Apple Reportedly Launching New Mac Mini Aimed At Pro Users

Apple is expected to launch a low-cost MacBook later this fall and the tech giant might also finally upgrade the Mac mini. A new report claims that the new Mac mini will be aimed at pro users and it’s expected to be more expensive.

The Mac mini is a standalone computer that doesn’t come with its own monitor, keyboard or mouse. The Apple computer is popular among developers and server farm managers because of its lower price compared to other MacOS laptops and all-in-ones. The last time Apple updated the Mac mini was around four years ago.

The 2018 version of the Mac mini will see a significant upgrade this year, according to Bloomberg. Sources say that the new computer will have new storage and processors options, which will most likely raise its price. Apple is doing this so that the new Mac mini will attract pro users who require more power and more storage.

The current version of the Mac mini, which is powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, is still being sold by Apple for $499. It features a 500GB hard drive with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000. The most expensive configuration of the current Mac mini starts at $999. That can also be configured with a 3GHz Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of flash storage, but it will cost $1,999.

Bloomberg’s report didn’t indicate what the 2018 Mac mini will have in terms of specs, nor did it say if it will feature any design changes. The current Mac mini is already quite small given that it is 7.7 inches wide, 1.4 inches high and 7.7 inches in depth. It’s likely that Apple could stick to the old design, but it’s also possible that the company may have to make the new Mac mini bigger to incorporate the upgraded specs.

Bloomberg also gave some key details on Apple’s low-cost MacBook. Sources say that the new notebook will feature a design that’s similar to the MacBook Air and will have a display that’s around 13 inches. However, it’s expected to have thinner bezels and the screen will be an upgraded Retina display that’s already being used by Apple on its other products.

Rumors suggest that the new 2018 13-inch MacBook will be powered by Intel Kaby Lake processors and it should be more powerful than Apple’s standard 12-inch MacBooks. The current version of the MacBook Air starts at $999 and the new 13-inch model might have a similar or slightly higher price tag.

Apple will be holding its annual iPhone event next month and it’s likely for the tech giant to reveal the new 13-inch MacBook and the 2018 Mac mini at the event, as pointed out by 9To5Mac.