Mark Gurman: high-end M1X Mac mini with an updated design and more ports than the current M1 Mac mini should replace the Intel model in the next several months
Apple had just introduced the M1-based Mac mini, while this report points to a higher-end variant intended to displace the remaining Intel configuration. Later coverage traces that product line through reported M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini plans, a Mac Studio derived from the mini, and ultimately a smaller M4/M4 Pro redesign.
First-order effects
Apple's Mac mini range is set to move its high-end tier from an Intel model to the reported M1X configuration, with a new chassis and expanded port selection.
Intel would lose the remaining Mac mini slot targeted by the reported replacement, while Mac buyers needing more connectivity gain an Apple-silicon option above the existing M1 model.
Second-order effects
Apple can separate the compact desktop range by performance and I/O rather than keeping Intel as the high-end differentiator, a product logic reflected in the later reported M2 Pro configuration.
The Mac mini roadmap points toward Apple treating its desktop transition as an ongoing segmentation exercise: successive in-house chips and form-factor updates replace legacy processor choices across price tiers.
If that pattern holds, Intel's role in Apple's consumer desktop lineup shrinks from a product-range differentiator to an exited legacy configuration.
The trend: Apple's compact desktop strategy is shifting from Intel-era model splits to Apple-silicon performance tiers paired with periodic chassis and connectivity redesigns.
Being told the change from 12s to 13 is fundamentally based on the smaller notch. The iPhone will look complete different, therefore it needs a different number. I'm awaiting confirmation and will tell you in a couple days, but seems like 13 is the final name.
Seriously though, this iteration is so intuitive and a perfect next step from iOS 14. Being able to swipe back and forth from tab to tab is worth the upgrade alone. Everything being at the bottom is just icing on the cake. ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Would accidentally upgrade again.
@Techmeme @SamiFathi_ I would love to see the current “regular” M1 Mac mini get smaller. Most consumers don't need more ports or power, and the current chassis has so much wasted space. I want a Mac mini the size of Apple TV.
I installed the iOS 15 beta profile, but kept delaying installing it. Then last night I absentmindedly hit the “Install Tonight” button and woke up to iOS 15. Safari in iOS 15 is fantastic!!! I don't know what all of you were complaining about all summer. 🤣
A lot of people sent in pc builds to try to outdo the $589 refurbished M1 Mac mini deal I talked about in my latest video... quite a few of them indeed lack cases to hit the price target. M1 Mac mini is seriously insane value
Apple's Mac fall roadmap seems clear; hold a November event (one-year since M1), announce the M1X as a standalone chip (like it did M1), then put it in the new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros and the Mac mini (like last year). A lot of parallels with 2020. https://www.macrumors.com/.…