Why the Mini Has Not Had a Refresh Since 2012

there have been quite few posts delayed mac mini release, based on specs of mac mini, think made sense skip haswell release. if dying new mac mini, maybe post justify generation skip.

before explanation, important consider components in 2012 maxed out mac mini.

cpu: 2.6 ghz i7-3720qm quad-core
gpu: hd 4000
ram: 16 gb 1600 mhz ddr3
hard drive: 256gb sata3 ssd

important because processor, ram, , ssd same used in 2012 15" rmbp. can assume apple continue trend in 2013 model. main benefit of haswell battery life, putting mobile class haswell processor in mac mini barely improve performance. argue iris pro graphics significant increase on hd 4000, true. 1 component have made noticeable difference. ram same used in 2013 rmbps. hard drive sata instead of pcie.

when comes down it, real benefit of haswell refresh gpu, arguably not target market mac mini. in terms of cost/benefit apple, releasing new mac mini force price drop on 2012 model, though similar computers. made lot more sense apple keep selling 2012 model @ full price, , wait until broadwell. expecting q2 broadwell release, didn't happen, refresh pushed off further expected.

if apple had released haswell mac mini, few people have purchased upgrade 2011-2012 mini. processor have had 2% bump in performance 2012 model, , looking @ benchmarks turned off that. 2012 mac mini have gone on clearance, , apple have profited less.

right now, selling similar computer theoretical 2013 model, earning better margins, , able focus more r&d on 2014 model. think apple made best decision in scenario. guys think?

matt

 

totally agree.
, since top level of computing power not move much, remains great machine among competition.
best intel offers crazy expensive 6-core ivy bridge processor (costs same whole entry mini), , 1 maybe 60% faster 2.6 quad mini. ceiling on average computer remains 4 core 8 thread i7, , 2.6 or 3.4 ghz on 1 not of difference.

1 thing people forget iris competes cpu cores tdp-room. maxing out gpu power makes max frequency on quad cores lower. old 6630m not having sort of problems.

broadwell bring change end of 2014, , can come in either of 2 flavours:
- lazy aproach: design of mini remains similar, apple puts more power in mini. maybe quad i7 decent iris pro. might loose sata bays , 1 pcie ssd instead.
- use lower power make mini more mini. think apple-tv sized mini 2x tb 2.0, 2x usb 3.0, 1 hdmi, power, headphone , nothing more. power remains same current offerings, price drops 100 bucks , apple keeps or increases profit margin.

 

Forums Macs Desktops Mac mini

• iPhone
• Mac OS & System Software
• iPad
• Apple Watch
• Notebooks
• iTunes
• Apple ID
• iCloud
• Desktop Computers
• Apple Music
• Professional Applications
• iPod
• iWork
• Apple TV
• iLife
• Wireless