mac mini cruises 2023

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: forget Windows 11, this is the best PC you can buy

Apple’s little pc gets a big upgrade.

TechRadar Verdict

The Mac mini (2023) is by far the best mini PC you can buy right now. Apart from the design, Apple has improved its most affordable Mac by every metric: it’s more powerful, comes with an option for an even more powerful M2 Pro chip, and the price of its base model is cheaper than ever. If you’re looking for a compact PC to sit unobtrusively on your desk, in a studio, or even under a TV, this is an excellent choice – even die-hard Windows users may be tempted.

More powerful than ever

Compact design

New lower price

Not upgradable

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Price & availability
• Performance
• Should you buy it?
• Also consider
• How I tested

Apple Mac mini (2023): Two-minute review

The Apple Mac mini (2023) was a surprise launch alongside the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) and MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) , and while a lot of attention has focused on the two new laptops, it would be a crime to ignore the Mac mini (2023).

While we were all expecting Apple to announce the M2 Pro and M2 Max, alongside follow-ups to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks from 2021 at some point, the new Mac mini was a genuine surprise, and once more details emerged, that surprise turned increasingly pleasant.

The Apple Mac mini (2023) now comes with an M2 chip – the same powerful SoC that can be found in the latest MacBook Air (M2, 2022) and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) , and that offers a substantial boost in performance compared to the M1 Mac mini from 2020 .

However, Apple also surprised everyone by announcing a version of the Mac mini (2023) that comes with the brand-new M2 Pro chip. This is also featured in the high-end MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch and offers a huge amount of power. Along with more unified memory (up to 32GB), the Mac mini (2023) is now a seriously impressive workstation PC.

Perhaps best of all, Apple has packed all this new power into the same compact dimensions that many of us have come to love about the Mac mini. You’d be seriously pushed to find a computer that matched the performance on offer here in a similar size.

Apple’s final surprise regarding the Mac mini (2023) may be the best, however, as the base model now comes with a new lower starting price of $599 / £649 / AU$999. This is incredible value for money, and after using the Mac mini (2023) for a range of tasks, including ultra-high definition video editing and music creation, I can safely recommend this to pretty much anyone.

Once again, the Mac mini has quietly won us over without having to hog the limelight.

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: Price and availability

• New, cheaper starting price
• Base model just $599 / £649 / AU$999
• M2 Pro model starts at $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$1,999

The Mac mini (2023) had a surprise announcement on January 17, 2023, with pre-orders going on sale as soon as the news broke. Pre-orders will start arriving on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, the same day that it’ll also be available in Apple stores and from other retailers.

However, people in Australia will need to wait a little longer, with deliveries starting on February 3, 2023. Apple has not commented on the reason for this delay, but I assume it’s down to logistics.

The appearance of the new Mac mini wasn’t the only surprise, as Apple also announced a new starting price of $599 / £649 / AU$999 for the base model. This is a welcome deviation from the trend of gadgets getting more expensive with each passing year, and it’s $100 / £100 / AU$150 less than what the original Mac mini M1 debuted at.

This base configuration comes with an M2 chip (the same found in the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) that launched last year), which is a step up from the M1 chip found in the 2020 model, and also comes with 8GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. That price is incredibly compelling, as you’re getting a compact PC you can fit almost anywhere, and as we’ve seen with the M2 MacBooks last year, the M2 chip offers excellent performance, even when it comes to workloads such as video editing and rendering.

It's by far the best value mini PC you can buy right now, with other compact PCs either more expensive, such as the Intel NUC , or nowhere near as powerful. The closest Windows-based mini PC out there is the Geekom Mini IT11 , which is slightly cheaper, but does not offer the same sleek design, nor does its quad-core Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor and integrated graphics come anywhere close to rivaling the M2 chip.

The base model alone, then, is impressive enough already, but you can configure it to perform even better. You can upgrade the amount of memory up to 24GB for an additional $400 / £400 / AU$600, and you can get up to 2TB storage, which will cost you an additional $800 / £800 / AU$1,200.

You can also get the Mac mini (2023) with the new M2 Pro chip, which launched alongside the PC, and features in the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) and MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023). This is an exciting development, as it’s the first time a professional-grade chip has been included in the Mac mini, turning it into a viable compact workstation for creatives, and anyone who wants extra power in a small PC, but finds the asking price of the Mac Studio to be too high.

The Mac mini with M2 Pro starts at $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$1,999, and this will get you an Apple M2 Pro chip with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, along with 16GB memory and 512GB SSD storage.

For an additional $300 / £300 / AU$450, you can get a more powerful M2 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU. Upgrading to 32GB memory will cost you $400 / £400 / AU$600, and is the only memory upgrade option.

• Price score: 5/5

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: Specs

Apple Mac mini (2023) comes in three main configurations; two with the M2 chip and one with the M2 Pro chip. Currently, there are no Mac mini models that come with the more powerful M2 Max chip, and no news regarding whether such a model will appear later down the line.

Each of these options can be configured to change the chips, add more memory (up to 24GB with the M2 and up to 32GB with the M2 Pro), and increase the available storage up to 2TB (8TB for the M2 Pro model).

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: Design

• Same design as previous model
• Small enough for any desk
• More ports on the M2 Pro version

The Mac mini (2023)’s design is pretty much identical to the Mac mini from 2020, and that’s no bad thing. It remains small and unobtrusive, with a solid metal case and the large Apple logo on the top.

It’s small enough to place almost anywhere. You could hide it behind a monitor and turn it into an iMac-like device . In fact, Apple recommends doing exactly this with its Studio Display monitor, but I’m not too sure, as I wasn’t much of a fan of that display, and there are much better and more affordable screens out there (check out our best monitors for the Mac mini guide for our recommendations).

The M2 Mac mini is exactly the same in terms of things like weight and depth, at 1.41 x 7.75 x 7.75-inches (3.58 x 19.70 x 19.70 cm) and 2.6lbs / 1.18kg (the M2 Pro weighs more, however, at 2.8lbs / 1.28kg) and support for headphone jacks (the M2 Mac mini supports high-impedance headphones as well). However, when you look around the back, you’ll notice some slight changes.

In terms of ports, the M2 Mac mini has two Thunderbolt 4 ports (four for the M2 Pro version), two USB-A ports, and one HDMI port. It also has a gigabit Ethernet port for internet and network connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E is also built-in). The HDMI port of the M2 version can output at 4K and 60Hz, while the M2 Pro model can output up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz.

The Mac mini (2023) also features built-in speakers, giving you sound notifications and text-to-speech capabilities via Siri without the need for plugging in speakers, which is particularly useful for accessibility.

Overall, the design remains pretty unchanged, but I don’t really mind. It does the job so well at being a compact and sleek PC that it doesn’t need much in the way of improvements. Unlike some mini PCs, the Mac mini isn’t modular or upgradable, which remains a shame, but as an Apple device, it’s probably not too surprising.

• Design score: 4/5

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: Performance

• Big step up in performance compared to M1
• M2 Pro is excellent
• Keeps quiet and cool

Here’s how the Mac mini (2023) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Cinebench R23 CPU: Single-Core: 1,649; Multi-Core: 14,786 Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,954; Multi-Core: 15,266 PugentBench Photoshop: 978 Premier Pro: 894 Blender: Monster: 126.88; Junkshop: 73.03; Classroom: 56.62

The Apple Mac mini with M2 features the same 8-core CPU/10-core GPU silicon that we saw in the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch in 2022. I reviewed both those models for TechRadar, and I found the performance of the M2 to be an impressive jump compared to the M1 chip. Apple’s certainly getting comfortable with making computing chips.

The model I got in for review is the M2 Pro model, but I’m reasonably sure that the performance of the Mac mini (2023) with the M2 chip will be pretty close to the M2 models of the MacBook Air and 13-inch Pro. If that is indeed the case – and I’ll hopefully get hold of an M2 Mac mini at some point to confirm – then you’re looking at an impressively versatile mini PC that, for the price, easily outperforms the competition. If you were disappointed with the price rise of the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), then the Mac mini (2023) with M2 is almost half the price  - though, of course, no screen, keyboard, or mouse is included in the price.

The M2 Pro model finally makes the Mac mini a PC worthy of consideration if you’re looking at doing intensive creative work on it, and you can get two variants of the M2 Pro: the 10-core CPU/16-core GPU version (with six performance and four efficiency cores) and a 12-core CPU/19-core GPU version (with eight performance cores/four efficiency cores).

I performed similar tests on the Mac mini as I did with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review , including editing 8K movie files and making projects in Ableton Live 11 using a MIDI keyboard, and as with the MacBook, the new Mac mini performed brilliantly. Running synthetic benchmarks, such as Cinebench, which puts the chip under heavy graphical and computational loads, again showed just how close the new MacBook Pro 16-inch and Mac mini perform. 

The model of Mac mini I used has an M2 Pro with a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU, 1TB storage, and 16GB of memory, which will cost $1,799 / £1,899 / AU$2,749, if you configure it on Apple's website. A 16-inch MacBook Pro would set you back $2,699 / £2,899 / AU$4,299. That's quite a difference in price, and while you're not getting a screen with the Mac mini (and the display of the 16-inch MacBook Pro really is fantastic), or the portability, the fact that the Mac mini offers such close performance for so much less really is impressive.

Apple has made big strides in improving the efficiency of the M2 Pro chip, and while that is arguably more important when it comes to the MacBook, as better efficiency can lead to longer battery life, it’s also welcome with the Mac mini. Due to its compact size, the Mac mini can keep working without producing too much heat, and that means it also doesn’t need to use its fans that often, leading to a pleasingly silent PC. In these days of ever-higher energy bills, the efficiencies brought in by the M2 and M2 Pro are certainly welcome, especially if you’re planning on using the Mac mini for long periods of time.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Mac mini (2023)?

Buy it if....

You want a compact PC Apple has done it again – this is the best compact PC you can currently buy, regardless of which model you go for.

You want an affordable way to get a Mac At $599 / £649 / AU$999, the base model is brilliant value, and the cheapest way to get hold of a new Mac.

You were eying up the Mac Studio The Mac Studio is a fantastic compact PC for serious workloads, but the Mac mini (2023) kitted out with the M2 Pro is a very compelling alternative for a lot less money.

Don't buy it if...

You want a mobile device While the Mac mini has the style and performance of the most recent MacBooks, it’s not a device you can use anywhere – it needs to be plugged into a monitor and power.

You want an upgradable PC The Mac mini isn’t modular, and it can’t be opened up and tinkered with. If you want a mini PC that you can upgrade in the future, then look elsewhere.

You don’t like macOS As an Apple product, you’re going to have to make do with macOS Ventura. It’s a perfectly fine operating system, but if you’re determined to stick with Windows or Linux, you’ll need to consider an alternative.

Apple Mac mini (2023) review: Also consider

If our Apple Mac mini (2023) review has you considering other options, here are two more mini PCs to consider...  

Geekom Mini IT11 If you want a compact, affordable, mini PC that runs Windows 11 Professional, rather than macOS, then the Geekom Mini IT11 is worth looking into. It’s around the same price as the base model of the Mac mini (2023), though it doesn’t offer the same level of performance or polish. However, it is upgradable to some extent, whereas the Mac mini isn’t.

Check out our Geekom Mini IT11 review

Intel NUC 11 Extreme The Intel NUC 11 Extreme is a powerful mini PC that is a decent alternative to the Mac mini (2023) with an M2 Pro chip. It can be configured up to an  Intel Core i9-11900KBn and can even come with an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, making it better at gaming than the Mac mini, and not too bad at video editing either. Check out our Intel NUC 11 Extreme review

How I tested the Apple Mac mini (2023)

• I used the Mac mini over a weekend as my main computer
• I edited 8K video on it and performed other tasks
• I ran our usual suite of standardised benchmarks

Apple delivered the Mac mini (2023) at the same time as the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), which I also reviewed, and I spent several days using both products. I also spent a weekend using the Mac mini (2023) as my main PC and wrote up parts of the review using it.

I loaded up some 8K video files to see how the Mac mini handled intensive creative tasks, as well as transcoded a 1080p video and browsed the internet using both Safari and Chrome. I also created some multi-track music projects in Ableton Live, which is a popular tool for recording music.

I’ve reviewed and used many small form factor PCs throughout my career, including all of the latest Mac minis, and have used this experience to compare the Mac mini (2023) with its nearest rivals.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2023

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.

Nvidia asserts dominance over 'basic AI PCs' running NPUs with its GPU hardware

Ruh-roh, Boston Dynamics Spot put a dog costume on Spot and it's downright adorable

Could generative AI work without online data theft? Nvidia's ChatRTX aims to prove it can

Most Popular

Article updated on January 23, 2023 at 6:44 AM PST

Apple M2 Mac Mini 2023 Review: M2 and M2 Pro Chips Boost This Tiny Desktop

Better performance keeps the Mac Mini a top pick for podcasters and content creators.

Our Experts

• Author of the award-winning, NY Times-reviewed nonfiction book The Tetris Effect; Longtime consumer technology expert for CBS Mornings

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Mac Mini (2023)

• Low starting price
• Wide range of configuration options
• Adds Wi-Fi 6E
• Least expensive model has fewer ports, small storage
• RAM can only go up to 32GB
• Some component upgrades feel pricey

Editor's note: Our Mac Mini review was originally published on January 23, 2023. It's since been updated with new test results, including storage speed scores. 

Now available in a new, more powerful version, the Mac Mini desktop is one of Apple's longest-standing product lines, dating back to 2005 (in a pre-Intel version), a year before the first MacBook . All these years later, it retains the same basic shape and appeals to much of the same audience. Unlike MacBook Pro and Air laptops, or the iMac desktop, the Mini is designed to work behind the scenes, fitting into small spaces and pairing with your choice of display and input devices. 

Sometimes called the podcaster's favorite computer, that description still applies to this new iteration of the Mac Mini . And, with an optional M2 Pro processor from Apple's chip line, the new Mini can take on more complex multimedia assignments on par with the also-new M2 Pro MacBook Pro. 

Read more : M2 Pro MacBook Pro 16 Review: Apple Peps Up Its Creative Workhorse

At $599 (£649, AU$999) to start, the Mini also remains the least expensive way to get a MacOS computer by a large margin. The relatively ancient M1 MacBook Air from 2020 is the closest competitor price-wise, at $999. The M2 Pro version of the Mac Mini starts at $1,299. 

System configurations

As a long-time Mac reviewer , the relative affordability of the Mini line is still one of its most important selling points. Especially if you have your own display and maybe your own keyboard/mouse setup, the Mac Mini gets you all the advantages of MacOS, and its speciality chops in design, audio production, and photo and video editing, for a lot less. 

The last time I tested a new Mac Mini was the last time there was a new Mac Mini . That was in fall 2020, when the very first Apple Silicon products were released. They included the MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Mini, each with the original M1 chip. 

Since then, the Mac Studio from early 2022 offered a bigger, more powerful take on the small-form-factor Apple desktop, with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips. And that system, even without an M2 update, is still more powerful in many cases than the new Mac Mini, which only goes up to an M2 Pro. 

Apple's chip-naming system is clearer than some others but still confusing if you don't follow it closely. The M1 family has grown to include the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M1 Ultra (basically a doubled-up M1 Max). The M2 family started with the stock M2 and has just added M2 Pro and M2 Max versions. It's the Pro/Max/Ultra suffix that really tells you which chip is more powerful. An M1 Pro is still more powerful than a base M2 and so on. But… the number of CPU and GPU cores available in some configurations can also juggle the rankings and relative performance. 

That means the Apple desktop ecosystem is very thinly sliced indeed. Right now, the Mac Mini offers M2 and M2 Pro versions, the Mac Studio has M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips, so I wouldn't say there's direct overlap. The higher-end M2 Pro Mac Mini starts at $1,299, while the least expensive Mac Studio, with the M1 Max, starts at $1,999. 

A tale of two Minis

The two new Mac Mini versions differ in both the chip and some configuration options. The M2 model starts with 8GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 16GB or 24GB. Storage starts at 256GB and can go up to 2TB. The M2 Pro version starts at 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage and is upgradable to 32GB and 8TB. 

Another difference is that the M2 Pro model has four thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports on the back panel, while the M2 version has only two. And while the M2 Pro can support up to three displays, or one with 8K/60Hz resolution, the M2 model can support two displays and tops out at 6K/60Hz. 

The M2 Pro version on top has four Thunderbolt 4 ports; the M2 version below it has only two. 

The two models tested here are the base $599 Mac Mini with the 8-core CPU/10-core GPU M2 chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage; and an upgraded version with the 12-core CPU/19-core GPU M2 chip, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, for a total of $1,799. 

A podcaster's dream

Where other Apple products have had their moment in the sun and faded into extinction, like the 27-inch iMac or  12-inch MacBook , the Mac Mini has always floated just under the radar. It's not the first Mac you think of, but it's always there. I attribute that to its second life, perhaps originally unintended, as the perfect computer for small production studios. 

That could mean a small to midsize recording studio for music and voice-overs, or a home office setup for audio or video podcasts. That's an area where dedicated computers are in danger of becoming obsolete, as popular new platforms like TikTok are built around shooting and editing directly from your phone. 

But as an occasional social media poster, and podcast guest and host, over the years, there's still no comparison between even advanced phone-based editing and using something like Final Cut or Premiere Pro on a desktop or laptop to produce your creator content, even if it'll eventually end up as a small vertical social video. 

And especially for audio, the Mac Mini still feels like an excellent all-around solution. I recorded some video voice-over on the Mac Mini for this review, using Audacity and an external mic. As expected, I had no problems, even running multiple sound-shaping plugins (although for a very basic task like this, a standard budget Windows machine could do the same). 

I asked one of my team's video editors to throw a decently chunky Premiere Pro project on both the M2 and M2 Pro versions of the Mac Mini. 

Video producer-editor Bobby Oliver loaded up a 4K/24 Premiere project with some graphics/titles and color correction. He said on the base $599 Mac Mini with the M2 chip, "It was doable, but while editing I had to play the video in the program window at the lowest quality setting to avoid stuttering, but even then I got some minor stuttering." He said the system would be fine for regular FHD video, but he thought the 8GB of RAM in the base model was a performance obstacle. The base-model Mac Mini with the 256GB SSD also has slower read/write speeds than other configs, similar to the M2 MacBook Air, because of how the storage is either split into two NAND chips , or uses just one. The results of a basic SSD speed test are below. 

Then he tried the same project on the M2 Pro version, which had 16GB of RAM. In that case, he said, "That one felt almost flawless. I could preview the video at full resolution and only had some minor stuttering when I hit the graphics. I could move easily around the timeline without any delay. Color correction didn't seem to be an issue. I would definitely use it as an editing machine." 

In our benchmark tests, the different levels of M1 and M2 chip performance are also clear, in part because the CPU and GPU core counts and clock frequencies have risen generation-over-generation. Generally, the Mac Studio desktop with the M1 Max chip from 2022 is the overall most powerful Mac we've tested – in situations where it has the most cores. The Mini and Air with M2 chips outperformed their predecessors with M1 chips, and similarly, the M2 Pro systems beat the M1 Pro systems. Apple's well-marked strata of chip versions generally tells you what to expect once you figure out the language, but it can still be tricky.

Overall, I appreciate how you can get similar performance in either a desktop or laptop by choosing the same chip/RAM combo, making for easier comparison shopping; but note that the desktops and larger laptops have some inherent thermal advantage with better cooling that can add a small performance boost. 

Is the Mac finally a gaming machine?

Well, no. Although in its promotional materials, Apple leans a little more heavily into promoting the gaming chops of the M2 chips. The company calls out performance for the upcoming Mac version of Resident Evil Village, saying the M2 Mac Mini has 35% faster performance in that game over the 2020 M1 version, and that the M2 Pro version is 2.8x faster. 

But your game experience is going to be greatly impacted by many factors, including choice of display, either the Apple Studio display, Apple's favored LG displays or something else; and by the still-limited game selection on MacOS , largely constrained by the desktop-friendly games in Apple Arcade, games in the Mac App Store and the MacOS section in online game stores like Steam. 

Right now, the top-selling MacOS games on Steam include Civilization VI (2016), Rust (2018), Project Zomboid (2013) and, of course, Baldur's Gate 3 (2020 in beta, but officially releasing summer 2023).

While there's nothing especially new on the gaming front for this hardware or the new M2 chips (besides faster performance), I decided to give it another shot as a game machine. Pre-Apple-Silicon, you could at least dual-boot into Windows to play PC games on Mac hardware. Now, you're mostly limited to native Mac games or cloud streaming – Nvidia Geforce Now is great paired with a big 24-inch iMac display, for example. 

Connecting a standard Xbox controller via Bluetooth (a Sony DualSense controller will work, too), I spent some time with Baldur's Gate 3 and Hades . The high screen resolution of the Mac Studio Display I used added some extra challenge, and I turned up the in-game graphic settings as high as possible. Mac versions of games often have fewer graphics options than the Windows versions. 

On the M2 Mac Mini, Baldur's Gate 3 needed to get its resolution pulled down to 2,560x1,440 pixels and graphics settings set to medium to feel playable. On the M2 Pro version, I used the same resolution but could play at Ultra settings. Hades ran great on even the base Mac Mini. In both the GPU-intensive 3D Mark and the GeekBench Metal test, we can see some additional daylight between the M2 and M2 Pro, as indicated in the charts below. 

Who should buy this?

A MacBook Air is easy to visualize in action – stick it in your backpack or shoulder bag and hit the coffee shop or airport. An iMac is a great centralized family room computer or a home office command center, especially if you spend a lot of time in Zoom or other video meetings. The Mac Mini is more specialized in some ways, but also has potentially broader appeal because of its low starting price. 

The base M2 version of the Mac Mini, starting at $599, feels like it's for entry-level buyers who want a MacOS system at the lowest possible price; audio and video producers who are already committed to a collection of external displays, input devices and storage drives; or anyone who needs a portable mini desktop that can be thrown in a bag and hooked up at an office or recording studio. Also worth noting, the Mac Mini has an Ethernet port, HDMI output and USB-A ports, which are great for expansion and hard to find in some other Macs, even very expensive ones. 

The main downside to that base model is the relative skimpy RAM and storage. Unlike a Windows machine, MacOS can actually get along fine in most mainstream cases with 8GB of RAM, but the included 256GB of storage feels like it'll get filled quickly. Jumping up to 512GB adds an extra $200, which is a big premium for a budget computer (but also offers potentially faster read/write speeds). 

The M2 Pro version offers a sizable raw performance jump, plus better RAM and internal storage options, but if you're considering that, then the MacBook Pro and even the Mac Studio should also be part of your comparison shopping.

I think the base M2 Mac Mini is going to be a smart, clear choice for a lot of people. The more powerful, more expensive M2 Pro version isn't as clear cut, but I appreciate the flexibility having both the M2 and M2 Pro versions adds, allowing you to spend anywhere from $599 to $4,499 on a new Mac Mini that meets your specific needs, whether that's creating pro-level YouTube videos or recording and producing the next great true crime podcast.

Geekbench 5 (multicore)

Geekbench 5 metal, cinebench r23 (multicore), 3dmark wild life extreme unlimited, the best laptops in every category, computing guides.

• Best Laptop
• Best Chromebook
• Best Budget Laptop
• Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
• Best 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best Windows Laptop
• Best Macbook
• Best Gaming Laptop
• Best Macbook Deals
• Best Desktop PC
• Best Gaming PC
• Best Monitor Under 200
• Best Desktop Deals
• Best Monitors
• M2 Mac Mini Review
• Best PC Speakers
• Best Printer
• Best External Hard Drive SSD
• Best USB C Hub Docking Station
• Best Keyboard
• Best Webcams
• Best Laptop Backpack
• Best Camera to Buy
• Best Vlogging Camera
• Best Tripod
• Best Waterproof Camera
• Best Action Camera
• Best Camera Bag and Backpack
• Best E-Ink Tablets
• Best iPad Deals
• Best E-Reader
• Best Tablet
• Best Android Tablet
• Best 3D Printer
• Best Budget 3D Printer
• Best 3D Printing Filament
• Best 3D Printer Deals
• Dell Coupon Codes
• Newegg Promo Codes
• HP Coupon Codes
• Microsoft Coupons
• Anker Coupons
• Logitech Promo Codes
• Western Digital Coupons
• Monoprice Promo Codes
• A4C Coupons

Apple Mac Mini (2023) review: Mac Studio junior

With two processor choices — one for everyday computing, the other for conquering creative work — apple’s littlest mac has never been more appealing..

By Chris Welch , a reviewer specializing in personal audio and home theater. Since 2011, he has published nearly 6,000 articles, from breaking news and reviews to useful how-tos.

Photography by Amelia Holowaty Krales

Share this story

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Before the Mac’s resurgence a few years ago, the idea that Apple might produce a machine like the new Mac Mini was a distant dream. The company’s compact desktop was rarely updated and mostly ignored — we often waited many years between major refreshes. But things eventually started clicking for the entire Mac portfolio. The disastrous butterfly keyboard was retired. Real buttons replaced the MacBook Pro’s underused touch bar. And it all hit a fever pitch when Apple introduced its own processors — first in speedy laptops that also established new highs for battery life and then in desktops like the redesigned iMac and wicked-fast Mac Studio . 

The Mac Mini was part of the first wave of Apple silicon products in 2020, and it was a strong performer in a tiny package. But it was also a minimal effort release that came with some tradeoffs: namely, the M1 Mac Mini topped out at 16GB of RAM and had fewer ports than the Intel-powered model, which Apple continued to sell until the introduction of this Mac Mini last week. Now powered by either the M2 or M2 Pro chip, the 2023 version of the Mac Mini retains the same overall design but upgrades numerous specs, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and (optionally) HDMI and ethernet, depending on how much you spend. 

Of course, the biggest upgrade of all is performance.

How we rate and review products

The new Mac Mini is available with a choice of two processors: one is a great choice for a household Mac, while the other is clearly aimed at prosumers that will push the envelope a bit. The cheaper model starts at $599 ($100 less than the M1 model started at) and is powered by Apple’s M2 chip. Just like the 13-inch MacBook Pro , this version includes eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.

As my colleague Monica Chin wrote in their review of the MacBook Pro, single-core performance is extremely impressive and makes everyday tasks and apps feel ever so slightly faster than the already brisk M1. Apple says the M2 chip also puts up better multicore and graphics numbers. Assuming the regular Mini performs similarly to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, it should be able to handle all of the browser tabs you can muster and multitask with aplomb. As for other software, a majority of the apps I use now run natively on Apple silicon except for one or two outliers like Amazon Music. Those programs still work fine thanks to Apple’s Rosetta software, but you won’t find a need for it nearly as often as when the first M1 machines debuted in 2020.

Lined up against the M2 MacBook Air , the Mini should be able to sustain top performance for longer stretches of time without throttling. This is for a couple of reasons. First, it’s got a fan inside (unlike the Air), and there’s also a ton of open space in its enclosure , so the Mini just runs cool by design since its silicon isn’t tightly packed into a laptop frame. 

I’d recommend the standard M2 Mac Mini for anyone looking for a general purpose desktop Mac — assuming you’ve already got a monitor, keyboard, and mouse at the ready. It’ll offer robust performance and is perfectly capable of photo editing and light video work. Apple has given the new machine faster Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6E) and the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. By default, the ethernet jack is capable of gigabit speeds, but you can opt for blistering 10-gigabit ethernet for an extra $100. Similar to the M1 Mac Mini, M2 models get two USB-C ports (now Thunderbolt 4) and two USB-A ports — plus a headphone jack and HDMI 2.0 output.

Wireless keyboard owners beware

Apple could really do a better job supporting third-party Bluetooth keyboards and mice during initial setup of the Mac Mini. As it stands, you either need wired peripherals or Apple’s own wireless products. I had a USB transceiver for my Logitech mouse and ergonomic keyboard, and thankfully, that also worked fine. But it’s possible to be caught in an annoying situation where you’ll need to borrow wired accessories from a friend to get started. That seems blasphemous in 2023. Apple should just let people set up their Bluetooth devices as soon as the Mini powers on for the first time.

However, as tempting as the $599 price tag on the entry-level Mini is, we generally recommend getting more than the base 8GB of RAM. Even without intensely pushing the machine, you’re likely to force the system to swap memory to the SSD. And while Apple’s unified memory architecture can make this mostly imperceptible while working, I’d still point most people toward the $799 configuration (with 256GB of storage and 16GB RAM) as the true “starter” option. It’s a better buy if you plan to keep your Mini for several years and through several new releases of macOS. And you’re still getting a price cut: an M1 Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM started at $899.

The new Mac Mini is more powerful but also more affordable

But I haven’t been testing the regular M2 Mini. Instead, over the last several days, I’ve been using the M2 Pro model with 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores. So far, it’s been an absolute screamer worthy of the “Mac Studio junior” moniker — and then some. In benchmarks, its Cinebench single-core and multicore CPU scores bested last year’s M1 Max MacBook Pro. And the added GPU cores over the standard M2 made a noticeable difference when exporting 4K footage or gaming. As our Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark shows, that graphics horsepower isn’t quite on the level of Apple’s Max chips since they have even more GPU cores to spare. But it’s a big step up from what the standard M2 Mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro are capable of. The M2 Pro Mac Mini flew through editing 40-megapixel RAW files from the Fujifilm X-T5, and while I’m no videographer myself, it didn’t show any strain when working with high-bitrate 4K test footage in our tests. I have yet to hear the fans whir up at any time — even during extended benchmark tests. 

The pricier M2 Pro Mini has other benefits beyond sheer speed. You get a total of four USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports — back on par with the old Intel model in quantity — plus a more modern HDMI 2.1 port. Its more powerful GPU can also support up to three external displays, one more than the M2 Mac Mini. Increased I/O and greater display flexibility will make the M2 Pro Mac Mini much more appealing to certain people. But great things never come cheap: you’ll pay a minimum of $1,299 for a Mini with the M2 Pro chip, and that one’s got 10 CPU and 16 GPU cores. The configuration I tested, with two more CPU and three more GPU cores, 1TB of storage, and 16GB of RAM, costs $1,799. 

Mac Mini (2023) benchmarks

At that point, you’re bumping up against the price of a base Mac Studio, which comes with that more graphics-capable M1 Max chip. The Mini I’d personally want, with a 2TB SSD, 32GB of RAM, and 10-gigabit ethernet, would run $2,699. Ouch.

But remember that there’s no such thing (yet) as an iMac with an M2 Pro inside. So for anyone who wants a Mac desktop but finds the Mac Studio to be overkill — and it’s exactly that for many use cases — this M2 Pro Mini could make a ton of sense. And it doesn’t cost anywhere near as much. The only port I’ve missed from the Studio and my MacBook Pro is the built-in SD card slot. But even without that, you’re left with a ton of possibilities from this generous helping of ports. I do wish one or two of those Thunderbolt 4 ports were on the front of the Mini; alas, you’ve still got to reach around back to get at everything.

Agree to Continue: Apple Mac Mini (2023)

Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we started counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate.

In order to get past the setup and actually use the Mac Mini, you are required to agree to:

• The macOS software license agreement, which includes Apple’s warranty agreement and the Game Center terms and conditions

These agreements are nonnegotiable, and you cannot use the Mini at all if you don’t agree to them.

There are also several optional agreements, including:

• Location services
• Using an iCloud account adds iCloud terms and conditions and Find My location services
• Sending crash and usage data to Apple to help app developers
• Allowing Apple to use your Siri transcripts to improve voice recognition
• Apple Pay terms and conditions

That’s three mandatory agreements and six optional ones.

Apple doesn’t offer any discounts on the Studio Display or the company’s keyboard and mouse accessories when bundled together with the Mini, which is a shame. Even so, part of the Mini’s charm dates back to that “BYODKM” phrase that Steve Jobs used when introducing it in 2005 : you’re free to bring whatever display, keyboard, and mouse you like best and pair them with this powerful Mac mini-tower. This can open up potential desk setups that aren’t possible with Apple’s own gear. You’re not constrained to a 60Hz monitor, for instance. I did feel the sting of losing Touch ID when I switched away from Apple’s Magic Keyboard in favor of my own, but I can live without it. The idea of phasing out my large, heavy MacBook Pro for a powerful Mac Mini rig at home — and a lighter M2 MacBook Air or 12.9-inch iPad Pro when on the move — is really growing on me.

It shouldn’t be surprising that the 2023 Mac Mini is the best version of the product that Apple has pulled off yet. It looks the same but benefits greatly from the M2 platform, and that’s true whether you choose the standard chip or invest in the powerful M2 Pro. Either way, you also gain better Wi-Fi and can expect very few bumps this far into the Apple silicon transition. Spend more on the M2 Pro, and on top of the mighty speed, you’ll get to take advantage of even more Thunderbolt 4 ports and more external displays. 

If you’ve been waiting for the in-betweener Mac that’s more capable than the iMac and less exorbitant than the Mac Studio, look no further. The new Mac Mini is still small and not the type of computer that calls attention to itself on your desk, but it’s never been more mighty.

The drinking fountain button is tragically misunderstood

The apple vision pro’s ebay prices are making me sad, rabbit r1 review: nothing to see here, automatic emergency braking at speeds up to 90mph required under new rule, turns out the rabbit r1 was just an android app all along.

More from this stream Monday’s top tech news: the beginning of the end for Windows 10

Ios 16.3 is now available with a big focus on security, harley quinn wants you to get yours this valentine’s day, lightyear has stopped production on its solar-powered ev after three months, two new wyze cameras appear to be in the works.

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

Apple Mac Mini (2023) review: Faster, cheaper, better

Apple Mac Mini M2

Pros and cons.

• $100 cheaper than its predecessor
• Just as capable as systems costing many times as much
• 10%-20% performance boost over M1 generation
• Storage is slower than previous-gen models
• Still limited to just two displays
• Prices jump quickly for upgraded configs

In November 2020, Apple introduced its first M1 Mac Mini . The $700-plus PC made a huge splash almost instantly thanks to the shocking capability of Apple's first-gen, first-party silicon to provide as much power as systems costing several times as much. The relatively inexpensive unit quickly became the darling of shoppers looking for an affordable second PC for the den, small businesses wanting a reliable desktop, and even creative professionals on a budget. 

Now, Apple is back a little over two years later with an upgraded M2 version of the same system that, to the surprise of many, launched at a $100 discount from the previous model.

Also:  Mac Mini (M2) vs. Mac Studio: Which is better?  

While the cheaper base configuration of the new system does include slower onboard storage (more on this later), it also provides processing performance superior to its already impressive ancestor. The result is a desktop system that makes it so that most other general-purpose desktops and midrange workstations will need to not only justify their pricing but also their need to exist at all. 

Specifications

Video review.

Build and features

This will be an easy section to get through for anyone familiar with the original M1 Mac Mini , as the M2 Mac Mini is, at least on the outside, physically identical. It has all of the same ports, the same size and weight (within a few ounces), and the same external features. 

Just like its predecessor, the M2 Mac Mini doesn't have an overabundance of ports, but it's got enough to handle nearly all home uses and the majority of professional workstation setups. The only limitation that still irks somewhat is the mere two display outputs (one HDMI and one Thunderbolt 4). 

Also:  This $75 dock turns your Mac Mini into a Mac Studio (sort of)

Thankfully, there are ways to  reconfigure this to add a second Thunderbolt monitor that will work with the M2 model, as well as some external docking stations that can support additional displays. 

Available ports: two Thunderbolt 4, one HDMI, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, one Gigabit Ethernet, and one 3.5mm headphone jack.

Unlike the M1 generation, you also now have the option to upgrade to the M2 Pro model, which supports three displays. It still doesn't quite match the number of displays supported by older, Intel-based Mac Minis, but it is a step in the right direction if this is a limitation that concerns you.

Performance

The single most impressive thing about the M1 Mac Mini was its performance. While the M2 Mini doesn't provide the massive step up from its direct predecessor that the M1 provided over Intel-based Mac Minis, it does offer enhancements. Testing both systems using the well-respected Geekbench 5 benchmark (seen below) showed the single-core performance of the M2 is about 10% higher than the M1, while its multicore results jumped an even more impressive 22%.

The 2023 (M2) Mac Mini results are on the left, while the 2020 (M1) Mac Mini results are on the right.

Figures like this are great ways to quantify performance upgrades, but what's more important is how the system actually feels to the user. To that end, I'll note that there was a detectable, consistent benefit when performing a task on the M2 versus the older, otherwise identical, M1 model. 

Photoshop workflows, for instance, felt faster, with any action that required a load time seeming about 25% speedier to me, on average. Similar speed boosts were detectable across other photo, video, and sound editing software as well. General tasks like browsing the web showed fewer perceptible benefits, but mostly only because they were already so instant on the M1.  

Apple makes a point to highlight the performance boosts the M2 offers for Photoshop use over older M1 and Intel models.

• I tested the most durable iPhone case Apple sells and it has a unique safety feature
• 7 Apple products you shouldn't buy this month (including these iPads)
• How to reset your AirPods - and when you should
• Apple Vision Pro FAQ: Price, features, hands-on insights, and everything you need to know
• Apple confirms next iPad event for May 7: Here's what to expect

The only area where the M2 Mini actually saw any degradation in performance is the speed of its built-in storage. It's important to note that this primarily affects the  $599 base model  with 256GB of storage. Where Apple used dual 128GB SSD storage chips on the M1 Mini, the M2 model instead has a single 256GB chip. 

I won't go too deeply into things like raid arrays and NAND configurations. Instead, I'll just note that the general consensus across many testers and analysts is that this decision results in the overall read/write speeds of the onboard storage for the 256GB model being between 25% and 55% slower.

Also: 7 best laptops for graphic design

There are two important things to note here. First, most saving and opening tasks, even on several-hundred-megabyte files, still happen pretty much instantly on the M2 Mac Mini. It's only when you get to files pushing 1GB or more that a loading bar tends to get involved. 

If you were wondering, the pairing process with any current-gen Apple peripherals is flawless and nearly instant.

Second, this difference in speed will mostly affect creators and professionals handling large video, sound, or image files. However, those types of users very likely would never be able to subsist on 256GB of storage anyway. This means they'll either have upgraded to the 512GB or higher models or would be using external storage solutions that have entirely separate read/write speeds. 

Review:  Apple Studio Display: You'll need creative reasons to buy one

In short, for the majority of the users who would choose the 256GB storage option, the reduction in speed won't impact them nearly as much as that 25% to 55% would seem to suggest. That said, make sure to determine what your specific performance needs are before you buy. As with all recent Macs , you're stuck with the specs you purchase, with no subsequent upgrades available once you take your new Mac Mini home. 

Should I buy one?

Getting this question answered is the entire reason why reviews exist. Unfortunately, us reviewers, myself included, often need to qualify the answer with conditionals and scenarios due to just how varied a given product's potential user base is. 

While I can't give you an absolute answer, I can say with about as much confidence as I possess that the answer in this case is almost certainly yes. Of course, there are still just a few of those nagging "buts" I have to address. 

Also: 4 ways Windows people get MacOS wrong

To be clear, it's only if you fall into one of the very specific categories below that I feel you should not buy the M2 Mac Mini. For literally everyone else, it's the first desktop I'd recommend for its incredible price-to-performance ratio, its perfect reliability during my testing, and that same simplicity and user-friendliness that has long been a trademark of MacOS systems.

The cases where I'd recommend against it are:

• The difference in storage speed really will impact you:  As mentioned above, if you frequently open or save massive files, consider either external storage options or an upgraded storage tier before purchasing. 
• You absolutely need access to software that's not available for MacOS:  Unlike older Intel-based Macs, the M2 (like the M1 before it) doesn't offer an easy way to run Windows-based software. This means if a Windows-only title is vital to your work or play, you're out of luck. 
• You're a gamer:  Macs are still bad at serious gaming, despite the massive performance improvements brought on by Apple silicon. The lack of a discrete GPU, poor MacOS support among game devs, and other technical factors mean this is just not the system to buy if you plan on serious gaming. 

Apple M2 Mac Mini

Bottom line .

The below image best sums up why the M2 Mac Mini is such an easy recommendation. In the background is a "small form factor" PC I built myself a couple of years ago. In the foreground is the M2 Mac Mini. The PC I built cost around $1,500 at the time, while the Mac Mini costs $599 today. Setting aside the bulleted exceptions above, there is absolutely nothing that the larger PC can do that the M2 Mac Mini can not only do, but do better. 

Apple's M2 Mac Mini sitting in front of a "small form factor" PC I built myself a couple of years ago.

It's less than half the price, takes up less than a quarter of the space, and uses a fraction of the power that PC does, but it's still a better home PC for all of that. The same superiority to competing home PC options holds true for a very large portion of professional settings as well. The M1 Mini totally disrupted the home PC industry for a reason, and its M2 follow-up just enhances its accomplishments by taking a level of performance that was already more than most users needed and boosting it even further.

The new Mac Mini starting price of $599 , even with the reduction in storage speed, makes this system more accessible and well-suited to a wider range of users  than ever. If you need a desktop for your home or business, this is almost certainly the one to get. 

Alternatives to consider 

Intel nuc 12 pro.

If you need access to Windows-only apps, but still want a tiny system that packs everything into a footprint similar to the Mac Mini, consider Intel's latest NUC release . Its base model is a little more expensive, but it's about the closest thing you can get in a Windows equivalent.

M2 MacBook Air

If you're only going to buy one system, you're likely better off with a laptop than a desktop. That's because a laptop can always become a desktop via a docking solution, while a desktop will always be tied to your home workstation. If portability is something you expect to need, and you don't want to buy two PCs, consider grabbing an M2 MacBook Air instead. It was our 2022 product of the year because it provides all the same benefits as the new Mac Mini, and throws incredible portability in for good measure.

HP Omen 40L

If you want a desktop that's mostly a match for the M2 Mac Mini in other areas, but also offers the option to get down to some serious gaming, HP's Omen 40L model fits that bill. Just be aware the addition of a discrete GPU means you'll be spending more and taking up more desk space. 

Featured reviews

Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Apple Mac Mini (2023) Review

A brilliant, versatile desktop computer

The Apple Mac Mini (2023) remains an impressively compact yet powerful machine. It’s ideal for those who work at a desktop but want a Mac that doesn’t take up much room. Despite it’s small size, it’s got the power to get plenty of tasks done without blinking.

• Easily fits into existing setups
• Powerful, and with plenty of options to make it more powerful
• No SD card slot
• Higher-end M2 Pro models get close to Mac Studio’s price

Availability

• UK RRP: £649
• USA RRP: $599
• Europe RRP: €699
• Canada RRP: CA$799
• Australia RRP: AU$999

Key Features

• M2 or M2 Pro chipsets Versatile internals that can provide serious power
• HDMI port Easily plug into an existing monitor

Introduction

The Mac Mini (2023) is one of the easiest to recommend Apple computers I have ever reviewed. But, a new M3 version now hangs over making this purchase. Nevertheless, it remains excellent value for money.

Available with either the M2 – just like the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 and the recently released MacBook Air 15-inch – or a more powerful M2 Pro chip , the Mac Mini (2023) is the most accessible way to jump into the M-series Mac ecosystem Apple has created. There’s been no word from Apple on when a new M3-powered Mac Mini will launch but, with the M3 series making its debuted with the iMac (2023) and MacBook Pro towards the end of last year, it seems likely the new model will crop up some time over the next year.

Having two very distinct internal options also makes this a very versatile machine and in many ways a much better choice for most than the iMac 24-inch – especially for those who already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse lying around. But, if you do need more performance grunt, the Mac Studio is on the market, with the new Mac Studio (2023) having been released since the M2 Mac Mini debuted.

• Simple, silver design
• All the ports on the back
• An SD card on the front would have been welcome

The Apple Mac Mini (2023) is a ridiculously simple machine to look at. This both goes in its favour, and against it.

The basic look and small dimensions allow the Mac Mini (2023) to easily fit into an existing setup. The computer stands less than 4cm tall and less than 20cm wide, making it roughly half the height of the Mac Studio which looked chunky in comparison. 

I managed to slide the Apple Mac Mini (2023) under an existing monitor I tended to use with a connected MacBook, and I didn’t have to rejig too much to make it fit. I think the Mac Mini in general is best for those who already own a screen and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, trackpad) as that ensures the only outlay is for the machine itself.

The front and sides of the Mac Mini (2023) are completely clean, with all the I/O around the back. After using the Mac Studio, I found it slightly annoying having to reach behind the Mac Mini to plug anything in and the lack of an SD card reader (either on the front or the back) means many will have to add a dongle into the mix too. But then Apple will still want to sell the Mac Studio, so I can see why some of the features have been restricted to that.

The number of ports differs depending on the Mac Mini (2023) model chosen. The standard M2 model boasts HDMI (4K out up to 60Hz), 2x USB-A (up to 5Gb/s), 3.5mm headphone port, Gigabit Ethernet (configurable up to 10Gb Ethernet) and a duo of Thunderbolt 4 -enabled USB-C ports. Move to the M2 Pro version and you get an extra two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

That’s a decent selection of ports, whichever way you look at it. I’m surprised USB-A remains, especially as it was ditched on the recent iMacs, and HDMI means it’s not just USB-C monitors that’ll work.

Don’t feel the Mac Mini (2023) is restricted to rigid desk use, though. This could be an awesome media machine plugged into the television or projector, while the 1.2kg weight means it can comfortably fit in a backpack for taking between home and an office.

For me, the Mac Mini (2023) is easier to recommend to more people than the quickly ageing M1-powered iMac 24-inch. Not only does it have a newer, slightly snappier chip (plus the option of a far faster one in the M2 Pro) but it has more ports and a more versatile design. With the iMac you’re stuck with a single 24-inch display – with the Mac Mini you can choose whichever screen size suits your space, be it smaller or bigger. 

Performance

• Both M2 and M2 Pro options are available
• The base version is one of the best value Apple products
• Plenty of performance in a small shell

There are three versions of the Apple Mac Mini (2023) available directly from Apple and they vary quite a lot. In fact, it’s clear they are aimed at very different people. 

The first two are powered by the M2 chipset (the same one you’ll find in the excellent MacBook Air) while the third swaps that for the M2 Pro – a faster chip that’s also found in the recent 2023 MacBook Pro 14-inch . 

Apple could have easily labelled the M2 Pro option as a Mac Mini Pro and it probably would have made more sense.

The basic M2 model comes with up to a 2TB SSD, 24GB memory along with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Plump for the cheapest option and you’ll get a 256GB SSD and 8GB memory – enough power for basic use no doubt, and it should be fine for some light video and photo editing too. You’ll even get some decent gaming performance in titles like Football Manager 2023.

The M2 Pro model in its basic configuration comes with 512G storage, 16GB memory, a 10-core CPU and a 16-core GPU. This is the pick for those who want more grunt, and as a comparison, this is pretty much the same internal specs that power the base MacBook Pro 14-inch.

Spend a bit more (£300/$300) and you can upgrade to a 12-core CPU and a 19-core GPU, while the memory can be upped to 32GB and the SSD up to 8TB. Spec it up too much and you’ll get near the price of the base Mac Studio, which is still a better choice for true Pro users.

All models come with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 , plus they can be configured with faster Ethernet for another extra fee.

For this review, I have been using the M2 Pro version with a 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU and 16GB memory. This is very much a high-end model, costing around £1700/$1700. While it’s nice having so much power, I don’t see this particular model being the most popular here – most spending this much would pay a bit more for the Mac Studio (now available with an M2 Max and M2 Ultra chip). Instead, I can see the base model ($599/£649) being far more popular.

But, the M2 Pro configuration I have here is a seriously capable machine. It’s quiet too, with the fans rarely whipping up even when rendering video or exporting 4K footage. It benchmarks very closely to the MacBook Pro 14-inch, with seriously impressive graphics and CPU scores across the board. 

The benefits of the upgraded GPU are most notable, with scores on average of over 5000 in the Basemark GPU. As a comparison, something like the Lenovo Slim 7i Pro with the RTX 3050 scored 1766. However, this is still well below the performance of a Mac Studio powered by the M1 Max.

You can see all the benchmark scores below; I have also included the MacBook Air M2 which will give an idea of how the cheaper M2-toting Mac Mini will run.

I was also impressed by the read and write speeds of the Apple Mac Mini (2023), which were noticeably faster than the MacBook Air. This should ensure speedy boot up times, as well as decent pace when installing or opening applications.

Elsewhere, the onboard speakers are adequate for podcasts and audio from YouTube videos though I would recommend connecting some external speakers – or maybe a HomePod Mini – for listening to music.

Latest deals

Should you buy it.

You don’t need a laptop

If you work a lot from home, and already have a monitor, this is a smarter choice than plumping for a laptop. Either go for the M2 version and save lots of money or go for the M2 Pro and get more power than you’d ever find in a similarly-priced portable machine.

Portability is key

However, if your use case is still very much working ‘on the go’ then a laptop remains a smarter choice and still gives you the ability to plug into a monitor if you need more screen.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Mac Mini (2023) is a stunning proposition for those who work in one spot and don’t want a cumbersome desktop machine. Having options when it comes to the processor makes this machine impressively versatile. If you decide to go for the regular M2 base model then you’re getting power similar to the MacBook Air M2 for around half the price. For added power from the M2 Pro , you can spend a bit more and get the juice for more serious creative tasking.

The key alternative to this device at launch was the iMac 24-inch with its M1 chip, and I’d recommend the Mac Mini out of the two. It’s a more capable machine and offers versatility when it comes to choosing your display, peripherals and where you place it in your home. However, with the upgraded M3-powered iMac (2023) now available, the gap is less stark, if you’re keen to get the latest and greatest chip. But, if that is of concern, then it may be worth waiting for the Mac Mini with M3 to come down the line. There is still value in the M1 version though, while offering that all-important versatility.

Having used the Mac Studio for so long, there are some design elements from that machine I would have loved to see trickle down here. The front-facing SD card slot, for example, is a tiny detail that makes a huge difference, while the front USB-C ports are welcome too for quickly plugging something without fiddling around the back. Sometimes the overly simple design here holds it back. With the new M2 Max and M2 Ultra version of the Mac Studio (2023) now on the market, the Mac Mini also no longer has the M2 edge over its larger sibling.

Still, the Mac Mini (2023) does enough to make it an easy choice for many people and it’s another example of how Apple’s M-series of chips is making worrying about performance in more affordable machines a thing of the past.

How we test

Every PC we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to gauge key aspects including build quality, performance, and accessibility.

These include formal synthetic benchmarks and scripted tests, plus a series of real-world checks.

We used it as our main PC for at least a week.

We tested the performance via both benchmark tests and real-world use.

Sign up for the Trusted Reviews Newsletter

You might like….

HP Pavilion AIO 32 Review

HP Envy Move All-in-One PC Review

Apple Mac Studio (2023) Review

Apple Mac Studio Review

HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 Review

HP Envy 34 (2022) Review

There’s a single Silver colour available.

Nope, the only one included is a power cable.

Trusted Reviews test data

Jargon buster.

Max is the Editor of Trusted Reviews, and has been a mobile phone and technology specialist for over nine years. Max started his career at T3 straight after graduating from Kingston University. Max ha…

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

Brenda Stolyar

Review: Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

it's easy to overlook the Mac Mini: Apple’s small, squarish PC isn’t particularly exciting. It’s not ultra-powerful like the Mac Studio , modular like the Mac Pro, or colorful like the 24-inch iMac . You can't quite tote it around and work anywhere like you can with a MacBook. But it’s Apple’s most utilitarian machine, and that's more evident with the 2023 refresh. 

The new Mac Mini is similar to its predecessor from 2020 except it now employs Apple's next-gen M2 and M2 Pro processors . That alone breathes new life into this compact system, as it's a low-cost plug-and-play solution that's still powerful enough for the likes of content creators. The base price is more affordable than ever, starting at $599, and the Mac Mini is the cheapest way to access the M2 Pro processor at $1,299. The only other M2 Pro-powered Macs are the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros , which start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. The closest desktop alternative is the base Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip for $1,999. But most people don't need that much power. 

It doesn't have to be showy. Whichever processor you get, the Mini is a smart and hassle-free way to get all the power most people need without emptying your wallet—and you actually have a say on what kind of peripherals to get. 

The Mac Mini still follows the BYODKM rule. The initialism, originally used by Steve Jobs when he announced the first Mac Mini in 2005, stands for “bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse,” because you get only the machine and a power cord in the box. You'll definitely want to add a pair of speakers for when you're not using headphones, because the built-in speakers aren't pleasant.  

This BYO design is great news if you already have those peripherals. Plug everything in and you're good to go. Even if you're starting from scratch and building your workspace, it doesn't need to be too expensive. There are tons of cheap and excellent keyboards , mice , and monitors you can snag that won't balloon the cost. The machine itself is tiny and unobtrusive, so it's easy to plan accessories around its footprint. And at 2.6 pounds it's lightweight and portable, which makes it great for hybrid workers splitting time between the home and the office. 

If you prefer tons of screens around your workspace, then you may be disappointed to learn that the base Mac Mini still only supports two external displays, just like the M1-powered model. That's enough for most people, but if you upgrade to the M2 Pro you can connect up to three displays to bask in all that blue light. 

My main gripe with the Mac Mini is its ports. The M2-powered model has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, two USB-A, an HDMI, a 10-gigabit Ethernet connection, and a 3.5-mm headphone jack. If you upgrade to the M2 Pro version, you get two extra Thunderbolt 4 ports. But I wish Apple brought the same selection from the Mac Studio, with two USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the front of the machine. 

I tested the Mac Mini with the M2 Pro, Apple's newest chip in the M-series lineup. Compared to the M1 Pro, Apple says its successor has 20 percent faster CPU performance (than the 10-core M1 Pro) and graphics that are 30 percent faster. My configuration consisted of a 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16 gigabytes of memory, and a 1-terabyte SSD. You can upgrade up to 32 gigabytes of memory and 8 terabytes of storage if you don't balk at the cost. 

My daily workflow involves simple tasks like word processing and web browsing, so I handed the Mac Mini over to my partner, who is a professional video maker, to give it a proper stress test. After importing multiple streams of RED 4K footage (about 300 gigabytes at about 8:1 compression) into Final Cut Pro, we applied 3D tracking, color correction, stabilization, and a few mild effects, plus moved clips around the timeline. The M2 Pro felt snappy and showed zero signs of choking.

The same applies to gaming on the Mac Mini. I played some Resident Evil Village , and the spooky setting looked great and the gameplay felt fluid. ( So smooth that I started to feel nauseous after a while.) The Mini did get hot after some time, but it's not in your lap like a MacBook might be, so this wasn't really an issue. It also is pretty darn silent, which is always a plus. 

If you're wondering whether you should stick with the affordable M2 Mac Mini or splurge on the M2 Pro variant, let me break it down for you. If you intend to use this machine for basic tasks like browsing the web, sending emails, and taking video calls, the M2 is plenty. However, I recommend upgrading to the model with 512 GB of internal storage, as the Mac Mini reportedly features slower SSD speeds on the base model , just like the base M2 MacBook Air . 

The M2 Pro, on the other hand, is a great desktop option for most video and photo editors. It won't feel like you're pushing the machine beyond its boundaries. Plus, the extra ports are always nice. (Professionals working with heavy-duty tasks like 3D rendering and motion graphics should still opt for the M1 Max chip on the Mac Studio .) 

By offering a choice between an M2 or an M2 Pro, Apple is filling a crucial and seriously large gap that it previously ignored. But as simple as it is to use this machine, these Macs still don't offer many pathways for upgrades in the future, unlike a traditional desktop PC.

We review products independently , but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use .

Apple Mac mini (2023)

Apple mac mini (2023, m2 pro), m2 silicon elevates the tiniest mac to new performance heights.

Bottom Line

• Classic Mac mini design
• Snappy performance in either configuration
• Extra Thunderbolt ports with M2 Pro model
• M2 Pro adds peak 8K-resolution, 240Hz-refresh-rate display options
• Memory and storage are not upgradable (and upticks at time of purchase are pricey)
• True value pricing only on lowest-end model
• No accessories or peripherals included

I get a sense of deja vu every time I look at the Apple Mac mini (starts at $599; $1,799 as tested). Freshly updated for 2023 with M2 and M2 Pro processing and graphics, the most striking thing about the Mac mini may be how little the look has changed. The first one I reviewed was back in 2012 , and even then , we were discussing the fact that it was identical to the previous model.

But Apple isn't churning out a tired copy of a copy—far from it. Instead, the company poured its effort into what matters most: not what a machine looks like, but what it can do. And judged by that metric, the 2023 Mac mini models are a revelation, packing more power into that tiny chassis than ever before, and even doing it at a lower starting price. Don't let the samey look fool you: This isn't 2012's—or even 2020's—Mac mini. This is a fury in a minimalist chassis. It's a little dynamo-in-waiting.

Mac mini Design: Apple Sticks With the Classics

When Apple finds a design that works, especially one that fits the minimalist aesthetic that has long defined Mac products, it is slow to change. In one sense, it's about sticking with what works while cementing a brand identity, but it's also about refining product designs down to their Platonic ideal. And the Mac mini design might just be there already, a sleek-looking slab of metal with rounded corners and that polished Apple logo.

Measuring 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches (HWD), the milled-aluminum chassis doesn't take up much room. As a mini PC, that's table stakes, but the consistency of the design means that no matter where you've stashed your Mac mini before, the new one should fit right in the same spot, whether that's on your desk, in a home theater setup, slotted into a server, or used for digital signage.

There's a bit of weight difference between the newest models—the base model with the vanilla Apple M2 chip is just 2.6 pounds, but our M2 Pro version weighs 2.8 pounds—but it's still small and light enough to slip in a bag or even into a big coat pocket.

From the black-plastic foot that acts as an internal access panel (but only for official Apple techs, apparently) to the satin finish and mirrored logo, it would be easy to mistake the newest Mac mini for the half-dozen that came before. Past models have tried to differentiate a little bit with anodized finishes, and varying degrees of access to the internals, but the only real difference from one generation to the next is inside, and on the port panel in back.

But some big changes are happening this time around. They may be hidden away inside the inscrutable aluminum slab, but they are significant indeed.

Configuration Options: Should I Get the Apple M2, or the M2 Pro?

Apple actually lists three new-for-2023 models on its just-updated Mac mini product page, so let's look at each.

To start with, consider the base model, the Mac mini with Apple M2. The second generation of Apple's custom-designed processing hardware , the M2 first showed up in the 2022 versions of the Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch and Apple MacBook Air , making this its first appearance in an Apple desktop. The affordable $599 model uses the standard M2 chip , which itself is an upgrade from the previous M1 chip. Looked at side by side with the M1, the M2 adds more transistors, greater memory bandwidth, and better GPU capability. Apple pairs this with 8GB of memory and 256GB of SSD storage, which isn't much, but it's exactly what was offered on the M1 Mac mini, and Apple charged $100 more for that particular configuration.

The next step up, at $799, still uses the M2 chip and 8GB of memory, but it bumps up the storage to 512GB. Is the extra storage space worth $200? Well, that's your call to make, but we will point out that you can get many of the best external SSDs for well under $200, and get 1TB of extra storage space for that money, to boot. However, internal storage isn't user-accessible or replaceable, so if you want more storage inside the compact Mac mini, you can do so only at the time of purchase.

Stepping up a bit higher is the Mac mini with M2 Pro. It's been a while since Apple offered a choice of processor options on the Mac mini, but for $1,299 you can get the more powerful M2 Pro—with its 10-core CPU and a 16-core GPU—along with 16GB of RAM and the same 512GB SSD offered on the middle model.

Now, it is worth noting that all of these options are further customizable, with the choice of additional memory and storage offered at the time you order. If you're choosing the M2 Pro model, you even get a chance to bump up to a 12-core CPU/19-core GPU version of the chip. Alternately, the M2 model can support up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB storage, provided you're willing to pay a bit more.

Our own review unit, for example, is based on the $1,299 M2 Pro as a starting point. It adds the 12-core variant of the M2 Pro ($300 more), sticks with the 16GB of memory, and scales up the storage from 512GB to 1TB (an extra $200), bringing the total purchase price to $1,799.

The top possible configuration you could designate would have the 12-core M2 Pro, 32GB of memory, 8TB of storage, and an optional 10Gbps Ethernet connection, pricing out at a heady $4,499. And that's still just for the Mac mini and its power cable. Throw in Apple's recommended accessories, such the Apple Studio Display ($1,999), Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad ($199), and the Magic Trackpad ($149) or Magic Mouse ($99), and you can tack on a couple extra grand to whatever you're paying for your particular flavor profile of Mac mini.

Granted, you don't need to do that. The Mac mini will work just fine with an older monitor or TV for a display, and a generic (or at least, cheaper) USB keyboard and mouse will do. But the whole package can be considerably more expensive than the enticing $599 price. Shop accordingly.

2023 Mac mini Connectivity: Familiar Ports, Unexpected Capabilities

On the back of the Mac mini, you'll find a black rear panel covered in ports, vents, and a power button. On the base model, the connectivity loadout is identical to what's on the previous M1-powered model. But we're testing the higher-powered M2 Pro version, and here we have one of the few easy-to-spot differences between this and past Mac minis.

Our review unit comes outfitted with four Thunderbolt 4 ports (an increase from the two offered on the 2021 model, as well as on the 2023 base M2 model), along with a Gigabit Ethernet jack, a full-size HDMI output, and dual USB Type-A ports.

Making use of the Thunderbolt 4 ports and the HDMI output, you can run multiple monitors off of the Mac mini, but the limitations and ceilings are different between the M2 and M2 Pro models. In simple terms, the plain-M2-based Mac minis support dual displays, while the M2 Pro models support three. But the new M2 Pro model is also the first to offer support for native resolutions up to 8K, as well as for ultra-high frame rates, letting you get 8K resolution at 60Hz, or drop the resolution to 4K to crank up the refresh rate to 240Hz. (Either option, obviously, requires a compatible display and an HDMI 2.1 cable.)

You can't see it, but the Mac mini's wireless connectivity also gets a boost. The Wi-Fi support gets upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E , and the Bluetooth to Bluetooth 5.3, providing top-of-the-line performance for everything from networking to wireless peripherals.

Ventura Aboard: The Mac mini and macOS

Apple hardware comes with Apple software, and the Mac mini is no exception. The compact desktop comes with macOS "Ventura," the latest version of Apple's operating system. As ever, it gives you access to Apple's rich ecosystem, nowadays with more than 15,000 apps and plug-ins, all built to work seamlessly with Apple's hardware. If you're already an Apple user, you're surely familiar with the benefits (and occasional quirks) of using Apple over Windows.

The macOS-versus-Windows debate rolls on as ever. But for those thinking about jumping ship from Windows to Apple, there's not much to fear nowadays. At this point, software makers often cater to both Windows and Mac users. Big names like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud have all their apps on both platforms, and the macOS apps that come with the system, such as GarageBand and Safari, are great tools in their own right. And there's always the option in the OS to use Rosetta emulation for older programs not yet optimized for Apple's chips.

If you have very specific software needs, however, you may want to research further before jumping in. Some specialized tools don't get supported on both platforms (that's also the case for some of our usual test programs), and there is a bit of learning curve as you switch from one computing environment to the other. But don't worry. The differences are smaller than ever. (Check out our macOS Ventura review for a more in-depth look at the latest Apple software and features.)

Testing Apple's Mac mini: M2 Pro by the Numbers

To put the new M2 Pro Mac mini through its paces, we compared it to both Apple and Windows competitors. For Apple, that means desktops as diverse as the M1-powered Apple iMac 24-inch to the uber-powerful Mac Studio with M1 Ultra . We also compared it with the previous Mac mini with M1 , to help you make a decision if you're considering an upgrade.

For Windows competitors, plenty of powerful mini PC systems are on the market, but we focused on just two: the Z2 Mini G9 (from HP's compact workstation line, a close analogue of the Mac mini in terms of form factor), and the NUC 12 Pro (aka, "Wall Street Canyon," the latest like-sized Intel mini PC we've tested). These are two of the best tiny desktops you can buy.

We've already mentioned that Windows and Apple ecosystems do have some compatibility issues when it comes to specialized programs, and that extends to our stock testing software. Where possible, we've found tests that work on both Apple and Windows platforms, but not all of our tests span the divide, and we also have a few Mac-only tests that we use when evaluating Apple systems. If you don't see all of the systems in a given one of the test graphs below, that's why.

Productivity Tests

For gauging raw CPU muscle and productivity performance, we focus on four tests: HandBrake (video transcoding), Cinebench (multi-threaded rendering), Geekbench (an overall productivity-task simulation), and Adobe Photoshop (the classic, for image editing).

Our HandBrake 1.4 test times how long it takes to convert a 4K video clip into a smaller 1080p copy. It's a straightforward test that leverages all of the cores and threads available on the CPU level. That makes it easy to see which systems have the better CPU performance; shorter times are better.

Then we look at Cinebench R23, using Maxon’s Cinema 4D engine to render a complex scene, testing multi-core and multi-threaded processing. We follow that up with Geekbench Pro, which simulates popular tasks ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning. Both tests produce a point score where higher scores mean better performance.

Last, we use Adobe Photoshop running in Rosetta 2. Although Adobe offers a native version of Photoshop as part of its Creative Cloud programs, our test extension, created by Puget Systems , is accessible only through Rosetta 2. So, in this case, the test is less about how fast photo editing is in the absolute, and more about how well the system can handle demanding apps that need to work through emulation. Even with that limitation, the Mac's performance compares favorably to the best Windows computers.

Scanning through the results above, it's clear from the outset that the Mac mini gets an upgrade in raw power, especially with the M2 Pro chip used in our test model, but it's still middle-of-the-road compared to some of the more powerful systems we're comparing it to. You'll see faster performance than the previous Mac mini or the iMac offered, but premium workstation-grade systems, like the M1 Ultra version of the Apple Mac Studio, or the HP Z2 Mini G9 in our tested configuration, are faster and more powerful.

That's not a surprise, given the Mac mini's midrange hardware and affordable price relative to those high-enders. What is a surprise, though, is how well the M2 Pro does at elevating the Mac mini to compete with those systems. (Thermals are thermals after all; we never expected the Mac mini to come close to topping them.) In HandBrake, the Mac mini edged ahead of the Mac Studio (the M1 Max version) and is closing in on the HP Z2 Mini G9—both truly astonishing results from a system that costs less than $2,000. (The M1 Ultra version of the Mac Studio does prevail by a wide margin, mind you.)

The same thing was repeated in Cinebench and Geekbench, where the Mac mini managed to get within spitting distance of genuine workstation-grade compact desktops. And in Photoshop, the overall scores were surprisingly close across the board. (And the two highest scorers, in the M1 Ultra-based Mac Studio and the HP Z2 Mini G9, had a lot more RAM.)

Now, I'm not saying that the M2 Pro lets you use the Mac mini as a full-fledged workstation. But I am saying that it does well enough at some demanding tasks that you may no longer need a workstation, unless you spend all day in these kinds of tasks (and thus, every moment saved is money), and your specific profession requires things like software ISV certifications and error-correcting memory (say, architecture or engineering). If it's about having the power to edit photos and videos, do a little music production at home, or do some serious number crunching or even software development, don't discount the Mac mini. It just might be able to handle everything you need it to do.

Graphics Tests

For graphics testing across existing Apple platforms, we start with the 3DMark testing suite from UL, specifically its Wild Life Extreme subtest. Wild Life Extreme runs natively on Apple Silicon to benchmark graphics performance across models and generations of Mac. Running in Unlimited mode, the test is resolution-agnostic, so we can compare systems using the 5K Studio Display as well as we can to iMacs or a MacBook's 13-inch screen, making it a great leveling measure of performance. The test produces a total score, with higher scores denoting better performance.

For cross-platform graphics evaluation, we use GFXBench. The Apple version of this test uses Apple’s Metal graphics API, and it stress-tests both low-level routines such as texturing, and high-level, game-like image rendering. Just as important, it lets us compare numbers directly to the OpenGL-based version of GFXBench that we use for Windows testing. On this test's results, the more frames per second (fps), the better.

Finally, actual gaming. The number of Mac-compatible games that have built-in benchmarking tools is small, so we currently use just the one test to get a sense of the system's actual gaming capabilities. (We'll follow up with more in-depth graphics testing later.) We record the average frames per second (fps) at different detail settings. Here, higher frame-rate numbers are better.

The charts lay out the situation pretty well: When it comes to gaming on Mac desktops, we're looking at the Mac mini and the Mac Studio. Everything else can offer some gaming support, but not at the detail levels and high frame rates that real gamers will appreciate. Obviously, the Mac mini isn't as potent as either version of the Mac Studio, but for a compact desktop that sells for a fraction of the price of the Mac Studio in a much trimmer body, the Mac mini is a little beast.

It offered better GFXBench scores than either the HP Z2 Mini G9 or the Intel NUC 12 Pro, and it nearly tripled the score of the previous Mac mini with M1. And it did the same in Rise of the Tomb Raider, delivering superb gaming performance unlike anything you'll find in comparable Windows systems of this size.

Workstation-Specific Tests

The other test we've run on Apple's more premium Macs is Blender, an open-source 3D suite for modeling, animation, simulation, and compositing. In this test, we simulate a common workstation task, recording the time it takes for its built-in Cycles path tracer to render two photo-realistic scenes of BMW cars, one render using the system's CPU and one relying on the GPU. (In both cases, lower times are better.)

This test is considerably more demanding than your average gaming benchmark, and a test we normally reserve for workstation systems. But since we wanted to see how the M2 Pro compares to the M1 Max and M1 Ultra, it seemed worthwhile to run it.

Here's where we really saw something surprising. The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini managed to just about keep up with a legitimate compact workstation, the HP Z2 Mini G9. It even held its own against the M1 Max-powered Mac Studio. (Not so much against the M1 Ultra one, though.)

As I noted earlier, the Mac mini is, of course, not technically a "workstation" in the classic sense. But at these levels of raw performance, it may fill the needs of many amateur and professional creators who need more power than the usual system can provide, but may not have the budget to plonk down $3,000 to $4,000 for a proper workstation tower.

Verdict: Performance Matter to You? If So, 2023's Mac mini Is a Big Deal

It's easy to look at the unchanging design of the 2023 Mac mini and write it off as staid and unchanged from years past, without appreciating the enormous strides in capability that Apple has provided with Apple Silicon. The outward design may be the same, but the new Mac mini may be the best little Apple desktop we've seen, offering an astounding amount of power in a classic chassis.

Obviously, that sort of performance costs money, and the rip-roaring configuration of the Mac mini we tested is considerably dearer—indeed, exactly three times so—than the $599 price of the base model. But bear in mind that some of that $1,799 is down to the uptick in SSD storage (which you may or may not need), and the other to the kicked-up CPU/GPU combo; in the $1,299 M2 Pro, we'd still expect very good performance in tests that lean hard on the CPU with the 10-core M2 Pro. But whether you're looking at the cheapest option, or one of the surprisingly powerful M2 Pro flavors, it's clear that Apple's latest M2 chips are bringing shoppers more power than ever before.

More Inside PCMag.com

• Device in Disarray? How to Use the Files App on Your iPhone or iPad
• iPad 2024: What We Want and What to Expect
• The Best iPhone Games for 2024
• What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2024?
• How to Print From Your iPhone or iPad

About Brian Westover

If you’re after laptop buying advice, I’m your man. I’ve been reviewing PCs and technology products for more than a decade. I cut my teeth in PC Labs, spending several years with PCMag.com before writing for other outlets, among them LaptopMag.com and Tom’s Guide. While computers are my main focus, I am also the resident Starlink expert, and an AI enthusiast. I’ve also written at length about topics ranging from fitness gear and appliances to TV and home theater equipment. If I’ve used it, I have opinions about it, whether somebody’s paying me to write them up or not.

More From Brian Westover

• The Best 17-Inch and 18-Inch Laptops for 2024
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
• The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
• The Best Cheap Laptops for 2024
• The Best Laptops for Kids in 2024

Phone: (616) 452-5101 | Email: [email protected]  

Help make a difference while having fun breaking world records.

Cross the Mackinac Bridge! MOTM 2017

Party in St.Ignace! MOTM 2019

The Details

More than 1,300 MINI Coopers gathered for MINI on the Mack, a parade across the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, Michigan, to break the English-held world record for largest-ever MINI Cooper parade. The parade was organized by MINI of Grand Rapids, with the support of MINI USA, and has become the perfect way to bring the community of car owners together. For more information on the event area visit   St. Ignace   and Mackinaw City  websites.

MOTM in the NEWS Lansing State Journal MLive Michigan

Photos From 2017

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

MSC WORLD CRUISE 2023:  MSC magnifica

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey around the world aboard  MSC Magnifica and explore over 40 destinations spanning across three unforgettable months.

MSC Poesia will be simultaneously performing her World Cruise 2023. Please note MSC Poesia’s World Cruise 2023 is currently sold out and has a waiting list.

And while discovering the world’s most amazing secrets, add further spice to your journey savoring delicious dishes, enjoying a world-class entertainment and relax watching the world go by from the comfort of your stateroom. You’ll return home with a world of spectacular memories to cherish forever.

This transatlantic cruise will take you around the world to discover 43 unique treasures . Below are just some of the hot spots you will discover: Puerto Madryn  (Argentina), Ushuaia  (Argentina), Punta Arenas  (Chile), Puerto Montt  (Chile), Valparaiso  (Chile), Callao/Lima  (Peru), Hanga Roa /Rapa Nui  (Chile), Rarotonga (Cook Islands), Auckland  (New Zealand), Tauranga  (New Zealand), Sydney  (Australia), Mare (New Caledonia), Lifou Island (New Caledonia), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Alotau  (Papua New Guinea), Cairns  (Australia), Lombok (Indonesia), Port Kelang  (Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia), Colombo  (Sri Lanka), Mumbai/Bombai (India), Aqaba/Petra  (Jordan). Between ports of call, on board beautiful MSC Magnifica , you’ll enjoy a world of comfort and elegance, relish the gourmet cuisine inspired by your destinations, relax in the 3 swimming pools and 9 whirlpool baths , among many other superb facilities, and enjoy our first class onboard entertainment . The fare includes 15 shore excursions , and naturally you can book others either in advance or during the cruise. Your booking features a Dine & Drink Package so house wines, draught beer and a selection of other drinks are on us during lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy 30% off laundry services throughout the cruise.

Civitavecchia, Italy - Genoa, Italy - Marseille, France - Barcelona, Spain

DAY 1 GENOA

DAY 2 MARSEILLE

DAY 3 BARCELONA

DAY 4 AT SEA

DAY 5 LISBON

DAY 6 AT SEA

DAY 7 FUNCHAL

DAY 8 & 9 AT SEA

DAY 10 MINDELO

DAY 11, 12, 13 & 14 AT SEA

DAY 15 SALVADOR

DAY 16 AT SEA

DAY 17, 18 RIO DE JANEIRO

DAY 19, 20 AT SEA

DAY 21, 22 BUENOS AIRES

DAY 23 MONTEVIDEO

DAY 24 AT SEA

DAY 25 PUERTO MADRYN

DAY 26, 27 AT SEA

DAY 28, 29 USHUAIA

DAY 30 AT SEA

DAY 31 PUNTA ARENAS

DAY 32, 33 AT SEA

DAY 34 PUERTO MONTT

DAY 35 AT SEA

DAY 36, 37 VALPARAISO

DAY 38, 39 AT SEA

DAY 40 ARICA

DAY 41 AT SEA

DAY 42, 43 CALLAO

DAY 44, 45, 46, 47 AT SEA

DAY 48 HANGA ROA

DAY 49, 50 AT SEA

DAY 51 BOUNTY BAY PASSAGE

DAY 52, 53 AT SEA

DAY 54, 55 PAPEETE

DAY 56 AT SEA

DAY 57 RAROTONGA

DAY 58 AIUTAKI

DAY 59, 60, 61, 62 AT SEA

DAY 63 AUCKLAND

DAY 64 TAURANGA

DAY 65 NAPIER

DAY 66 WELLINGTON

DAY 67 MILFORD SOUND / FIORDLAND PARK

DAY 68, 69 AT SEA

DAY 70 HOBART

11 & 12

DAY 71 AT SEA

DAY 72, 73 SYDNEY

DAY 74, 75 AT SEA

DAY 76 MARE

DAY 77 LIFOU ISLAND

DAY 78 PORT VILA

DAY 79, 80 AT SEA

DAY 81 ALOTAU

DAY 82 AT SEA

DAY 83 CAIRNS

DAY 84, 85 AT SEA

13 & 14

DAY 86 DARWIN

DAY 87, 88 AT SEA

DAY 89 LOMBOK

DAY 90, 91 BENOA/BALI

DAY 92, 93 AT SEA

DAY 94 SINGAPORE

DAY 95 PORT KLANG

DAY 96, 97, 98 AT SEA

15 & 16

DAY 99 COLOMBO

DAY 100, 101 AT SEA

DAY 102, 103 MUMBAI

DAY 104, 105 AT SEA

DAY 106 SALALAH

DAY 107, 108, 109, 110 AT SEA

DAY 111 AQABA

DAY 112, 113 SUEZ CANAL TRANSIT

DAY 114, 115 AT SEA

DAY 116 CIVITAVECCHIA

DAY 117 GENOA

Cruise Itinerary

Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Cape Verde, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Jordan

Free Excursions

• Funchal / Madeira Is ., Portugal : Cabo Girao & Ribeira Brava (FUN18)
• Salvador , Brazil : Historical Salvador (SAL04)
• Rio De Janeiro , Brazil : Sugar Loaf (RIO02T)
• Buenos Aires , Argentina : City Tour “Buenos Aires & Its Enchantments” (BUE02T)
• Valparaiso , Chile : City Tour Valparaiso & Viña Del Mar (VAP01)
• Arica , Chile : City Tour & Archeology (ARI01) Callao/Lima, Perù: Lima Highlights (LMA01)
• Auckland , New Zealand : Auckland Museum & City Sights (AKL02)
• Hobart / Tasmania , Australia : Hobart And Richmond (HBA01)
• Sydney , Australia : Discovering Sydney (SDY07)
• Darwin , Australia : Best Of Darwin City Tour (DRW03)
• Benoa , Bali : Highlights Of Ubud (BOA04)
• Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia : Highlights Of Kuala Lumpur (PKG11)
• Colombo , Sri Lanka : Colours Of Colombo (CMB21)
• Mumbai / Bombay , India : Icons Of Mumbai (BOM18)

Other Services included

Laundry : 30% off All Laundry Services

Activities : A comprehensive activity schedule with theme evenings, language classes, cultural guest speakers and much more

MSC Parking Genoa 

Terms & conditions.

The product will not be combinable with the Promo Target Discounts (Brochure) 

The product will not be combinable with Claims Discount Vouchers

The laundry discount will be not combined with other similar discounts and with onboard packages Regular or Express

Ad hoc Cancellation policy and Deposit rules will apply

Read what our World Cruisers have to say!

The bahamas & caribbean, mediterranean, northern europe, dubai, abu dhabi & qatar, and more, discover our destinations, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

• Apple Watch
• Accessories
• Digital Magazine – Subscribe
• Digital Magazine – Info
• Smart Answers
• Let Loose iPad event
• New iPad Air
• iPad mini 7
• Best Mac antivirus
• Best Mac VPN

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

2024 Mac mini: Everything you need to know

Apple’s M3 chip has been available since the end of October 2023. It features in the MacBook Pro M3 and iMac and was recently added to the MacBook Air, but it is still absent from the Mac mini. How long will we have to wait for Apple to roll out the M3 to the rest of the range? Or will Apple skip it and decide to release a new Mac mini with an M4 chip?

This article is designed to help you figure out what’s happening with the M3 and M3 Pro versions of the Mac mini–or if Apple skips the M3 series and goes straight to M4. We’ve gathered all the information from rumors and reports in one spot and will provide insight as to what’s feasible and what’s not.

We’ll update this article whenever new information becomes available.

Update 25 April 2024 : A Bloomberg report claims that the Mac mini could be updated with an M4 chip later this year, skipping an M3 update. But, with a Spring Apple Event looming, could we see a new Mac mini sooner?

See our MacBook Pro M3 review and our MacBook Pro M3 Pro review . We also have an iMac M3 review and M3 MacBook Air review.

New Mac mini: Skipping the M3, straight to M4?

An April 11 report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that Apple plans to update the Mac mini with an AI-enhanced M4 chip in the second half of 2024. On Apple 21, Gurman stated that Apple will likely skip an M3 update for the Mac mini and go straight to M4 later this year.

New Mac mini: Release date

• M3 Mac mini: May 7 event
• M4 Mac mini: Late 2024

Apple released the M2 & M2 Pro Mac mini over a year ago in January 2023. Before that, the M1 Mac mini was released in November 2020. That’s over two years between the M1 and M2 Mac mini, but the Covid pandemic affected production. There should be no reason for the launch of the M3 and M3 Pro Mac mini to be delayed, especially since the M3 and M3 Pro chips are available in other models.

If Apple does continue with an M3 Mac mini, we could see it at Apple’s spring event on May 7 , or at WWDC in June . In early August 2023, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was performing preliminary tests on a M3 Mac mini , suggesting a new M3 model is in the pipeline.

However, Gurman’s April 2024 reports indicate that Apple is going to skip the M3 and go straight to M4. He reported that the M4 Mac mini could arrive later this year.

The M2 Pro Mac mini.

Jason Cross / Foundry

New Mac mini: Price

• Price drops outside the U.S. are somewhat likely.

Rumors about the M3/M4 Mac mini have not addressed prices and the price is unlikely to change inside the U.S. However, we do hope that there will be price drops outside the U.S. to reverse price hikes a few years ago.

Apple has been adjusting prices following previous price hikes. When Apple has updated Macs and iPhones since late 2023 it reduced some prices in locations outside the U.S. The U.K. prices of the M3 MacBook Air, for example, ‘match’ the U.S. prices. For example, the M2 MacBook Air now costs $999/£999. That’s a good sign for the M3 Mac mini–it could follow the same standard configuration prices of $599/£599 (currently £649) and $799/£799 (currently £849) when it is finally released. In 2020, the M1 Mac mini had prices of $699/£699 and $899/£899.

New Mac mini: Processor and specs

• M3: 3nm chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory (16GB and 24GB options)
• M3 Pro: 11 or 12 core CPU, 14 or 18 GPU cores, 18GB unified memory (36GB option)
• M4: AI enhancements

We have a fair idea of what to expect from the Mac mini M3 and M3 Pro because we have already seen those chips in the MacBook Pro, iMac, and MacBook Air. Apple is said to put an AI emphasis on the M4, so it could have similar CPU and GPU specs as the M3, but with a larger Neural Engine and more unified memory.

The new 3nm process used for the M3 (and possibly for the M4) allows more transistors to fit on a chip, which should provide a performance boost. The M3 will also offer better power efficiency, so the temperature considerations required for the M1 or M2 Mac mini aren’t the same as the M3, which could allow it to run faster because it doesn’t get as hot.

In addition, the M3 GPU is faster and more efficient and features Dynamic Caching, which is a new technology that brings features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading to the Mac.

As for the amount of unified memory, Apple still offers the standard configuration of 8GB for the M3 and options for 16GB and 24GB, as with the M2. For the M3 Pro there is up to 36GB unified memory available, but the standard configuration is now 18GB memory (up from 16GB).

For more information read about how the different generations of Mac processors compare .

New Mac mini: Ports/Connectivity

• Likely no change from the two Thunderbolt/USB-C configuration

When Apple released the M1 Mac mini in 2020, the company reconfigured the ports so that it had two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports instead of the four that were on the Intel-based Mac mini. Apple. Apple will likely stick with this port configuration with the M3 Mac mini, which also includes two USB-A ports, a gigabit ethernet port, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The M2 Mac mini already has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, but Apple could opt for Wi-FI 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Apple will likely not change the port configuration on the M3 Mac mini.

New Mac mini: Design

• Likely no change to the compact box despite rumors to the contrary from a few years ago.

Rumors of the M3/M4 Mac mini focus on the M3 chip and lack information about the design. Apple will keep the 7.75-by-7.75-by-1.41 inch (19.7-by-19.7-by-3.6 centimeter) external design. Because of the new 3nm M3, Apple may change how the internals are laid out, but users won’t need to be concerned with that.

Author: Roman Loyola , Senior Editor

Roman has covered technology since the early 1990s. His career started at MacUser, and he's worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV.

Recent stories by Roman Loyola:

• Apple’s M3 chip is a victim of the times
• macOS 15: Everything you need to know about the next big Mac update
• Safari to get an AI boost in iOS 18, macOS 15 with smarter search, web page ‘eraser’

The Mac Mini is set to skip the M3 chip in favor of an M4 model — what we know

New reports suggest Apple’s tiny PC is going to jump forward a couple of generations

Apple’s heavily rumored M4 chip is almost upon us, with the new silicon set to power the latest MacBook Pro models alongside a fresh 24-inch iMac before the end of the year. The Mac Mini should also get the M4 treatment, as Crew Cupertino’s tiny PC now seems likely to skip the M3 chip altogether. 

As day follows night, this latest Apple rumor naturally comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (thanks, MacRumors ). In his most recent “ Power On ” newsletter, the well-connected journo explains that he expects the next Mac Mini to skip the M3 generation entirely, with an M4 Mini expected to launch “between the end of 2024 and early 2025”. 

Bypassing the M3 chip looks to be down to a simple matter of timing, with Gurman stating there isn’t “room for M3 models to come out before then, so it’s probably safe to say those Mac desktops will skip the M3 generation.”

Whether Gurman’s reports are on the money or not, the Mac Mini is crying out for a silicon upgrade. The latest version of Apple’s teeny PC was released in January of last year with Mac Mini M2 and M2 Pro models. M4 Minis would obviously be hugely welcome at this point, and we expect them to include the dual Thunderbolt 4 connections, HDMI 2.1 port and support for Wi-Fi 6E that the 2023 Mac Mini introduced.

M4 Minis would obviously be hugely welcome at this point, and we expect them to include the dual Thunderbolt 4 connections, HDMI 2.1 port and support for Wi-Fi 6E that the 2023 Mac Mini introduced.

The M4 chip also looks set to sport a faster Neural Engine to speed up AI tasks, to further sweeten what already seems to be a mouth-watering upgrade to the existing Mini. As for the micro desktop skipping a chip generation, Apple has followed this strategy in other areas. You only need to look at the iMac for a similar situation, where the company decided to skip the M2 chip for its PC, going from the M1 to the M3 model that was released in the closing months of 2023. 

If the jump to M4 seems ahead of schedule considering it feels like the M3 lineup only arrived yesterday, you can probably put that down to the escalating chip wars in the computing market. The Snapdragon X Elite chipset already outpaces even the M3 Pro in multi-core tasks, so it’s understandable Apple wants to manufacture M4 products as soon as possible. Suffice to say, if you’re pining for a Mac Mini, you should probably save your pennies for the rumored new M4 version that should ship within the next 12 months. 

More from Tom's Guide

• M4 MacBooks: Everything we know so far
• Mac mini M2 vs. Mac mini M1: Here's all the new upgrades
• MacBook Air 13-inch M3 review: A small wonder

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

Dave is a computing editor at Tom’s Guide and covers everything from cutting edge laptops to ultrawide monitors. When he’s not worrying about dead pixels, Dave enjoys regularly rebuilding his PC for absolutely no reason at all. In a previous life, he worked as a video game journalist for 15 years, with bylines across GamesRadar+, PC Gamer and TechRadar. Despite owning a graphics card that costs roughly the same as your average used car, he still enjoys gaming on the go and is regularly glued to his Switch. Away from tech, most of Dave’s time is taken up by walking his husky, buying new TVs at an embarrassing rate and obsessing over his beloved Arsenal. 

Dangerous Mac malware spreading that can steal sensitive info including passwords, cookies and autofill text — how to stay safe

Acer Aspire Go 15: This $300 laptop is a killer value

This is the advice that 'Bridgerton' heartthrob Regé-Jean Page gave season 3 star Luke Newton

Most Popular

• 2 New Google Pixel 8a leak suggests launch and pre-orders ahead of Google I/O 2024
• 3 Helix's Memorial Day mattress sale is live — here's my top pick for side sleepers
• 4 Netflix's 'Eric' just got its first trailer — and it's now my most anticipated thriller series of the year
• 5 Dangerous Mac malware spreading that can steal sensitive info including passwords, cookies and autofill text — how to stay safe
• 2 New iPhone 16 leak just revealed camera changes and a new MagSafe charger
• 3 You can play 2 of the best Star Wars games for free this weekend — here's how
• 4 New Google Pixel 8a leak suggests launch and pre-orders ahead of Google I/O 2024
• 5 Helix's Memorial Day mattress sale is live — here's my top pick for side sleepers

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

Unmissable Mini Cruises from Southampton

Sail onboard msc virtuosa from £169 p.p. including the may bank holiday.

For the best views, book a balcony cabin , on selected departures, at the price of an outside, from just £199 p.p.

From 5 outstanding pools , a waterpark , the MSC Aurea SPA to dedicated kids' club areas,

mini cruises are the perfect getaway for couples, families, and friends alike.

So why wait? Book your escape today and let the journey begin!

mini cruises faq

Our mini cruises are tailor-made to offer you the chance to explore multiple countries in a brief timeframe.

Whether you are looking for a cultural exploration, a romantic getaways or thrilling escapades , our itineraries will meet all your needs.

Below you will find our tips to make your mini cruise a perfect experience.

What are the benefits of a mini cruise?

Searching for the perfect, romantic mini break, will a mini cruise help me decide whether i enjoy cruising, will i really save money with mini cruise deals, what about mini cruises from the uk, mini cruises - short breaks that feel like a proper holiday, terms & conditions, mini cruises - save and sail.

The above rates are per person based on double occupancy. The rates are subject to change and may vary without notice. This offer is valid on new bookings made from 11th April 2024 to 22nd April 2024, valid on selected Summer 2024 Ex-UK Cruises from Southampton. Under this promotion, guests will be able to purchase selected cruises on discounted rates, with saving of up to £100 off Interior cabins & balcony cabins (all based on double occupancy). The £100 per interior cabin saving is based on MSC Virtuosa’s 1st June 2024 sailing. The £100 per balcony cabin saving is based on MSC Virtuosa’s 4th May 2024 sailing.

Discounts apply to categories in different percentage amounts and according to availability, calculated per person and refer to double occupancy pricing (passenger 1 & 2). 3rd and 4th berth guests pay the usual applicable rate. For solo travellers, the applicable solo supplement valid for the departure at the time of booking will apply. The discounts have been calculated on previously existing rates. Percentages of discounts expressed in the promotion refer to the percentage of discount vs previous rate.

This promo is not combinable with any discount including MSC Voyagers Club 5% and Voyagers Exclusives 5+5%, Honeymoon, Anniversary, Weddings and Debutante packages, Young & Young, All In One, Senior Club and Healthcare Workers Discount. If customers book the ‘Special Agent’ promotion onboard an MSC ship with the Future Cruise team, they will receive all other onboard benefits except the MSC Voyagers Club 5% and Voyagers Exclusives 5+5% discounts. If customers have a future cruise discount voucher, they may apply this to a cruise in the ‘Special Agent’ promotion. If customers have an FCC voucher for a re-protected sailing, they may apply this to a cruise in the promotion. And Lastly, if customers have created an Open Booking with the Future Cruise team on board any MSC Cruises ship, they can convert this to a new booking and receive the applicable benefits.

All guests travelling together must book the same experience type and drinks package for dining arrangements. Single Supplements can vary up to 100% depending on the sailing. Please be advised that Solo Supplements are also applicable to drinks packages when booked under the ‘Special AGT W Drinks’ fare. Bookings with drinks included into the price descriptions will receive the discounted drink package option which is available only at the time of booking. The Premium Extra Drinks Package allows the guests to enjoy whilst on board, unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to £14 (pricing will be up to €14 or $16 in other destinations). Post Booking, customers have the ability to add on drinks at a pre-paid price under the “Manage Booking” section of msccruises.co.uk. For more information, please visit https://www.msccruises.co.uk/on-board/dining-drinks/drinks-packages

Other terms & conditions may apply. Any pre-paid extras including shore excursions and spa packages will be available at the current selling rates, payable by all guests under the same booking unless clearly stated in the offer.

For general bookings terms & conditions, inclusions, cancellation charges and other information please visit www.msccruises.co.uk

Mini cruises - Flash Sale

TERMS & CONDITIONS – FLASH SALE – UK

Flash Sale rates are per person based on double occupancy. The rates are subject to change and may vary without notice. This offer is valid on new bookings made from 26 th April 2024 until further notice, valid on selected Summer 2024 Ex-UK Cruises from Southampton. MSC reserves the right to withdraw 'Flash Sale promotion rates without notice. Under the ‘Flash Sale’ promotion, guests will be able to purchase selected cruises on discounted rates, with saving of up to £140 off ocean view & balcony cabins (all based on double occupancy) where a free upgrade from ocean view to balcony cabin is on offer. The £140 per outside & balcony cabin saving is based on MSC Virtuosa’s 9 th May 2024 sailing. To access the free balcony upgrade from ocean view offer, guest will have to book a balcony cabin which is priced at the same rate as ocean view, MSC will not automatically upgrade customers for free who book an ocean view cabin.

This promo is not combinable with any discount including MSC Voyagers Club 5% and Voyagers Exclusives 5+5%, Honeymoon, Anniversary, Weddings and Debutante packages, Young & Young, All In One, Senior Club and Healthcare Workers Discount. If customers book the ‘Flash Sale’ promotion onboard an MSC ship with the Future Cruise team, they will receive all other onboard benefits except the MSC Voyagers Club 5% and Voyagers Exclusives 5+5% discounts. If customers have a future cruise discount voucher, they may apply this to a cruise in the ‘Flash Sale’ promotion. If customers have an FCC voucher for a re-protected sailing, they may apply this to a cruise in the ‘Flash Sale’ promotion. And Lastly, if customers have created an Open Booking with the Future Cruise team on board any MSC Cruises ship, they can convert this to a new booking and receive the applicable benefits.

All guests travelling together must book the same experience type and drinks package for dining  arrangements. Si ngle Supplements can vary up to 100% depending on the sailing . Please be advised that Solo Supplements are also applicable to drinks packages when booked under the ‘Flash Sale All Inclusive’  fare.

During the ‘Flash Sale’ Campaign, for sailings included, the promotion will be visible on our trade booking platform, MSC Book, under the following price descriptions:

‘FLASH SALE CRUISE ONLY’, ‘FLASH SALE CRUISE WITH DRINKS’, ‘BALCONY UPGRADE SALE’, ‘ALL INC BALCONY UPGRADE SALE”

Bookings created under the ‘‘FLASH SALE CRUISE WITH DRINKS’ & “ALL INC BALCONY UPGRADE SALE”, price descriptions will receive the discounted drink package option which is available only at the time of booking. The Premium Extra Drinks Package allows the guests to enjoy whilst on board, unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to £14. Post Booking, customers have the ability to add on drinks at a pre-paid price under the “Manage Booking” section of MSC Book. For more information, please visit https://www.msccruises.co.uk/on-board/dining-drinks/drinks-packages

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Mac mini Technical Specifications

Apple M2 chip

• 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
• 10-core GPU
• 16-core Neural Engine
• 100GB/s memory bandwidth

Media engine

• Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW
• Video decode engine
• Video encode engine
• ProRes encode and decode engine
• — Not available

Apple M2 Pro chip

• 10-core CPU with 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
• 16-core GPU
• 200GB/s memory bandwidth

Configurable to:

• M2 Pro with 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU
• 8GB unified memory
• 16GB or 24GB
• 16GB unified memory
• 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
• 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB

Simultaneously supports up to two displays:

• One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz over HDMI

Thunderbolt 4 digital video output

• Support for native DisplayPort output over USB‑C

HDMI display video output

• Support for one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz

Simultaneously supports up to three displays:

• Up to three displays: Two displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz over HDMI
• Up to two displays: One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI
• One display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz or 4K resolution at 240Hz over HDMI
• Support for native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
• Support for one display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz or 4K resolution at 240Hz
• Supported formats include HEVC, H.264, and ProRes
• HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
• Supported formats include AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos
• Built-in speaker
• 3.5 mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones
• HDMI port supports multichannel audio output

Two Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2) or four Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2 Pro) with support for:

• DisplayPort
• Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
• USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s)
• Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA supported using adapters (sold separately)
• Two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s)
• Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)
• 3.5 mm headphone jack

M2 model with two Thunderbolt 4 ports

M2 Pro model with four Thunderbolt 4 ports

• Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) 2
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
• Configurable to 10Gb Ethernet (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)

Height: 1.41 inches (3.58 cm)

Width: 7.75 inches (19.70 cm)

Depth: 7.75 inches (19.70 cm)

Weight (M2): 2.6 pounds (1.18 kg) 3

Weight (M2 Pro): 2.8 pounds (1.28 kg) 3

Line voltage: 100–240V AC

Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz, single phase

Maximum continuous power (M2): 150W

Maximum continuous power (M2 Pro): 185W

Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)

Storage temperature: –40° to 116° F (–40° to 47° C)

Relative humidity: 5% to 90% noncondensing

Operating altitude: tested up to 16,400 feet (5000 meters)

Typical acoustical performance: Sound pressure level (operator position): 5 dBA at idle 4

Your Mac mini comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support and a one‑year limited warranty. Purchase AppleCare+ for Mac to extend your coverage from your AppleCare+ purchase date and add unlimited repairs for accidental damage from handling, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other accidental damage, plus applicable tax.

macOS is the most advanced desktop operating system in the world. And with macOS Sonoma, work and play on your Mac are even more powerful — with new ways to elevate your video presentations, boost your gaming performance, and personalize your device.

Accessibility features help people with disabilities get the most out of their new Mac mini. With built-in support for vision, hearing, mobility, and learning, you can create and do amazing things.

Features include:

• Voice Control
• Increase Contrast
• Reduce Motion
• Siri and Dictation
• Switch Control
• Closed Captions
• Text to Speech

Configure your Mac mini with these options at apple.com :

• 16GB or 24GB unified memory
• 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
• 10Gb Ethernet
• 1TB or 2TB SSD
• M2 Pro with 12‑core CPU, 19‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
• 32GB unified memory
• 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD

Mac mini and the Environment

Mac mini is designed with the following features to reduce its environmental impact: 6.

See the Mac mini Product Environmental Report (PDF)

Made with better materials

Over 40% recycled content in the entire product, 7 including:

• 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure of Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro, and in the thermal module of Mac mini with M2 Pro
• 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets
• 100% recycled tin in the solder of multiple printed circuit boards
• 100% recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards
• 35% or more recycled plastic in multiple components

Energy efficient

• ENERGY STAR® certified 8

Smarter chemistry 9

• Mercury-, BFR-, PVC-, and beryllium-free

Green manufacturing

• Apple’s Zero Waste Program helps suppliers eliminate waste sent to landfill
• All final assembly supplier sites are transitioning to 100% renewable energy for Apple production

Responsible packaging

• 100% of virgin wood fiber comes from responsibly managed forests
• 96% fiber-based packaging and no outer plastic wrap 10

Apple Trade In

Trade in your eligible device for credit toward your next purchase, or get an Apple Gift Card you can use anytime. 11 If your device isn’t eligible for credit, we’ll recycle it for free.

See how it works

Apple and the Environment

We’re committed to making our products without taking from the earth, and to become carbon neutral across our entire business, including products, by 2030.

See Apple’s commitment

Mac Software

• Final Cut Pro

Displays and Adapters

• Studio Display
• Pro Display XDR
• USB-C to USB Adapter
• USB-C to SD Card Reader
• USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
• USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Other Accessories

• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
• Magic Keyboard
• Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Trackpad
• USB-C to Lightning Cable
• Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1.8 m)
• Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (3 m)
• AppleCare+ for Mac

• Electronics
• Computers & Accessories
• Computers & Tablets

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
• Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like laptops, game consoles, and TVs, to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, mattresses, personal care, furniture, and more.
• Accidents happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
• Past and future purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
• Fast, easy claims. Frustration-free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
• No hidden fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

2 Year Desktop Protection Plan

3 year desktop protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon, add an accessory:.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Apple 2023 Mac Mini M2 Chip / 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage - Z16L000JW

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 16GB Unified Memory
• 512GB Storage

Frequently bought together

Featured items you may like

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

EPEAT products are assessed against criteria including energy use and have a reduced sustainability impact across their lifecycle.

Pre-owned Certified: Electronics products are inspected, cleaned and (if applicable) repaired to excellent functional standards. Buying Pre-owned extends a product's life, reducing e-waste and raw material extraction.

Top Brand: Apple

Compare with similar items, what's in the box, product description.

Now with M2, Mac mini packs the speed you need. From rich presentations to immersive gaming, M2 flies through work and play. And with a wide array of ports to connect all your favorite peripherals, Mac mini is up for anything.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, looking for specific info, videos for this product.

Click to play video

2023 Mac Mini M2 Review I Was Surprised By It

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Upgrade your Mac setup with these products: My favorites

If you’re looking to take your desk setup to the next level, this is the guide for you. Head below for some of my favorite products that can improve your working setup, ranging from accessories to decorations and more. All the things on this list are things I’ve personally used and can vouch for.

Table of contents

Wi-fi 6e routers, satechi desk mat, 200w usb-c 6-port gan charger, owc thunderbolt 4 dock, laptop stands from twelve south, nomad stand one, keychron q5 mechanical keyboard, satechi headphone stand, under-desk headphone mount, homekit light strips, philips hue play light bar, homekit desk lamp, logitech mx master 3s, under-desk storage shelf, ember temperature control smart mug, under $20 wfh upgrades.

Wi-Fi is here, and it offers some substantial performance and reliability improvements. If you’re looking to make an upgrade to your home setup, now’s a great time to do it. Here’s a rundown of Apple’s devices that support Wi-Fi 6E:

• iMac (24-inch, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2023)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, Nov 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023) or MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) 
• Mac mini (2023)
• Mac Studio (2023)
• Mac Pro (2023)
• iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)

Our favorite Wi-Fi 6E hardware comes from Eero, which offers whole-home mesh systems at compelling prices.

Visually, one of my favorite upgrades to a work-from-home desk setup is the addition of a nice desk mat. My recommendation in this category comes from Satechi, which offers an eco-leather desk mat in a trio of different colors at a compelling $39.99 price point.

I’ve been using these for a while and find them to be very durable and versatile, thanks to the dual-sided design. Notably, one of the sides doesn’t feature a Satechi logo, which makes it the best side.

You can never have too many USB-C ports for charging your various accessories and devices. Satechi’s USB-C 200W GaN Charger packs six USB-C ports that can charge any of your accessories or devices at full speed.

I’ve grown to love having this thing on my desk, so I always have a place to charge whatever device needs some juice at any given time. It’s pricey, but it’s worth the investment .

One of the more integral additions to my setup this year was the  OWC Thunderbolt Dock , a version we also  went hands-on with earlier this year . 

The OWC Thunderbolt Dock I’m using in my setup offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for up to 40Gb/s transfer speeds, four USB-A ports, an SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and gigabit Ethernet. I have the dock mounted on the underside of my desk, so it’s hidden and out of the way, but its ports are still accessible.

If you or the person you’re buying for uses a MacBook at their desk, the addition of a dedicated laptop stand can be a considerable ergonomics improvement. I’ve been a fan of the Twelve South Curve for over four years and can highly recommend it to MacBook users.

Twelve South also offers the ParcSlope as another option for MacBook users, and it even comes in an updated matte black finish that looks sleek on any desk.

Another option from – you guessed it –  Twelve South is the Curve Flex , which you can see above. This one features a premium aluminum build that is adjustable. It can be raised or lowered right to your liking.

Nomad makes some of my favorite accessories for iPhone, and the company’s latest Stand One is no exception. The Stand One is a premium vertical charger with built-in MagSafe support. It’s made from aluminum and features an integrated 2-meter braided USB-C cable. It can charge your iPhone at up to 15W speeds.

The Nomad Stand One is available in two colors: silver/white or carbide.

While the Nomad Stand One is a gorgeous iPhone charger, you might prefer something with a 2-in-1 design. My favorite option here is the Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe , while another more affordable option is available from Satechi.

This stand from Belkin is pricey, but it features a sturdy design with an upright MagSafe stand for your iPhone and an integrated spot for your AirPods in the base. It can charge your iPhone at the fastest possible MagSafe speeds, up to 15 watts. It uses a single-cable design for powering the MagSafe charger and AirPods charger.

I made the jump to a mechanical keyboard this year, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m personally using the Keychron Q5 , which features a backlit design, a built-in volume knob, USB-C connectivity, and a customizable design.

In addition to those benefits, I’ve found my switch to the Keychron Q5 to be a significant ergonomics improvement. The elevated design has significantly reduced wrist pain during long writing sessions in comparison to something like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

The Keychron Q5 is somewhat pricey at just under $230, but there are also more affordable mechanical keyboard options out there. One of our favorites is the Logitech MX Mechanical wireless keyboard, which is also more compact than the Keychron option as well as wireless.

Satechi’s 2-in-1 Headphone Stand is one of the things on my desk that I get asked about most often. It features a hook design to hold your headphones, with a base that doubles as a Qi charger for your iPhone or AirPods.

On the back of the 2-in-1 Headphone Stand are two separate USB-C ports. One of these is a UBS-C input port that can be connected to power, while the other is a USB-C output port. 

The single USB-C input provides enough power for the Qi charger in the base, as well as to power the second USB-C output. The Qi charging pad provides up to 7.5W of power and works with any Qi-supported device, including iPhones, AirPods, and more. 

Another option for headphone storage comes from Elevation Lab. The Anchor Under-Desk Headphone Stand mounts to the underside of your desk using adhesive and can hold up to two pairs of headphones at the same time.

For accent lighting, you can never go wrong with some HomeKit light strips for your desk. Whether you place them behind your desk or underneath, they can provide ambience and personalization for your desk setup. HomeKit compatibility allows you to control the brightness and color from your iPhone or using Siri.

HomeKit light strips have gotten significantly cheaper over the years, with options now coming in at under $50 from reliable manufacturers on Amazon.

A higher-end option for desktop accent lighting comes from Philips Hue and the company’s Play Light Bar . These can provide some beautiful accent lighting for your office and desk, either with a stand or by being mounted to the back of your display.

These, however, are pricier than a basic light strip, and you’ll also need a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality.

Rounding out our focus on lighting is a basic HomeKit-capable desk lamp. You can pick up a sleek HomeKit desk lamp from a company like Meross on Amazon for under $50. I’ve personally been using this Meross desk lamp for a long time and haven’t had any problems with it.

The reason I’ve included multiple different lighting accessories in this guide is that I think having subtle and customizable lighting around you can be great for productivity. This is especially true if you’re working in a room or office with bright fluorescent overhead lighting.

I’ve been singing the praises of Logitech’s MX lineup of mice for years, and absolutely nothing has changed. The latest Logitech MX Master 3S is a supremely excellent mouse for your Mac. Ergonomically, I find it to be significantly better than something like Apple’s Magic Mouse.

The MX Master 3S is also fully customizable using Logitech’s Options software on the Mac. You can assign the different buttons to macOS features, like mission control, expose, the app switcher, and much more.

Looking for a way to keep clutter off your desk? This HumanCentric Under Desk Storage Shelf is a great option. It attaches to the underside of your desk using adhesive strips and can be used to store things like your keys, wallet, AirPods case, and more.

This might not seem like the most exciting accessory choice, but trust me when I say I’ve loved adding this to my setup.

If you’re a coffee drinker who finds themselves getting distracted and letting your coffee get cold, the Ember Smart Mug can help solve that problem. There’s a companion app for iPhone that lets you control the temperature, and the battery inside the mug can keep your coffee warm for up to 80 minutes.

To round out this guide, I thought it’d be helpful to include some more affordable desk and work-from-home accessories.

• WHOOSH Screen Cleaner Kit
• Adhesive Cable Cord Holders for cable management
• Anker Wireless Charger with Qi
• Clamable Desk Light for video calls
• Apple Polishing Cloth

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Apple’s Mac lineup consists of MacBook, MacBoo…

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to [email protected]

Manage push notifications

• a. Send us an email
• b. Anonymous form
• Buyer's Guide
• Upcoming Products
• Tips / Contact Us
• Podcast Instagram Facebook Twitter Mastodon YouTube Notifications RSS Newsletter

Apple Likely Planning to Skip M3 Mac Mini for M4 Refresh in Late 2024

Apple is likely to skip an M3 version of the Mac mini in favor of a bigger update with M4 chips toward the end of the year, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman .

Gurman previously said that Apple is planning to release new ‌Mac mini‌ models with M4 and M4 Pro chips " between the end of 2024 and early 2025 ." Now, he has clarified that with new Mac minis arriving as soon as the end of the year, there is not sufficient "room for M3 models to come out before then, so it's probably safe to say that those Mac desktops will skip the M3 generation."

Such a move would not be unprecedented since the iMac skipped the ‌M2‌ chip entirely, holding off until a bigger performance bump with the M3 chip late last year. With the M4 chip series, the ‌Mac mini‌ should get a significant CPU performance improvement compared to the existing models with the ‌M2‌ series. The M4 chips are also rumored to have a faster Neural Engine for artificial intelligence tasks.

Get weekly top MacRumors stories in your inbox.

Top Rated Comments

I hope it has a higher limit for RAM. 16 GB is just not enough anymore,

Popular Stories

iOS 18 Rumored to Add New Features to These 16 Apps on Your iPhone

Apple Event Rumors: iPad Pro With M4 Chip and New Apple Pencil With Haptic Feedback

Apple to Use 'Best OLED Panels on the Market' for Upcoming iPad Pro

iOS 18 Rumored to 'Overhaul' Notes, Mail, Photos, and Fitness Apps

Apple's M1 iPad Air Drops to New Low Price of $399.99 at Best Buy

Apple Announces 'Let Loose' Event on May 7 Amid Rumors of New iPads

iOS 17.5 Includes 'Repair State' Option That Doesn't Require Turning Off Find My for Service

Next article.

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

App Store changes for the EU, new emoji, Podcasts transcripts, and more.

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

Revamped models with OLED displays, M3 or M4 chip, and redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.

Updated 10.9-inch model and new 12.9-inch model, M2 chip expected.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 10.

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June with public release in September.

Other Stories

2 days ago by Tim Hardwick

6 days ago by Tim Hardwick

1 week ago by Joe Rossignol

1 week ago by MacRumors Staff

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Deadly Massachusetts Apple Store crash caused by faulty AI, says defense

Source: AP Photo/Steven Senne

Driver Bradley Rein drove the car into the Apple Derby Street store in November 2022 at about 60 miles per hour, with the vehicle only stopping when it hit the back wall. The incident killed one person and injured 22.

Rein originally claimed it was an accident. That story has now changed.

The defense team filed a motion in court on Tuesday , according to WCVB 5 , that claimed that AI software installed in the car caused the unintentional acceleration.

The charges filed in court were upgraded in 2023 from previous charges of reckless homicide by a motor vehicle to second-degree murder, 18 counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

In April 2023, Rein pled not guilty to the charges, and remained free on a $100,000 bail.

In Massachusetts, there is a strong precedent for drivers being held responsible for crashes involving AI. Should the motion be granted, the charges would likely have to be changed, though, to reflect the nature of the incident.

It's not clear what "AI software" was installed in the 4Runner that could cause forced acceleration and prevent the driver from hitting the brakes. It appears that the 2022 and earlier 4runner models lack factory self driving technology, beyond lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The driver previously claimed to police on the scene that his foot was stuck on the gas pedal — which would obviously not be AI-related. Observers on the scene didn't see any deceleration, and there was no evidence found during the investigation that the driver tried to brake.

The prosecution has asked for more time to review the claim. Toyota told WCVB that it was not a party to the litigation, and has no comment.

Apple is also being sued over the crash. The suit alleges that Apple didn't do enough to prevent the incident.

"Our experts tell us that this catastrophe was 100% preventable," Sheff & Cook lawyer Doug Shef said at the time. "They simply needed to place a few barriers or bollards between the parking lot traffic, which was busy holiday traffic, and the public."

It's not clear how the suit against Apple is going.

Is apple the property owner? If they lease or rent they shouldn’t be held accountable the property owner would be. If they do own and the store front is directly on city property such as their front door and store front is directly on a sidewalk then depending on the district they would be responsible for installing those.  At the end of the day someone suing XYZ leasing or Derby doesn’t get the media coverage or potential for a settlement but they’re hoping apple will just payout so their name isn’t associated with homicide and mass injuries. 

I can't believe a court would allow such rubbish 😡 They should add at least 10 years to his sentence for this pathetic attempt at a defence, the driver has clearly shown no remorse or accountability for his actions and is clearly lying 😡

Unintended acceleration has been an argument since 1986. No AI! In the end the problems were the drive standing on the gas pedal when they thought they were on the brake. https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2007/05/in-defense-of-the-audi-5000/ As for requesting information from Toyota. The police should have tools to read the black box (EDR) data, especially for an incident like this. I doubt the defense will be happy w/what they find. http://forensicdynamics.com/edr-black-box-downloads

This sounds exactly like a ruse intended to gain sympathy from a jury who sees "AI" as some sort of bogeyman that can subvert a driver's ability to control the operation of their own vehicle. It's not like the media hasn't gone out of their way to portray "AI" as a looming threat to the survival of the human species. It's yet another attempt to shift blame away from the accused. Blame shifting has existed for as long as humans have existed in quantities greater than one. Pointing a finger at "AI" is simply a modern spin on the same theme. If the "AI" blame shift doesn't stick to the wall they could try "blinded by the glow of a UFO." And don't forget "temporary insanity." That's always an option.

I don't see how Apple should be held in someway responsible for not taking actions to prevent this kind of accident. If the property has received all the necessary approvals, that is it.  If they had opted to setup a table outside to give away promotional gear (with permission) you wouldn't expect it to have crash protection. 

Top Stories

Save $200 on this 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 Pro with 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD

Siri for iOS 18 to gain massive AI upgrade via Apple's Ajax LLM

Apple charms investors with record $110B stock buyback, dividend hike

Apple to unveil AI-enabled Safari browser alongside new operating systems

Apple's iOS 18 to streamline task management with unified events and reminders

Apple headphone shootout: Beats Solo 4 vs AirPods Max

Featured deals.

Amazon discounts the Apple Studio Display to $1,299 ($300 off)

Latest exclusives.

An inside look at Apple's various internal iOS variants that aid development

Apple's iOS 18 AI will be on-device preserving privacy, and not server-side

Apple's macOS 15 to get rare cognitive boost via Project GreyParrot

Latest comparisons.

M3 15-inch MacBook Air vs M3 14-inch MacBook Pro — Ultimate buyer's guide

M3 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air — Compared

Latest news.

Fingers crossed: Spotify might actually launch lossless audio in 2024

After years of promises and nothing to show for it, a new leak suggests that Spotify may actually be close to launching lossless audio on its service. Maybe.

MagSafe could get a makeover in iPhone 16

MagSafe could use a thinner ring of magnets in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, if alleged case-making molds are to be believed.

Morgan Stanley hikes Apple stock target after unexpectedly positive earnings

Despite a recent Apple stock price target cut bank Morgan Stanley is amongst Apple's biggest bulls — and it has proven that by nudging the company's price target up to $216.

iPhone 15 Find My shows Mandalorians the way in latest Apple ad

Apple has marked "Star Wars" Day with a new ad, featuring Boba Fett finding his fellow Mandalorians with an iPhone 15.

Apple said to be stealing tech from expensive suppliers to give to cheaper ones

A new report claims that a supplier may develop new technology or new processes, only for Apple to — perfectly legally — take that work to a cheaper company, sometimes leaving the original one to go bankrupt.

Analysis paralysis - hot takes from investment firms in the wake of Apple earnings

Apple had a pretty good quarter despite China weakness, defying analysts' doom-and-gloom predictions. Here's what some of them think on the morning after.

Macs, iPad mini, and big AI announcements are not coming at Apple's iPad event

While Apple's "Let Loose" event is to be dedicated to the iPad, there will be more — and yet there are also many devices Apple will hold back for later.

New iPads are close, EU App Store rules, and Apple ID's new bug on the AppleInsider Podcast

On this week's episode of the AppleInsider Podcast, your regular hosts discuss a change in EU rules for small developers, some Apple ID bugs, iOS 18 leaks — and of course the imminent launch of new iPads.

Latest Videos

Beats Solo 4 headphones review: Great audio quality and features

iPhone 16 Pro: what to expect from Apple's fall 2024 flagship phone

New iPad Air & iPad Pro models are coming soon - what to expect

Latest reviews.

Unistellar Odyssey Pro review: Unlock pro-level astronomy with your iPhone from your backyard

Ugreen DXP8800 Plus network attached storage review: Good hardware, beta software

Espresso 17 Pro review: Magnetic & modular portable Mac monitor

{{ title }}

{{ summary }}

Mac mini のメモリを増設する／取り付ける

Mac mini のメモリの取り外し方法と取り付け方法を説明します。

コンピュータのコンポーネントが静電気で破損することが極力ないように、コンピュータのメモリを取り扱う際は、静電気防止リストストラップを着用してください。

Mac mini は、モデルによってメモリ (RAM) の取り付け条件が異なります。詳しくは、以下から該当する Mac mini モデルを選択してください。お使いの Mac mini のモデルの調べ方については、 こちらの記事 を参照してください。

Mac mini (2023)

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Mac mini (2018)

Mac mini (Late 2014)

Mac mini (Late 2012)

Mac mini (Mid 2011)

Mac mini (Mid 2010)

Mac mini (Late 2009)

Mac mini (Early 2009)

Mac mini (Mid 2007)

Mac mini (Late 2006)

Mac mini (Early 2006)

Mac mini (Original)

2023、2020 年

Mac mini (2023) および Mac mini (M1, 2020) のメモリは、Apple M シリーズのチップパッケージに統合されていて、アップグレードすることはできません。Mac mini のメモリは、ご購入時にカスタマイズで構成可能です。

Mac mini (2018) の RAM は、お客様ご自身では交換／増設できません。Mac mini (2018) のメモリは、ご購入時にカスタマイズで構成可能です。Mac mini (2018) のメモリをアップグレードするには、 Apple Store または Apple 正規サービスプロバイダ に依頼してください。

RAM の提供状況は国や地域によって異なります。

Mac mini (Late 2014) のメモリは、メインロジックボードに統合されていて、アップグレードすることができません。

2012、2011、2010 年

Mac mini (Late 2012) 、 Mac mini (Mid 2011) 、 Mac mini (Mid 2010) のメモリを取り外したり取り付けたりする場合は、以下の手順で行ってください。

Mac mini の電源を切ります。Apple メニュー () から「システム終了」を選択します。

電源コードやその他のケーブル類をすべて Mac mini から取り外します。

Mac mini を裏返して、柔らかい布やタオルの上に置いてから、底面カバーを反時計回りに回してロック解除の位置に合わせます。

カバーを押して反対側を浮き上がらせてから、取り外します。

取り付けられているメモリモジュールを取り外す

上部メモリモジュールの両端にあるクリップを慎重に広げて、両端を浮き上がらせます。

モジュールをスロットから引き抜きます。

同様の手順で、2 枚目の下部モジュールも取り外します。

新しいモジュールを取り付ける

新しいメモリモジュールの切り欠きのある端を、反対側の端がやや斜め上を向いた状態で、下部スロットに慎重に押し込みます。

クリップが所定の位置にぴったりはまるまで、持ち上がっている端を押し込みます。

同様の手順で、上部メモリモジュールも取り付けます。

底面カバーを元通りに取り付ける

底面カバーを再度取り付けるまで、Mac mini に電源コードを接続したり、電源を入れたりしないでください。カバーが所定の位置に取り付けられていない状態では、絶対に Mac mini を操作しないでください。

位置合わせ用のドットを目印にして、底面カバーをロック解除位置に合わせて置きます。

カバーを時計回りに回して、所定の位置にロックさせます。

電源コードや、取り外したその他のケーブル類をすべて接続し直します。

メモリを取り付けた後で、 Mac mini で新しいメモリが認識されているか確認 してください。

以下のモデルの Mac mini のメモリを取り外したり取り付けたりするには、 Apple 正規サービスプロバイダ に依頼してください。

Mac で新しいメモリが認識されているか確認する

新しく取り付けたメモリがコンピュータで認識されるかどうか、以下の手順で確認してください。

コンピュータを起動します。

デスクトップが表示されたら、Apple メニュー  を選択し、「この Mac について」を選択します。

表示されるメモリが、実際に取り付けたメモリと合致しているか確かめます。

メモリのサイズが正しく表示されない場合や、Mac mini からビープ音 3 回が繰り返し鳴り続ける場合は、メモリモジュールが正しく認識されていない可能性が考えられます。このような場合は、Mac mini をシステム終了し、モジュールの仕様がお使いの Mac mini モデルの要件を満たしていることを確認した上で、メモリの取り付け手順をもう一度繰り返し、モジュールが正しく取り付けられているか確認してください。それでも問題が解決しない場合は、メモリを取り外し、メモリに付属のサポート情報を調べるか、メモリの製造元にお問い合わせください。

Apple サポートコミュニティを探索する

Apple ユーザの皆様による質問や回答をご覧ください。