This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
Published on August 23, 2021, Apple's Mac Mini M1X is expected to launch in the coming months, according to recent rumors. This high-end version of Apple's desktop computer would offer improved performance and connectivity compared to the current Mac mini M1.
Apple's Plan to Recharge its Range ¶
When Apple first introduced its M1 chips, the company announced a two-year plan to revamp its entire line of PCs, including both desktop and portable devices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air were among the first Macs to feature the M1 chip, followed by the new 24-inch iMac. However, the M1 chip still has limitations, particularly when it comes to compatibility with older software and applications.
As a result, Apple is still offering some Macs with Intel chips, including the iMac 27-inch, MacBook Pro 16-inch, and high-end versions of the Mac mini. However, before the end of the year, Apple is expected to release MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models with M1X chips, as well as new versions of the Mac mini.
What to Expect from the Mac Mini M1X ¶
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the Mac Mini M1X is expected to launch in the coming months, possibly as early as September. The new Mac mini is rumored to have additional Thunderbolt/USB-4 ports, addressing the current Mac mini M1's lack of connectivity. The Mac Mini M1X is expected to have a similar configuration to the Mac mini Core i5 and Core i7, with two USB-A ports, four Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.
However, it remains to be seen whether Apple will address other limitations of the Mac mini M1, such as the gap between ports that can prevent the simultaneous use of HDMI and USB-C ports. One possible solution could be to place some ports vertically rather than horizontally.
