No USB-A on Mac mini starting this year, says Mark Gurman

Apple’s Mac mini is about to get a major facelift — and it’s saying goodbye to those familiar USB-A ports. If you’ve been clinging to your old rectangular ports for dear life, it might be time to start making peace with the sleek, modern, and slightly intimidating world of USB-C. But don’t fret; this new Mac mini promises to pack more power and pizzazz than ever before, and the wait won’t be long.

Out with the old, in with the new

Mark Gurman, the unofficial oracle of Apple news, has spilled the beans on the Mac mini’s upcoming redesign. For the first time since 2010, this tiny desktop is getting more than just a chip upgrade — it’s getting a full-on makeover. And in true Apple fashion, this change is as functional as it is stylish.

The new Mac mini will be powered by Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips, marking the dawn of a new era in Mac performance. But the real shocker? USB-A ports are out. Yep, that’s right. No doubt that USB-A has served us well for decades, but it will not be making the cut in the latest Mac mini models. Instead, we’re looking at five USB-C ports — two conveniently located on the front and three on the back. This new configuration not only declutters the design but also future-proofs the Mac mini, aligning it with Apple’s broader transition towards USB-C across its devices.

Apple isn’t just swapping ports; they’re reimagining the Mac mini’s form entirely. Picture this: a machine as powerful as ever, but with a footprint closer to an Apple TV and a touch taller. Designers describe it as “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box,” and that compact yet robust image should have any tech enthusiast’s heart racing.

While the new design is still under wraps, we know that it will feature an internal power supply — no more external bricks to clutter your workspace. And don’t worry, you won’t be left wanting for connectivity. Alongside the new USB-C ports, the Mac mini will retain its Ethernet port, HDMI connector, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. So, whether you’re gaming, editing, or simply streaming your favorite shows, this little machine will have all your bases covered.

The Mac mini M4 release date set for September

The rollout for these new Mac minis is just around the corner. Suppliers are reportedly gearing up to start shipping the standard M4 models in early September, with the M4 Pro version following closely in October. That means you could be upgrading your setup by the time the leaves start to fall. And for the first time, Apple is planning to use the same chip generation across its entire Mac lineup, from the MacBook Air to the Mac Pro.

A goodbye to USB-A, but is it worth it?

If you’re a bit of a hoarder when it comes to old tech (no judgment, we all have that drawer), this shift might sting. After all, USB-A ports have been the faithful companions of our gadgets for years. But Apple has been phasing them out across its product lines, and the Mac mini is just the latest to join the club. It’s all part of the broader push towards a more uniform and versatile connection standard with USB-C.

While this might mean a few extra bucks spent on adapters (we see you, wireless mouse users), the trade-off is a machine that’s more powerful, future-ready, and compact. And let’s be honest, it was about time the Mac mini got a bit of a glow-up.

With Apple’s “Glowtime” event scheduled for September 9, the tech world is buzzing with anticipation. While the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the iPhone 16, the Mac mini’s redesign is set to make waves when it’s unveiled later this fall. So, whether you’re a longtime Mac mini fan or just in the market for a powerhouse in a tiny package, this next-gen model might just be the desktop of your dreams.