Apple launches new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips, starting at Rs 59,900 in India

Apple unveils its first carbon-neutral Mac mini, powered by the new M4 and M4 Pro chips, offering enhanced performance and eco-friendly design. Available for pre-order now, these models promise faster processing and innovative features, shipping begins November 8.

30 Oct 2024, 03:47 by Ankita Chakravarti · India Today

In Short

Apple introduces the new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips for faster performance
The base model in India is priced at Rs 59,900, offering competitive features
Enhanced graphics and processing power make it ideal for both everyday tasks and professional work

Apple has unveiled its latest Mac mini, now powered by the new M4 and M4 Pro chips, making it Apple’s most compact and efficient desktop yet. This powerful upgrade marks a significant milestone as the first carbon-neutral Mac, achieving over 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Designed to take on both everyday tasks and heavy-duty workloads, the M4 model delivers up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance than its predecessor. The new Mac mini also introduces Apple Intelligence, a system that enhances productivity and privacy while helping users streamline communication and creativity.

Starting at Rs 59,900 in India, the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro models are available for pre-order now and will ship starting November 8.

Mac Mini: Specifications and features

The latest Mac mini comes in two versions: the M4 and the M4 Pro. Apple’s M4 chip enhances CPU performance by up to 1.8 times and GPU performance by 2.2 times over the older M1 model. For those needing more power, the M4 Pro offers an even stronger processing experience with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. This variant handles heavy tasks, such as 3D rendering and audio processing, up to three times faster than its predecessor, the M2 Pro. With advanced multi-threading capabilities, both chips allow the Mac mini to handle multitasking and creative tasks seamlessly.

Apple has included front and back ports for improved accessibility. The Mac mini with the M4 chip includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M4 Pro variant upgrades to Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfers, boasting speeds of up to 120 Gb/s. This device supports a range of high-resolution displays, allowing the M4 version to connect up to two 6K monitors and one 5K display, while the M4 Pro can manage up to three 6K displays.

This Mac mini represents Apple’s first fully carbon-neutral product, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared to previous models. Built with recycled aluminum, gold, and rare earth elements, it aligns with Apple’s commitment to reaching complete carbon neutrality by 2030. The device is also designed with environmentally-friendly shipping practices and features fully fiber-based packaging, eliminating plastic use ahead of Apple’s 2025 goal.

A key feature of the new Mac mini is Apple Intelligence, which brings AI capabilities like on-device speech-to-text and image generation through tools such as Image Playground and Genmoji. Additionally, Apple Intelligence will integrate with ChatGPT starting in December, providing users with a smarter Siri experience without requiring a separate app. Notably, Apple prioritizes privacy by processing many tasks on-device, and for more complex tasks, it uses secure, private cloud computing.

The new Mac mini runs on macOS Sequoia, which introduces iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to access their iPhone apps and notifications directly on the Mac. The OS update also includes upgrades to Safari, such as a smarter Reader mode and a video viewer for distraction-free browsing. New gaming features, improved window management, and the new Passwords app add to the Mac’s user-friendly experience.

Pricing and availability

Apple’s Mac mini with the M4 chip is priced at Rs 59,900, with a special education price of Rs 49,900. The Mac mini with the M4 Pro is available at Rs 1,49,900, with an education discount bringing it down to â¹1,39,900. Both models are available for pre-order now and will hit stores on November 8. Apple is also offering new accessories with USB-C, including Magic Keyboards, the Magic Mouse, and the Magic Trackpad, priced separately.
The new Mac mini is available for pre-order on Apple’s official website and through the Apple Store app. Customers purchasing directly from Apple can also access the Personal Setup service, helping them get started with their new device either online or at their nearest Apple Store.