Apple’s next Mac Mini could ditch the traditional USB-A ports — the older, larger ones. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device will come with five USB-C ports, plus Ethernet, HDMI and a headphone jack.
The new generation of Mac Mini is expected to arrive in 2024. It should be one of the first Apple computers to receive the M4 chip, which made its debut in the iPad Pro, launched in May. A version with M4 Pro, more powerful, is also said to be in the works.
Another new feature of the Mac Mini is that it should be even more mini: Gurman previously stated that the computer will be similar in size to the Apple TV set-top box, being smaller in length and width, but slightly taller. The product’s design has barely undergone any major changes since 2010.
The current Mac Mini has two USB-A ports. The M2 version has two USB-C ports, while the M2 Pro model has four ports. All of them follow the Thunderbolt 4 standard.
USB-A is a rarity in the Mac lineup
The removal of USB-A ports is nothing new for the Mac line. Among desktop computers currently sold, the iMac no longer has the old USB input, only USB-C. Only Mac Studio and Mac Pro (via expansion card) support this connector.
Among laptops, the USB-A port was eradicated a few years ago. The MacBook Pro has a memory card slot, HDMI, two USB-C ports, a headphone output, and MagSafe. The MacBook Air is even more basic: just MagSafe, a headphone output, and two USB-C ports.
With information: TechCrunch.
