Apple’s Upcoming Mac Mini M4/M4 Pro Could Ditch the USB Type-A Ports: Report

Apple might soon eliminate USB-A ports in the upcoming Mac mini, as reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The redesign will likely feature five USB-C ports - two on the front and three on the back. This change aligns with Apple's strategy to phase out USB-A across its devices, though it may disappoint users who rely on USB-A for certain accessories.

The new Mac mini will continue to support Ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack while retaining an internal power supply. This addresses user concerns about connectivity options. The current M2 Mac mini includes two USB-C and two USB-A ports, while the M2 Pro version has four USB-C and two USB-A ports.

M4 Mac Mini Design Change

Gurman notes that the next-generation Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips will mark the first major design update since 2010. This represents one of the most significant changes in 14 years. The new model is expected to be slightly taller than its 1.4-inch height and resemble an Apple TV in size, described by developers as "essentially an iPad Pro in a small box."

If these reports are accurate, the new Mac mini will be the first model to feature front-facing ports. It remains unclear whether the base model will have the same port configuration as the M4 Pro version, as Apple often provides fewer ports on entry-level models.

M4 Chip Integration Across Devices

This will be the first instance of Apple using a single chip generation across its entire Mac lineup. The M4 chip is set to be introduced in models such as the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro within the coming year.

The current M2 Pro version has four USB-C and two USB-A ports. The M4 Pro version is expected to feature five USB-C ports and no USB-A ports but will keep Ethernet, HDMI, and audio ports.

Suppliers in China are scheduled to begin shipping the M4 Mac mini in early September. The M4 Pro model is expected to follow in October. These changes reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to modernize its product lineup while maintaining essential connectivity options for users.