Apple introduced a major design change when it announced the M4 and M4 Pro versions of the Mac mini, with the compact computer featuring a smaller footprint but housing exceptionally efficient and powerful internals. The company will likely retain this exterior when it officially unveils an updated version that can either be configured with an M5 or M5 Pro. According to the latest report, a new variant is apparently being tested, meaning a launch could transpire in a few months.
Other than a specifications bump, the M5 or M5 Pro Mac mini will likely not offer anything noteworthy
People close to Apple’s plans have informed AppleInsider that development work is being done on an updated version of the Mac mini featuring the unique identifier J873g. Last month, the same publication revealed that another machine with the identifier J873s was being tested, leading to the conclusion that it was a refreshed Mac. For reference purposes, the M4-powered version features the model number J773g, while the more powerful version kitted out with the M4 Pro sports the unique identifier J773s.
Judging by this information, there is almost a guarantee that a new Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro configurations will be available for purchase. Unfortunately, apart from a slightly improved chipset, we doubt Apple will bring anything that sets it apart from the current model. However, one of the biggest perks of owning the Mac mini was that, even now, no computer can match its ‘price to performance’ ratio. On Amazon, the base model with 16GB of unified RAM and a 256GB SSD is going for $499, with the option of doubling the internal storage for $689.
As for the M4 Pro version, it ships with 24GB of unified RAM and a 512GB solid-state drive, with the configuration listed for $1,255.34. These prices are some of the most competitive in the industry, and given that Apple would receive flak for overpricing its hardware a few years ago, it shows just how much the company’s stance has changed. Assuming the technology giant offers the same unbeatable value for the M5 and M5 Pro options by stamping the newer Mac mini with an affordable price tag, we believe that it will become one of the best miniature desktops to buy in 2025, that is, if Apple officially launches the hardware later this year.
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