The rumors were right: Apple has just announced (via a press release) three new Macs: two MacBook Pros (14” and 16”) and a Mac mini. This new vintage allows the American to launch the M2 Pro and M2 Maxits most advanced chips from the Apple Silicon era.
While MacBook Pros are priced higher than the previous generation, the Mac mini is displayed from 699 euros, i.e. 100 euros less than the M1 version. This price drop is no doubt made possible by the use of a chassis and components that are mostly similar to the Mac mini M1.
The Mac mini M2 is therefore equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and can support up to two displays. The model with M2 Pro has four Thunderbolt 4 ports and can support up to three displays. It is also the first Mac to be able to connect to an 8K display.
Both models also feature two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port (with a 10Gb option), and a headphone jack supporting high-impedance models. Finally, both machines are Wi-Fi 6E5 and Bluetooth 5.3 compatible.
A Mac mini boosted with M2
The first Mac mini with Apple Silicone chip therefore had to be “satisfied” with an M1 chip. The new generation can integrate an M2 or M2 Pro chip depending on the configuration. “The new M2 Pro chip allows Mac mini to deliver pro-level performance for the first time and run high-performance workflows that were previously unthinkable in such a compact design” writes Apple in its press release.
In a few figures, Apple announces performance 22 times faster for theupscaling picture in Pixelmator Pro and a rendering of a timeline complete in Final Cut Pro 9.8 times faster compared to Mac mini with Intel Core i7 processor.
Compared to the Mac mini M1, the model with M2 chip can transcode to ProRes in Final Cut Pro 2.4 times faster, its performance is 50% faster in Adobe Photoshop and the gameplay in Resident Evil Village is up to 35% smoother.
These performances are even more impressive with the M2 Pro chip, which makes the Mac mini a more affordable model for professionals who cannot afford the Mac Studio launched last year.
Mac mini M2 and M2 Pro pricing and availability
Mac minis with M2 or M2 Pro are available for pre-order. The first deliveries as well as the marketing are planned for on January 24, 2023.
Mac mini with M2 chip is offered from 699 euros (579 euros for the education model). The Mac mini with M2 Pro chip is available from 1,549 euros (1,429 euros for the education version).
Source: Presse-Citron
I am a journalist with over 6 years of experience working in the news industry. I currently work as an author for Global Happenings, and my coverage focuses on Technology news. I have written for various publications, including Reuters, The New York Times and The Guardian.
