21559200/apple-m1-macbook-pro-mac-mini-16gb-ram-memory-limit |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=The Verge}} Support for external displays is reduced to one display over USB-C/Thunderbolt, though a second display can be connected using HDMI; the previous Intel-based model could drive two 4K displays over USB-C/Thunderbolt.{{Cite web |title=How Apple Silicon on a M1 Mac changes monitor support and what you can connect |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/11/11/how-apple-silicon-on-a-m1-mac-changes-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113013511/https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/11/11/how-apple-silicon-on-a-m1-mac-changes-monitor-support-and-what-you-can-connect |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |website=AppleInsider|date=November 11, 2020 }} On April 20, 2021, 10 Gigabit Ethernet with Lights Out Management{{Cite web |title=Lights Out Management MDM payload settings for Apple devices |url=https://support.apple.com/ja-jp/guide/deployment/dep580cf25bc/web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107165408/https://support.apple.com/ja-jp/guide/deployment/dep580cf25bc/web |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2021 |website=Apple Inc. |language=ja}} was added as a built-to-order option.{{Cite web |title=Apple Now Offers $100 10Gb Ethernet Add-On for Mac Mini |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/20/mac-mini-10-gigabit-ethernet-add-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420200536/https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/20/mac-mini-10-gigabit-ethernet-add-on |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-20 |website=MacRumors |date=April 20, 2021 |language=en}} Its internal cooling system has a thermal-based design that according to Apple performs five times more quickly than the best-selling Windows-based desktop computer in its price range.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Introducing the next generation of Mac |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/11/introducing-the-next-generation-of-mac |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301173940/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/11/introducing-the-next-generation-of-mac/ |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}}
The price of the Apple silicon Mac Mini dropped US$100 from that of the previous model to $699. It added support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and 6K video output to run the Pro Display XDR. Externally, it is very similar to the 2018 Mac Mini but has a lighter, silver finish similar to that of the models released from 2010 to 2014.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Apple Mac Mini with M1 review: over-performer |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21570046/apple-mac-mini-2020-m1-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824173426/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/17/21570046/apple-mac-mini-2020-m1-review |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=The Verge}}
The release of the Apple silicon Mac Mini was preceded by the June 2020 release of the A12Z-based Developer Transition Kit, a prototype with a Mac Mini enclosure made for developers to port their apps to Apple silicon.{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2020 |title=Apple announces Mac transition to Apple silicon |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622185215/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Apple Inc.}} The 2020 DTK has 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and two USB-C ports.{{Cite web |last=Loyola |first=Roman |date=June 19, 2021 |title=Mac mini FAQ: What you need to know about Apple's smallest desktop Mac |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/230292/mac-mini-features-specifications-prices-faq.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824173807/https://www.macworld.com/article/230292/mac-mini-features-specifications-prices-faq.html |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=Macworld}}
On January 17, 2023, Apple announced updated models based on the M2 and M2 Pro chips. The updated models also include Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The M2 Pro model includes two additional USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and supports HDMI 2.1.{{Cite web |last=Mayo |first=Benjamin |date=2023-01-17 |title=Apple launches new Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chip, lower $599 starting price |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/17/apple-launches-new-m2-mac-mini |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301054224/https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/17/apple-launches-new-m2-mac-mini/ |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Apple announces updated MacBook Pro and Mac Mini models with new high-end M2 chipsets |url=https://www.dpreview.com/news/6882692029/apple-announces-new-macbook-pro-mac-mini-models-with-m2-pro-and-m2-max-chipsets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119203729/https://www.dpreview.com/news/6882692029/apple-announces-new-macbook-pro-mac-mini-models-with-m2-pro-and-m2-max-chipsets |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=DPReview}}
= Technical specifications =
{{mw-datatable}} {{sticky header}} {{sort under}}
| class="wikitable collapsible" style="text-align:center; width:100%; font-size: 85%"
! Model ! colspan="2" style="background:#ffdead" | M1, 2020{{Cite web|title=Mac mini (M1, 2020) – Technical Specifications |url= https://support.apple.com/en-us/111894|access-date=2024-08-04|website=support.apple.com}} ! colspan="3" style="background:#ffdead" | 2023{{Cite web|title=Mac mini (2023) – Technical Specifications |url= https://support.apple.com/en-us/111837|access-date=2024-08-04|website=support.apple.com}} |
| Release date
| colspan="2" | November 17, 2020 | colspan="3" | January 24, 2023 |
|---|
| Discontinued date
| colspan="2" style="background:#ffdead" | January 17, 2023 | colspan="3" style="background:#ffdead" | October 29, 2024 |
| Chip
| colspan="2" | 8-core Apple M1 chip | colspan="2" | 8-core Apple M2 chip |10-core Apple M2 Pro chip |
| CPU Cores
| colspan="2" | 4 performance / 4 efficiency | colspan="2" | 4 performance / 4 efficiency | 6 performance / 4 efficiency |
| Memory
| colspan="4" | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| {{rh}} | {{tooltip|2=At time of purchase, not upgradable after|Online configuration}}
| colspan="2" | 16 GB | colspan="2" | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| SSD
| 256 GB | 512 GB | 256 GB | colspan="2" | 512 GB |
| {{tooltip|2=At time of purchase, not upgradable after|Online configuration}}
| 512 GB | 1 TB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Network
| colspan="2" | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) | colspan="3" | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) |
| Ethernet
| colspan="5" {{yes|Gigabit speed, configurable to 10 Gb speed}} |
| Peripherals
| colspan="2" |2xThunderbolt 3/USB4 USB-C ports supporting charging and DisplayPort protocols among others | colspan="2" | 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports supporting charging and DisplayPort protocols among others | 4x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports supporting charging and DisplayPort protocols among others |
| USB-A port
| colspan="5" | Two USB-A ports |
| Greenhouse gas emissions
| 197 kg CO{{Sub|2}}e | 126 kg CO{{Sub|2}}e | 150 kg CO{{Sub|2}}e |
| Initial operating system
| colspan="2" | macOS 11 Big Sur | colspan="3" | macOS 13 Ventura |
Apple silicon small form factor (2024–present)
File:Mac_mini_2024.jpgApple introduced a redesigned Mac Mini in a significantly smaller chassis based on the M4 and M4 Pro chips on October 29, 2024. Its 5x5 inch size has been described as being slightly larger than the Apple TV 4K.{{Cite web |editor-last=Cross |editor-first=Jason |title=How small is the M4 Mac mini really? This small |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/2514485/how-small-is-the-m4-mac-mini-really-this-small.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Macworld |language=en}} It features three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports on M4 models or three rear Thunderbolt 5 ports on M4 Pro models. All models include an Ethernet port and HDMI port on the rear, and two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2024-10-27 |title=This is the Mac Mini's big moment |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/27/24278827/apple-mac-mini-m4-redesign-preview |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
The base memory is increased to 16GB for M4 models and 24GB for M4 Pro models, with the maximum configurable memory increased to 64GB. The SSD storage is modular and upgradeable, however, the internal SSD modules use proprietary connectors, and any replacement of the SSD modules requires a {{Abbr|DFU|Device Firmware Update}} restore, causing a loss of all data.{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=2024-11-08 |title=The new Mac Mini takes a small step towards upgradeable storage |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/8/24291328/mac-mini-removable-ssd-storage-nand-chips-upgradability |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
The M4 model supports up to three external displays via the Thunderbolt ports, running two 6K displays and one 5K display simultaneously. The M4 Pro model can support up to three 6K displays running at 60Hz.
= Technical specifications =
| class="wikitable mw-datatable sticky-header sort-under mw-collapsible" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center"
! Model ! colspan="2" style="background:#3d4;"| 2024{{Cite web|title=Mac mini (2024) - Tech Specs |url= https://support.apple.com/en-us/121555|access-date=2025-05-03|publisher=Apple Inc.}} |
| Released date
| colspan="2" |November 8, 2024{{Cite web |title=Mac mini |url=https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Apple |language=en-US}} |
|---|
| Chip
| 10-core Apple M4 chip | 12-core Apple M4 Pro chip |
| Memory
| 16 GB | 24 GB |
| Storage
| 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Networking
| colspan="2" |Wi-Fi 6E (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) |
| Connectivity
| 2× USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s) | 2× USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s) |
| Power
| colspan=2| 155 W Maximum continuous power |
| Dimensions
| colspan=2| {{convert|2.0|in|cm|abbr=on}} x {{convert|5.0|in|cm|abbr=on}} x {{convert|5.0|in|cm|abbr=on}} |
| Weight
| {{convert|1.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | {{convert|1.6|lb|kg|abbr=on}} |
| Total greenhouse gas emissions |
Supported operating systems
{{sticky header}}
| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header-multi" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center"
|+ Supported macOS releases |
| rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | macOS release
! colspan="3" | PowerPC-based ! colspan="10" | Intel-based ! colspan="3" | Apple silicon-based |
|---|
| class="unsortable" | Original
! class="unsortable" | Mid ! class="unsortable" | Late ! class="unsortable" | Early ! class="unsortable" | Late ! class="unsortable" | Mid ! class="unsortable" | Early ! class="unsortable" | Late ! class="unsortable" | Mid ! class="unsortable" | Mid ! class="unsortable" | Late ! class="unsortable" | Late ! class="unsortable" | 2018 ! class="unsortable" | 2020 ! class="unsortable" | 2023 ! class="unsortable" | 2024 |
| Mac OS 9
| colspan="3"{{Free|Partial or Emulation}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.2 Jaguar
| colspan="3"{{Free|Partial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.3 Panther
| {{Ya|text=10.3.7}} | colspan="2"{{Free|Unofficial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.4 Tiger
| {{Ya}} | colspan="2"{{Ya|text=10.4.2}} | {{Ya|text=10.4.5}} | {{Ya|text=10.4.7}} | {{Ya|text=10.4.10}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.5 Leopard
| {{Ya|text=With 512 MB RAM}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.5.6}} | {{Free|Unofficial}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.6 Snow Leopard
| colspan="3"{{Na}} | colspan="2"{{Ya|text=With 1 GB RAM}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.6.3}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.7 Lion
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | colspan="2"{{Partial|Patch, | colspan="2" {{Ya|text=With 2 GB RAM}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Free|Partial{{R|group=Note|Macmini6,x}}}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.8 Mountain Lion
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | colspan="2"{{Partial|Patch, | {{Partial|Patch, | rowspan="4"{{Ya|text=With 2 GB RAM}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya|text=10.8.1}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.9 Mavericks
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | colspan="2"rowspan="3"{{Partial|Patch, | rowspan="3"{{Partial|Patch, | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.10 Yosemite
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.11 El Capitan
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.12 Sierra
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | rowspan="3"{{Partial|Patch, | rowspan="3"{{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.13 High Sierra
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.14 Mojave
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 10.15 Catalina
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | colspan="4"rowspan="6"{{Partial|Patch, | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 11 Big Sur
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | rowspan="5"{{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 12 Monterey
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |
| 13 Ventura
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |rowspan="3" {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} |
| 14 Sonoma
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} |
| 15 Sequoia
| {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |
{{Reflist|group=Note|refs=
With system files patching or with a Merom processor upgrade.
Requires a Merom processor upgrade.
There are no graphics drivers available for the GMA 950 after OS X Mountain Lion.
}}
{{sticky header}} {{sort under}}
| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header-multi" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center"
|+ Supported Windows versions (Intel Mac Minis only) |
| class="unsortable" | OS release
! class="unsortable" | Early/Late 2006 ! colspan="2" class="unsortable" | Mid 2007–Mid 2010 ! class="unsortable" | Mid 2011 ! class="unsortable" | Mid 2012–Late 2014 ! class="unsortable" | 2018 |
|---|
| Windows XP {{Efn|name=XP32|Only 32-bit editions of Windows XP are supported.}}{{Efn|name=XPVista|Windows XP and Vista can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3 or earlier. This includes Mac OS X 10.6 or earlier and copies of Mac OS X 10.7 that have not been updated to Boot Camp 4.}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |
| Windows Vista {{Efn|name=XPVista}} | {{Optional|32-bit only}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} |
| Windows 7 {{Efn|name=Win732|The 32-bit version of Windows 7 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3.1 to 6.0. This includes OS X 10.11 and earlier. The 64-bit version of Windows 7 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3.1 or later, running macOS 10.13 or earlier. Later versions of macOS no longer support Windows 7.}} | {{Optional|32-bit only}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Optional|64-bit only}} | {{Na}} |
| Windows 8 {{Efn|name=Win8+|Only 64-bit versions of Windows are supported for Windows 8 and later.}}{{Efn|name=8.0|Windows 8 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 5.0 to 6.0. This includes OS X 10.11 and earlier.}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} |
| Windows 8.1 {{Efn|name=Win8+}}{{Efn|name=8.1|Windows 8.1 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 5.1 or later, running macOS 10.13 or earlier. Later versions of macOS no longer support Windows 8.1.}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} |
| Windows 10 {{Efn|name=Win8+}}{{Efn|name=Win10|Windows 10 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 6.0 or later. It is the only supported version of Windows on macOS 10.14 and later.}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Partial|Patch}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |
Reception
The Mac Mini has been praised as a relatively affordable computer with a solid range of features. Reviews noted it is possible to purchase small computers at the same price with faster CPUs, better graphics cards, more memory, and more storage. The small size has made the Mac Mini particularly popular for home theater use, and its size and reliability has helped keep resale values high.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:}}
The G4 model received a considerably lukewarm score among critics. Those at CNET positively identified it as an affordable, quiet, and compact machine, but they disliked the slow hard drive and that it only had two below-expected quantities of USB 2.0 ports. Ars Technica indicated criticisms on its non-user-upgradable RAM and storage options and the extra expensive fees for additional drives. Overall, they felt that the performance was fairly acceptable.{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2005 |title=Apple Mac Mini (PowerPC G4) review |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-powerpc-g4-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508140530/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-powerpc-g4-review |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website=CNET}}{{Cite web |last=Jade |first=Charles |date=November 1, 2005 |title=The Mac mini preview |url=https://arstechnica.com/features/2005/01/mac-mini |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126032131/https://arstechnica.com/features/2005/01/mac-mini |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website=Ars Technica}}
The Intel polycarbonate model was moderately praised. Engadget aggregated that critics generally praised the Core Duo transition, connectivity, and the Front Row performance. The listed reviewers inspected it to be about a 10 to 15% higher performance boost in media-center-related tasks. CNET admired its cost, software, home-theater system, and Windows compatibility. Despite this, they found criticisms on the poor video output graphic processing units, small hard drive, and the limited remote controllability and upgrade options. Ars Technica encountered it to be somewhat underpowered to play high-resolution HD streams at standard frame rates. They opposed the integrated graphics implemented within the model because it delivered marginal performance when compared to dedicated graphics processors.{{Cite web |last=Murph |first=D |date=September 23, 2006 |title=Apple's Mac mini Core Duo reviewed |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-09-23-apples-mac-mini-core-duo-reviewed.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126041003/https://www.engadget.com/2006-09-23-apples-mac-mini-core-duo-reviewed.html |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=Engadget}}{{Cite web |date=March 24, 200 |title=Apple Mac Mini (Intel) review |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-intel-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126041000/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-intel-review |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=CNET}}{{Cite web |last=Ecker |first=Clint |date=March 5, 2006 |title=Mac mini (Core Solo) |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/03/macmini |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126045715/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/03/macmini |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=Ars Technica}}
The unibody model reviews were tepid. Engadget praised the HDMI port, compact design, and power efficiency. They disputed its lack of Blu-Ray options on home theater and the expensive price. CNET wrote a positive review on the HDMI output and the near-decent graphics capability, citing criticisms on the limited user upgrade options and the high cost. The same sources of criticism were also mentioned in an Ars Technica review.{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=N |date=June 19, 2010 |title=Mac mini (mid 2010) review |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-06-18-mac-mini-mid-2010-review.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225113332/https://www.engadget.com/2010-06-18-mac-mini-mid-2010-review.html |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=Engadget}}{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Rory |date=June 25, 2010 |title=Apple Mac mini 2010 review: Apple Mac mini 2010 |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2010-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126184944/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2010-review |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=CNET}}{{Cite web |last=Fleishman |first=Glenn |date=January 3, 2010 |title=A review of the Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server |url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/01/mac-mini-with-snow-leopard-server-review.ars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504005016/http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/01/mac-mini-with-snow-leopard-server-review.ars |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}
The space gray model received lukewarm praise. The Verge praised its significant leap of power and speed and the high-quality port integration. They wrote negatively on its high-cost base model and the lack of GPU performance. In an Engadget review, it was admired for its compact design, versatile port selection, CPU performance, and that it was the least expensive in the Macintosh lineup, while criticisms included the limited GPU performance, expensive upgrade options, and the non-user-upgradable RAM. CNET wrote positively on its high-quality processor performances, the ports, and the Ethernet configuration; they criticized the non-replaceable integrated graphics and the expensive cost to purchase associated accessories and displays.{{Cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Apple Mac mini 2018 review: the mini gets mighty and pricey |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/16/18097117/apple-mac-mini-2018-review-upgrade-faster-more-powerful-features-price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921113429/https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/16/18097117/apple-mac-mini-2018-review-upgrade-faster-more-powerful-features-price |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Schodt |first=C |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Apple Mac Mini review (2018): A video editor's perspective |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-16-apple-mac-mini-2018-review.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329205124/https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-16-apple-mac-mini-2018-review.html |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Grunin |first=Lori |date=November 26, 2018 |title=Apple Mac Mini (2018) review: Apple teaches an old design new tricks |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2018-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109163516/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2018-review |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 26, 2021 |website=CNET |language=en}}
Reviews for the Apple silicon model were very positive in the media. Wired praised its relatively low-cost affordability and its integration of Apple Silicon; the latter was assessed as efforts of significant performance and power efficiency enhancements. Null experimented the system to be "peppy and responsive" without any crashes; however, he panned the transitional disabilities of the Silicon which discontinued supports for Intel-era system extensions.{{Cite magazine |last=Null |first=Christopher |author-link=Christopher Null |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Review: Apple Mac Mini (2020) |url=https://www.wired.com/review/apple-mac-mini-m1-2020 |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125041340/https://www.wired.com/review/apple-mac-mini-m1-2020 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021}} Similarly, ZDNet wrote positively on the price, processor units, compact design, and quiet performance. Nevertheless, they argued over the expensive non-user-installable RAM and storage upgrades and the non-discrete-or-external GPU.{{Cite web |last=Cliff |first=Joseph |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Mac Mini (Late 2020) review: Apple's most affordable M1 Mac offers great value for money |url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/apple-mac-mini-late-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029134248/https://www.zdnet.com/product/apple-mac-mini-late-2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=ZDNet}} Technical writers Samuel Axon (Ars Technica), Chris Welch (The Verge), and Jeremy Laukkonen (Lifewire) all gave high praises. Axon evaluated a positive grade on its high-quality performance and solid Legacy x86 macOS app compatibilities, citing the RAM and storage installment limitation as his chief element of criticisms. Agreeably, Welch emphasized appeals to the performance and the power efficiencies. In addition, he regarded negatively its external GPU incompatibility, low-quality speaker, and that it has fewer USB-C ports than the previous Intel model. Collectively, Laukkonen recited these debates.{{Cite web |last=Axon |first=Samuel |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Mac mini and Apple Silicon M1 review: Not so crazy after all |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/mac-mini-and-apple-silicon-m1-review-not-so-crazy-after-all/3/#h3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119095614/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/mac-mini-and-apple-silicon-m1-review-not-so-crazy-after-all/3/#h3 |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite web |last=Laukkonen |first=Jeremy |date=December 17, 2020 |title=Apple Mac mini (M1, 2020) Review |url=https://www.lifewire.com/mac-mini-m1-apple-review-5092828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112133515/https://www.lifewire.com/mac-mini-m1-apple-review-5092828 |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website=Lifewire}}
Home theater and server
= Home theater =
File:MiniHT.JPG application|alt=A 2008 Mac Mini as a home theater PC displaying the Front Row application interface]]
Due to its similarity, compact volume and functions, the Mac Mini is often used as a home theater PC or as an alternative to the Apple TV. The system has a native interface with Front Row software that is based on the original Apple TV interface.{{Cite web |last=Eaton |first=Kit |date=June 15, 2010 |title=Apple's New Mac mini: A Preview of the Next Apple TV |url=http://www.fastcompany.com/1660215/apple-mac-mini-tv-unibody-osx-ios-computers-design |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619234313/http://www.fastcompany.com/1660215/apple-mac-mini-tv-unibody-osx-ios-computers-design |archive-date=June 19, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Fast Company}}{{Cite web |last=Pince-Nez |first=Quincy |date=October 24, 2007 |title=Front Row on Leopard – Like getting an AppleTV for Free |url=http://www.9to5mac.com/appletv-in-leopard-32454235 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402181248/http://www.9to5mac.com/appletv-in-leopard-32454235 |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=9to5Mac}} Unlike the Apple TV, the Mac Mini is backward compatible with televisions that have only composite or S-Video inputs.{{Cite web |last=Gewirtz |first=David |date=November 11, 2020 |title=Inside the new Mac mini: Does Apple's M1 architecture really leave Intel behind? |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-new-m1-mac-mini-is-intriguing-but-its-trade-offs-may-hint-at-unspoken-internal-chipset-limitations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126120221/https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-new-m1-mac-mini-is-intriguing-but-its-trade-offs-may-hint-at-unspoken-internal-chipset-limitations |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=October 2, 2021 |website=ZDNet}}{{Failed verification|date=December 2022}}
Pre-2009 models have a video connector that is compatible with DVI, HDMI (video only), SVGA, S-Video, and composite video with appropriate adapters; for audio output, it has both the analog mini-headphone port and a digital optical fiber port.{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=May 31, 2006 |title=My multimedia Mac mini |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611172133/http://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Macworld}} The addition of a HDMI port on the 2010 Mac Mini simplified connection to high-definition televisions and home theater AV receivers. The HDMI port supports video resolutions of up to 1080p and eight-channel, 24-bit audio at 192 kHz, and Dolby Surround 5.1 and stereo output. The 2014 model added 4K output, and the 2018 model supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, and uses the macOS Catalina operating system.
= Distributed computing =
Sound On Sound{{'s}} Mark Wherry said the Mac Mini was useful for distributed audio processing of audio plugins using Logic Node, a companion tool to Logic Pro.{{Cite magazine |last=Wherry |first=Mark |date=May 2006 |title=Universal Binaries & Mac Mini |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/universal-binaries-mac-mini |magazine=Sound on Sound |access-date=2023-05-14}}{{Cite magazine |last=Wherry |first=Mark |date=April 2005 |title=Setting Up Logic Node |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/setting-logic-node |magazine=Sound on Sound |access-date=2023-05-14}} Writing for MacTech magazine, university IT director Mary Norbury-Glaser demonstrated the use of Xgrid on a Mac Mini.{{Cite magazine |last=Norbury-Glaser |first=Mary |date=2006 |title=Build Your Own Supercomputer From Your Macs Laying Around: How to employ Tiger's Xgrid to build clusters and to contribute to grid/cluster projects |url=http://preserve.mactech.com/articles/mactech/Vol.22/22.01/BuildYourOwnSupercomputer/index.html |magazine=MacTech |volume=22 |issue=1 |access-date=2023-05-14}}
= Server =
Apple offered a server configuration of the Mac Mini that was originally supplied with the OS X Server operating system, a version of OS X, but this was later switched to the standard version of OS X with a separate OS X Server package. The file included component applications such as "Server App" and "File Sharing". In June 2011, it was available from Mac App Store for other Macintosh computers.{{Cite web |title=Mac OS X Lion With 250 New Features Available in July From Mac App Store |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2011/06/06Mac-OS-X-Lion-With-250-New-Features-Available-in-July-From-Mac-App-Store |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819140919/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2011/06/06Mac-OS-X-Lion-With-250-New-Features-Available-in-July-From-Mac-App-Store |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021 |website=Apple Inc.}} The Mid-2010 Mac Mini Server was initially the only model without an optical drive, which was replaced with a second hard drive. The Mid 2011 models also eliminated the optical drive.{{Cite book |last=Rizzo |first=John |title=Mac OS X Lion Server For Dummies |publisher=Wiley |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-118-17748-8}}
The Mac Mini Server hardware was discontinued in the Late 2014 model. The macOS Server software package, however, could be purchased from the Mac App Store.{{Cite web |title=OS X Server |url=https://www.apple.com/osx/server |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125090829/http://www.apple.com/osx/server |archive-date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=November 23, 2014 |website=Apple Inc.}} In 2018, coinciding with the release of macOS Mojave, Apple shipped macOS Server version 5.71, which stopped bundling open-source services including DHCP, DNS, email, firewall, FTP, RADIUS, VPN, Web, and Wiki. Apple states customers are able to receive support for these services directly from open-source providers. Other Apple-proprietary services such as Airport, Calendar, Contacts, Messages, and NetBoot were also removed with no corresponding open-source options.{{Cite web |last=Vigo |first=Jesus |date=November 29, 2018 |title=Apple macOS Server (2018): Cheat sheet |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-macos-server-2018-cheat-sheet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111332/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-macos-server-2018-cheat-sheet |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2019 |website=TechRepublic |language=en}}
Alternative operating systems for Mac users include Linux and virtualized Windows; they can also install third-party Unix packages via open-source package managers such as Conda, Fink, Homebrew, MacPorts, Nix, pkgsrc, and Rudix.{{Cite web |title=Slant – 8 Best Mac package managers as of 2019 |url=https://www.slant.co/topics/511/~best-mac-package-managers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712122140/https://www.slant.co/topics/511/~best-mac-package-managers |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |access-date=March 5, 2019 |website=Slant Magazine}} A few services, such as caching, files, Time Machine, and Web, were moved to the macOS Mojave client but can have limited configuration capability via the Sharing control panel. The Apache server GUI manager is replaced by apachectl commands in Terminal. The only services remaining in macOS Server 5.7.1 are Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan.{{Cite web |title=Prepare for changes to macOS Server 5.7.1 |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208312 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203135610/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208312 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2019 |website=Apple Inc.}}
Some have used Mac Minis as replacements for Apple's discontinued Xserve rack-mounted servers.{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=2016-10-09 |title=Life after death for Apple's Xserve |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/10/life-after-death-for-apples-xserve/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}} Providers like AWS, Macstadium, and Scaleway provide the ability to rent Mac Minis located in their data centers, a process called colocation. These can be used as continuous integration servers (also known as build servers) for Xcode, or used for application testing.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Jonny |date=2021-02-02 |title=How to rent a virtual M1 Mac mini for 12 cents an hour |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3605768/how-to-rent-a-virtual-m1-mac-mini-for-12-cents-an-hour.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Computerworld |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Jonny |date=2019-08-13 |title=MacStadium announces cloud-based Mac IaaS for developers |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3431659/macstadium-announces-cloud-based-mac-iaas-for-developers.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Computerworld |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Moren |first=Dan |date=April 6, 2017 |title=In praise of the versatile Mac mini |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/229868/in-praise-of-the-versatile-mac-mini.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Macworld |language=en}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{official website}}
- {{Commons-inline|Category:Mac mini|Mac Mini}}
- {{Wikibooks inline|Special:Search|Mac Mini}}
- {{Wikiversity inline|Special:Search/Mac Mini|Mac Mini}}
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Category:Computer-related introductions in 2005