Apple is updating more Macs. While the new features of the MacBook Pro mainly concern the internals, the new Mac mini also stands out for its more practical shape. The new chips should pave the way for artificial intelligence. A first area of application is already opening up.
Apple’s new M4 chips have reached two other Mac product lines: the workhorse MacBook Pro and the small Mac mini desktop computer. While the changes inside the MacBook Pro remain under wraps, the Mac mini features a more compact housing.
The weight has dropped from around 1.2 kilos to just under 700 grams: a notable difference, especially if you want to travel with it. The Mac mini now resembles a slightly enlarged Apple TV with an aluminum housing and fits in many pockets.
And for the new Apple Intelligence AI software to run smoothly, new Mac models generally have at least 16 gigabytes of RAM instead of the previous eight gigabytes. As a side effect, this also benefits other applications.
A surprisingly nice little detail are the sockets on the front of the device: two USB-C 3, plus a headphone output for classic 3.5 millimeter jack connectors. On the back there are three Thunderbolt ports, one HDMI and one Ethernet port.
Hidden Mac power button and M4 chip
Apple has taken an interesting approach by placing the power button in a corner under the device. So sometimes you have to lift the Mac mini.
A regular user who uses a Mac with Apple’s in-house M chips for daily tasks rarely feels like they need a new processor. However, the M4 makes a difference here, simply because it allows the Mac mini to be more compact than the previous generation with the M2 chip. Apple skipped the M3 processor for the Mac mini.
Furthermore, even in the basic version of the M4 chip it is possible to connect up to three external screens: two with 6K resolution and one with 5K. The more powerful – and more expensive – M4 Pro has three 6K monitors.
The M4 chips are characterized, among other things, by more processor cores. At least ten for CPU tasks, at least ten for graphics, and 16 in the Neural Engine for AI applications.
Apple Intelligence brings writing tools
With MacOS Sequoia 15.1 the new functions of the Apple Intelligence AI program arrive on computers. The group wants to adapt current AI capabilities for everyday use. At the beginning, among other things, tools for improving the text in English are available.
In the Apple mail program it is possible, among other things, to subject texts to a spell check and also to reformulate them. The writing styles are a more relaxed tone in “Friendly”, very serious in “Professional” and a stripped down version in “Consise”. The software can also create short summaries of texts and convert them into lists or tables.
Particularly impressive is the shortening function, which can shorten a paragraph by one or two lines using more compact text without losing any of the content. The function to summarize emails is also useful. Instead of just the first few lines of an email, it shows a short version of the content.
Conclusion: The new compact shape makes the Mac mini a truly portable desktop computer. With the M4 chip and 16 gigabytes of RAM, Apple makes the Mac lineup faster for its AI software. The first application examples, such as writing instruments, are clear right from the start.
Andrei Sokolow, dpa/jk
Interview between Time.news Editor and AI Expert John Doe
Time.news Editor: Welcome, John! It’s great to have you here today to discuss Apple’s latest updates to the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, particularly the introduction of the new M4 chips. What are your initial thoughts on this move?
John Doe: Thanks for having me! Apple’s advancements with the M4 chips are quite exciting. It’s interesting to see how they’re integrating more powerful hardware to support AI capabilities, especially given the trend towards intelligence-driven software across devices.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The report highlights that, with the new Mac mini, the design changes have made it more compact and user-friendly. How do you see this shift towards portability affecting user experience, especially for those in tech or creative fields?
John Doe: Portability is crucial for many users today, especially those who travel frequently for work. A device that weighs under 700 grams while still offering robust performance is a game-changer. Creative professionals, like graphic designers and video editors, will appreciate being able to easily transport their workstations without sacrificing power.
Time.news Editor: Right! The article mentions that the Mac mini now resembles an enlarged Apple TV and has features like USB-C ports and a hidden power button. What are your thoughts on these design choices?
John Doe: The design is sleek and functional. By placing the USB ports on the front, Apple is emphasizing accessibility, which is often overlooked by other manufacturers. The hidden power button is a bit quirky, but it could be seen as a unique design trait. However, I wonder how users will adapt to lifting the device to turn it on.
Time.news Editor: That certainly adds an interesting twist! The article also notes that these new models generally come with at least 16 gigabytes of RAM, doubling the previous standard. What implications does this have for multitasking and performance in AI-driven applications?
John Doe: Increasing the RAM capacity is a significant step, particularly for AI applications which require substantial memory to process data efficiently. With more RAM, users will experience smoother multitasking, allowing them to juggle demanding applications without experiencing slowdowns. This is especially beneficial for developers and data scientists working with AI models.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of AI, you mentioned earlier that these chips are paving the way for enhanced AI features. Can you elaborate on potential practical applications of this technology?
John Doe: Sure! With the M4 chip, we can expect improvements in areas such as machine learning, image recognition, and natural language processing. For instance, creative tools could leverage AI for automated enhancements, saving users time in their workflows. We might also see advances in personal assistants that are more intuitive and responsive thanks to the enhanced processing capabilities.
Time.news Editor: It certainly seems like Apple is gearing up for an AI-focused future. Is there anything else about the new Macs that caught your eye?
John Doe: I think the capability to support multiple high-resolution external displays is quite impressive. The ability to connect up to three monitors, especially with 6K resolution, speaks volumes about the power packed into these chips. This feature will be invaluable for professionals who need expansive real estate to work efficiently.
Time.news Editor: Thanks for your insights, John! It’s exciting to think about how these updates will influence not just everyday users, but also creative and technical professionals. We appreciate your expertise!
John Doe: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how users adapt to these new technologies and what innovations emerge next in the world of computing.