The Mini lineup from Apple is on the brink of an exciting upgrade. Recent rumors suggest that devices such as the M4 Mac Mini and the iPad Mini 7 are set to receive a significant boost in power, efficiency, and safety, sparking anticipation among tech enthusiasts and Apple devotees alike.
The Mac Mini, known for its compact size and powerful performance, may come with stronger hardware, while the iPad Mini may bridge the gap between portability and performance.
Mac Mini: The Compact Powerhouse Gets Even Stronger
Apple hasn't modified the Mac Mini's design in many years, but they may slim it down with the upcoming one. According to Mark Gurman, the 2024 Mac Mini will be the smallest desktop computer with five USB-C ports, an HDMI port, an ethernet port, and a power cable.
Rumors also suggest that the new Mac Mini will be equipped with Apple's M4 and M4 Pro chips, skipping the M3 line entirely. This chipset features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while Apple also has an M4 chip variant with a 9-core CPU, so they're unlikely to use it in the Mac Mini. They may be reserving it for the upcoming iPad Pro and MacBook Air.
The 2024 Mac Mini may have 16 GB and 32GB of RAM options. This will allow the device to support Apple Intelligence features better.
iPad Mini: Big Power in a Small Package
According to Macrumors, the 2024 iPad mini will likely feature the same 8.3-inch display with an all-display design. However, Apple may make a small tweak in the display to cut down jelly scrolling (lag when scrolling through text-based context like a vertical web page).
Unlike the Mac Mini, the iPad Mini may not get an M series chip this year. Apple is expected to use the A17 Pro chips that were previously in the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, they may also go with the A18 chip that comes with the iPhone 16.
The iPad mini is currently available in space grey, starlight, pink and purple. However, Apple always refreshes color options with updates, especially in the Mini-series. So, there’s a possibility that Apple may release some new colors for the 2024 iPad Mini. These new color options could enhance the iPad Mini's appeal to a wider range of users, making it a more personalized and stylish device.
Along with all of this, the camera may get support for HDR 4 and have a wider aperture. The Wi-Fi will be upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E, connecting it to the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. This upgrade has the potential to significantly improve the iPad Mini's internet speed and stability, making it a more reliable device for online tasks. Bluetooth 5.3 is also expected, and the iPad mini may lose its nano-SIM slot. Lastly, the device may only support the Apple Pencil Pro.
Release Timeline and Pricing
Rumors suggest a late release for the Mac Mini and the iPad Mini, probably November 1, 2024 – but that's still to be confirmed.
The estimated launch price for the Mac Mini is expected to be $599. On the other hand, the iPad mini may cost $499.
What These Upgrades Mean for Users
The 4M Mac Mini's enhanced power and expanded memory options will make it an even more attractive choice for professionals seeking a capable desktop solution. Its improved graphics, storage and connectivity options will reassure developers, video editors and designers about their investment.
The spec bump in the iPad Mini 7 could make it an even more versatile portable device. Whether you're a student, professional, or creative, the 2024 iPad Mini will empower you to easily handle any task, making it perfect for those who are always on the move.