Mac Mini 2014 Release Tipped by Apple

A support page on Apple includes the Mac Mini 2014 update pointing to a possible Mac Mini 2014 release in the near future. This would be the first new Mac Mini in nearly two years, and one that many shoppers are waiting for.

This morning Apple announced a new Macbook Pro Retina, which presumably triggered an update to this support page, that outs a Mac Mini 2014 update.

It’s not clear if this is tied to a Mac Mini 2014 release in the next several weeks or months, or if it is a mistake in updating the compatibility chart for Boot Camp, an app that lets Mac users run Windows on a Mac.

Apple Support tips a possible Mac Mini 2014 release in the near future.

The Mac mini 2014 update is one of the most anticipated Apple products of the year, thanks to a long period since the last release. Since the last Mac Mini release date Apple updated the iPhone, iPad, Mac Pro, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

9to5Mac discovered the product reference on the Apple Support page, noting the change took place in the last 24 hours. Apple lists the new Mac Mini as “Mac Mini (Mid-2014)”, similar to the new MacBook Pro Retina update.

The mid-2014 designation suggests the Mac Mini 2014 release may be close at hand. Devices that arrive in the fall traditionally come with a late-YEAR designation.

Apple Support lists a Mac Mini (Mid-2014) option that is not yet announced.

The current Mac Mini is over 600 days old, which is a very long time in technology. With the potential for a new Mac Mini 2014 update in the near future buyers should hold off for the time being.

This isn’t the first Mac Mini 2014 release date rumor, but the previous reports of a new Mac mini in February did not deliver an update. We don’t see a Mac Mini 2014 listed on Ming-Chi Kuo’s roadmap of potential new Apple products, but it could be a small but needed spec update rather than a major new product launch.

It is possible the Mac Mini 2014 design will not change significantly. Apple includes power brick inside the Mac Mini shell, and a smaller computer may require an unsightly power supply on the outside of the device. Still, the Mac pro is much smaller than its predecessor without an external power supply.

Assuming there is a Mac Mini 2014 release on the way in the next weeks or month there are some clear upgrades Apple could offer to users.

• Intel Haswell Processors
• Iris Graphics, potential for an Iris Pro upgrade
• 802.11ac WiFi
• PCIe SSD upgrade

Perhaps this small computer will also include support for 4k displays, but that may be something Apple leaves for the professional products.

The Mac Mini 2014 is an important device for many shoppers who cannot wait to add a new Mac Mini to their desk after waiting years for an upgrade. The Mac Mini is also the most affordable Mac option at $599. Even without a mouse, keyboard or monitor it delivers an affordable path to switch from a Windows PC.

Check out the rest of the new Apple products consumers can’t wait to buy in 2014 below.

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