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Definition: Mac mini
The smallest Mac desktop computer, the Mac mini weighs less than three pounds and comes in a 7.7" square case only 1.4" thick. Introduced in 2005 with PowerPC G4 processors, Intel-based units came out the following year.
First Mac Desktop with Apple Chips
In 2021, the mini was Apple's first desktop computer to offer the ARM-based M1 CPU with a 16-core neural engine for AI processing. In 2023, Apple upgraded the mini with M2 chips. See xMac, Apple M series, Mac models and Mac computer.
Mac Mini Expansion
A Mac Mini
Early Mac Mini
The Mini's Predecessor
First Mac Desktop with Apple Chips
In 2021, the mini was Apple's first desktop computer to offer the ARM-based M1 CPU with a 16-core neural engine for AI processing. In 2023, Apple upgraded the mini with M2 chips. See xMac, Apple M series, Mac models and Mac computer.
CURRENT MINI MODELS
CPU GPU SSD Max
CPU Cores Cores Storage RAM
Chip Min/Max Min/Max (GB) (GB)
M2 Pro 10-12 16-19 256-8192 32
M2 8 10 256-2048 24
PREVIOUS GENERATIONS
M1 8 8 256-2048 16
Intel i5 6 - 512-2048 64
Intel i7 6 - 512-2048 64
Both Intel and ARM models have similar expansion; however, Intel offers USB 3 while ARM jumps up to USB 4 (M1 and M2 have two USB 4 ports; M2 Pro has four). See USB 4. (Images courtesy of Apple Inc.)
Dwarfed next to an Apple 30" monitor, this 2012-vintage mini was wired to a backup drive and USB hub. Like all desktop computers, a mouse, keyboard and monitor are required to operate a mini.
This earlier mini model had a built-in optical drive. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)
In 2000, the G4 Cube was Apple's first compact Mac. Award winning in its design, the Cube was soon dropped due to overheating and other maladies. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)