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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A @ EveryMac.com
Update Published December 5, 2024
Also see: Mac mini Specs | All Mac Q&As
EveryMac.com's Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A answers questions about the 2020 and 2023 Aluminum Mac mini models powered by an Apple Silicon M1, M2, or M2 Pro processor as well as the smaller 2024 Aluminum Mac mini models powered by an Apple Silicon M4 or M4 Pro processor. The 2020 and 2023 Mac mini models can be identified by the A2348, A2686, and A2816 model numbers whereas the 2024 Mac mini models can be identified by the A3238 and A3239 model numbers.
Questions range from "What are all the differences between the '2024 M4/M4 Pro' Mac mini models and the '2023 M2/M2 Pro' Mac mini models they replaced?" to "What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Is it possible to upgrade it?" and everything in between.
Please note that the Apple Silicon Mac mini models with an M4 or M4 Pro processor are current whereas models with M1, M2, and M2 Pro processors have been discontinued. This Q&A covers all of these Mac mini models regardless of processor type.
Some earlier Intel-based Mac mini models also use aluminum cases, and look practically identical to early Apple Silicon Mac mini models, but use a completely different internal architecture. They can be identified by the A1347 and A1993 model numbers.
For these earlier Intel-based Aluminum Mac mini models, see the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini Q&A.
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Most Frequently Asked Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "M4" and "M4 Pro" Mac mini models? Which is best for me?
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
What are all the differences between the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models and the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models they replaced?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Is it for me?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Which is the best?
How do you connect the Apple Silicon Mac mini to a television?
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Can it be upgraded?
What is a good wireless keyboard with a trackpad to use with the Apple Silicon Mac mini while sitting on the couch?
Does the Apple Silicon Mac mini support an eGPU?
What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon Mac mini? Are adapters required?
How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run iPad apps?
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run older macOS apps?
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run Windows?
Comparison & Performance Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "M4" and "M4 Pro" Mac mini models? Which is best for me?
What are all the differences between the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models and the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models they replaced?
What are all the differences between the "M2" and "M2 Pro" Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs?
What are all the differences between the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini and the "2020 M1" Mac mini it replaced?
What are all the differences between the "2020 M1" Mac mini and the "2018" Mac mini it replaced? Is there any reason to still buy an older model?
How fast is the "2020 M1" Mac mini compared to earlier Mac mini models? How fast is it compared to the Mac Pro?
How fast are the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models compared to each other and earlier Mac mini models? How fast are they compared to the Mac Studio?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Is it for me?
Graphics, Video, & Television Q&As:
What is the maximum supported resolution of each Apple Silicon Mac mini?
What type of video processor is provided by the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Does it have "integrated" or "dedicated" video memory? Is it upgradable?
Does the Apple Silicon Mac mini support an eGPU?
How do you connect the Apple Silicon Mac mini to a television?
What is a good wireless keyboard with a trackpad to use with the Apple Silicon Mac mini while sitting on the couch?
What is HDMI?
Upgrades & Expansion Q&As:
What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Can it be upgraded?
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Which is the best?
Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:
Who designed the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
Where can I buy a Apple Silicon Mac mini?
What are the custom configuration options for the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Is it for me?
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