Apple today unveiled the highly anticipated M4 Mac mini, bringing a fresh, compact design alongside significant upgrades under the hood. With a starting price of $599, the new model is available with either the standard M4 chip or a more powerful M4 Pro option starting at $1,399. This latest iteration is part of Apple’s broader shift to M4 silicon across its devices, which includes the recently announced M4 iMac and potentially upcoming MacBook Pros as well.

The new Mac mini’s smaller design is a standout, measuring just five inches in width and length—about the size of an Apple TV. Despite its compact form, Apple assures users it remains capable of handling intense workflows, thanks to an innovative thermal architecture that manages heat through carefully positioned air channels and venting via its base. This design means that even under heavy workloads, the new Mac mini can maintain performance without overheating.

Connectivity has seen some changes, too. Apple has dropped USB-A ports, leaning fully into USB-C and Thunderbolt with a total of five ports, including three Thunderbolt ports and two USB-C ports, along with HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The switch to all USB-C reflects Apple’s broader trend of adopting newer connectivity standards. Additionally, the M4 Pro model now includes Thunderbolt 5, which supports even faster data transfer speeds.

Inside, the M4 Mac mini offers substantial power boosts, with the M4 Pro featuring up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. Memory options are also flexible, going up to 32GB for the standard M4 and 64GB with the Pro model. Storage is customizable up to an impressive 8TB, ensuring the device can handle even the most demanding applications.

Apple’s week of announcements seems to underscore a focus on more powerful, AI-ready devices that integrate well with the new Apple Intelligence ecosystem. With pre-orders available now and retail release on November 8, this launch sets a high bar for Apple’s M4-powered lineup, which will soon include new MacBook Pros.