Apple raises Mac Mini price to $699, maintains M2-Pro performance

Apple unveiled a new 2024 Mac Mini that shrinks to 0.82 litres yet keeps its punch. The redesigned unit sits at $699 for the base M2‑Pro model, up from the $599 price of the 2023 version. It still packs a 12‑core CPU and 19‑core GPU, making it a powerful option for developers, video editors and gamers who need a small footprint. The chassis is thin enough to slide behind a monitor or under a desk, and it weighs just 1.2 kg.

The move comes as Apple continues to push its silicon strategy into the desktop market. The company replaced Intel chips with its own M‑series in 2023, and the new Mini shows that Apple is willing to sacrifice a little space for a more efficient design. Compact PCs are growing in popularity for home offices, media servers and even gaming rigs. Apple’s rivals—Dell’s XPS Mini, HP’s Mini One and Intel’s NUC line—offer similar form factors but lack the integrated performance that Apple’s chips deliver.

Reviewers praise the Mini’s thermal performance and quiet operation. The M2‑Pro variant can handle 4K video editing and moderate gaming without throttling, and its Thunderbolt 4 ports allow fast external storage. However, the price hike and the limited upgrade path—only a single RAM slot—have drawn criticism from power users who prefer more flexibility. In comparison, the 2023 Mini was praised for its low cost and decent specs, but the 2024 redesign shows Apple prioritising a sleeker aesthetic over bulk.

Apple is expected to introduce the M3‑based Mac Mini later in 2025, potentially at a lower price point if the new silicon proves more efficient. Analysts predict that the compact desktop market will see further consolidation as more manufacturers adopt Apple‑style silicon. If the Mini’s popularity grows, it could force competitors to lower prices or add more ports, reshaping the small‑form‑factor PC landscape.