Apple today updated the Mac mini, introducing significant upgrades including Haswell processors, Intel HD 5000/Iris graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and PCIe-based flash storage options for the higher-end models.

Though Apple continues to offer three separate Mac mini options priced at $499, $699, and $999, it does not offer an OS X Server option as it has done in the past. Previously, the high-end Mac mini came with OS X Server and offered two 1TB hard drives for a total of 2TB of storage space.

Apple's new Mac minis max out at 1TB of storage space, with the high end model coming equipped with a 1TB Fusion Drive or up to 1TB of PCIe-based flash storage.

macminiconfigurations
The Mac mini with Server configuration initially shipped with an OS X Server version of OS X, but later models came with the standard version of OS X and a separate OS X Server package. Later, Apple went on to release OS X Server in the App Store, essentially making the Mac mini with OS X Server obsolete.

While the new Mac minis can't be expanded to 2TB of storage space, they have two Thunderbolt two ports and four USB 3.0 ports, allowing for plenty of external storage options.

Apple's new Mac minis are available today from the company's online store, with prices starting at $499.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Mac mini

Top Rated Comments

longofest Avatar
133 months ago
I'm not sure I'd call all of these updates "upgrades" - namely, the processor update and lack of quad core option just sucks.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
centauratlas Avatar
133 months ago
The upgrade was nice, but a BTO quad-core option would have been even nicer.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cfedu Avatar
133 months ago
Not from me. I bought a base 2012 Mac Mini as my first Apple computer and am looking forward to getting a vastly improved machine in the next week or two.

Vastly superior !! That's funny!!
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cronin1024 Avatar
133 months ago
The biggest disappointment for me is that there is no longer a quad-core option. They're all dual-cores now. :mad:
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Crosscreek Avatar
133 months ago
The Mini is no longer a hobbyist upgrade and fixit your self machine. Made up now of leftover laptop parts and locked in Apple components and it was the last hold out of old school Macs.
I will continue to use my 2012 until it dies but next year when Broadwell is available I will go the Hackintosh rout.
I may return when Skylake makes the Mini or X-Mac appears with it.
But HD5000 is not going to cut it.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zedsdead Avatar
133 months ago
The bigger problem is the lack of a Quad-Core option.

I have a Mac Mini at my church office and use it for video/photo/document editing for them.

I have been waiting for a Quad-Core w/ Iris 5200 for a while, but there is no point to upgrade from my 2.5 Dual-Core i5 with the ATI card.

Very disappointing.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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