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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Published December 5, 2024
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What are all the differences between the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini and the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini it replaced?
There are three "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 2023, "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 2023, and "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 2023.
These Macs were replaced by the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 2024, "M4 Pro" 12 CPU/16 GPU 2024, and "M4 Pro" 14 CPU/20 GPU 2024.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini - 2023 Left; 2024 Right)
It is easy to spot at least one difference between the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models; the newer model has a much smaller footprint, but is quite a bit taller. The "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini has different -- and front-mounted -- ports, as well.
However, there are significant external and internal differences that are useful to know, but that are not as obvious.
External Differences
Although both the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models use a "cuboid" aluminum case, they essentially have little in common.
The "2023" models are 7.75 inches x 7.75 inches wide and deep -- a quiet memory of a size once necessary to accommodate a DVD-ROM drive -- 1.41 inches tall and 2.6 or 2.8 pounds. The "2024" models, on the other hand, are just 5 inches wide and deep but 2 inches tall. They weigh 1.5 or 1.6 pounds.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is another major point of differentiation between the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models.
The "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models have all of their ports on the rear:
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini 2023 M2)
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini 2023 M2 Pro)
In addition to two front-mounted USB-C (USB 3) ports and 3.5 mm headphone jack, the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models have ports that look the same, but the Thunderbolt ports are faster on the "M4 Pro" options:
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini 2024 M4/M4 Pro)
These port differences are summarized accordingly:
| Mac mini | 2023 M2 | 2023 M2 Pro | 2024 M4 | 2024 M4 Pro |
| USB-A | 2 | 2 | No | No |
| USB-C | No | No | 2 | 2 |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | No |
| Thunderbolt 5 | No | No | No | 3 |
| HDMI | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Wi-Fi | 6E | 6E | 6E | 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Display Support | 2 | 3 | 3* | 3* |
* All of these models support as many as three displays, but the entry-level "M4" Mac mini only supports two 6K displays and one 5K display or one 8K display and one 5K display. The higher-end "M4 Pro" models, on the other hand, support as many as three 6K displays or one 8K display and one 6K display.
Identification Differences
There is no mistaking the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models for one another when they are side-by-side, but it is easy to mix up the "2023" Mac mini with any number of earlier Mac mini models. Presumably future Mac mini models will look essentially the same as the "2024" Mac mini models, too.
However, these models have different Model Numbers and EMC Numbers externally on the underside. As the site has done for decades now, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented these identifiers for your reference. You're welcome.
At least for now, these identifiers are unique to all of these models and are suitable for specific identification, but the Model Identifier in software also is a reliable way to differentiate between these systems and others for the long-term:
| Mac mini | Model No. | EMC No. | Model ID |
| 2023 M2 | A2686 | 8003 | Mac14,3 |
| 2023 M2 Pro | A2816 | 8180 | Mac14,12 |
| 2024 M4 | A3238 | 8739 | Mac16,10 |
| 2024 M4 Pro | A3239 | 8852 | Mac16,11* |
* Based on hands-on inspection of the hardware itself, EveryMac.com has visually determined that the Model Identifier of Mac mini models equipped with M4 Pro processors is Mac16,11. However, in some official Apple documentation, the company reports the Model Identifier as "Mac16,15". EveryMac.com believes that Apple's documentation is incorrect, but further research is needed for confirmation. If you have purchased a Mac mini "M4 Pro", please get in touch to help confirm identifiers. Thank you.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify all of these Mac mini models by other identifiers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Internally, the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models have little in common.
Despite the differences, though, each of these Mac mini models are nearly sealed and disposable -- the processor, graphics processor, and RAM are not upgradable. However, the "2023" models also have storage that cannot be upgraded at all whereas the "2024" models have storage on a removable board; storage upgrades may be possible.
The "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models use an Apple M2 or M2 Pro architecture, whereas the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models use newer, faster architectures with more CPU and GPU cores, faster clockspeeds, and more default and higher capacity custom RAM options as well as more modern ports.
In terms of performance, the entry-level "M4" Mac mini is roughly 33% faster in single core and 44% faster in multicore tasks than the "M2" model it replaced. Likewise, the higher-end stock "M4 Pro" model is around 36% faster in single score tasks and a whopping 63% faster in multicore tasks than the "M2 Pro" that it replaced.
Comparison Chart
The specific differences between processors, architectures, configurations, connectivity, identifiers, and prices for the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" and "2024 M4/M4 Pro" Mac mini models are summarized below:
 "2023 M2/M2 Pro" |
 "2024 M4/M4 Pro" |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Apple M2/M2 Pro | Apple M4/M4 Pro |
| Processor Cores: | 8, 10, 12 | 10, 12, 14 |
| Graphics Cores: | 10, 16, 19 | 10, 16, 20 |
| Std. RAM: | 8, 16 GB | 16, 24 GB |
| Max. RAM: | 24, 32 GB* | 32, 64 GB† |
| Std. Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| Max. Storage: | 8 TB* | 8 TB† |
| Ext. Displays: | Two, Three | Three |
| Wi-Fi: | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB-A: | 2 | No |
| USB-C: | No | 2 |
| Thunderbolt 4/5: | 2, 4 | 3 |
| HDMI: | 2.0, 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Order Number: | MMFJ3LL/A MMFK3LL/A MNH73LL/A |
MU9D3LL/A MU9E3LL/A MCYT4LL/A MCX44LL/A |
| Model Number: | A2686, A2816 | A3238, A3239 |
| EMC Number: | 8003, 8180 | 8739, 8852 |
| Model Identifier: | Mac14,3, Mac14,12 | Mac16,10, Mac16,11 |
| Dimensions (In): | 1.41 x 7.75 x 7.75 | 2.0 x 5.0 x 5.0 |
| Weight (Lbs): | 2.4, 2.6 | 1.5, 1.6 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$599-US$1599 | US$599-US$1599 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$799-C$2074 | C$799-C$2149 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £649-£1699 | £599-£1599 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$999-A$2449 | A$999-A$2499 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$849-S$2303.20 | S$849-S$2299 |
* At the time of initial system purchase, the RAM and storage could be custom configured with higher capacity options. Neither the RAM nor the storage can be upgraded later at all.
†At the time of initial system purchase, the RAM and storage can be custom configured with higher capacity options. The RAM cannot be upgraded later, but the storage is mounted on a removable module and future upgrades might be possible.
For pricing information in dozens of other countries, refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Summary
Compared to the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" models replaced, the "2024 M4/M4 Pro" models are (1) significantly smaller and lighter, (2) substantially faster, (3) have more default RAM and higher maximum RAM options via custom configuration, (4) pack largely more modern connectivity, and (5) include even better display support.
New & Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are a no shortage of stores to buy a used or new Mac mini. However, purchasing from a quality business with a solid track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.
Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac mini model to any other Mac.
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