History of Mac Mini in Timeline

The Mac Mini is a small form factor desktop computer created by Apple Inc. As the entry-level Mac desktop, it's sold without a display, keyboard, or mouse, originally marketed as a "bring your own" device (BYODKM). This aimed to attract Windows users, offering a more affordable entry point into the Mac ecosystem by utilizing existing peripherals.

January 2005: Mac Mini G4 Introduction

In January 2005, the Mac Mini G4 was introduced alongside the iPod shuffle at the Macworld Conference & Expo.

2005: Mac Mini G4 Graphics

In 2005, the Mac Mini G4 featured an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with options for 32 MB or 64 MB of VRAM.

2005: Original Mac Mini Release

Since its original release in 2005, Mac Mini was the company's only consumer computer that shipped without a paired display, keyboard, and mouse.

February 2006: Introduction of Intel Mac Mini

In February 2006, Apple announced the first Intel Mac Mini, based on the Intel Core Solo and Duo CPUs.

February 2006: Switch to Intel Core Solo CPU

In February 2006, Apple switched the Mac Mini to an Intel Core Solo CPU.

2006: 2006 Mac Mini CPU

The 2006 Mac Mini models are fitted with 32-bit Intel Core Solo or Duos.

2007: 2007 Mac Mini CPU

The 2007 Mac Mini models are fitted with 32-bit Intel Core Solo or Duos.

October 2009: Updated Server Version Release

In October 2009, an updated server version of the Mac Mini was released, marketed as an affordable server.

2009: Graphics Performance Correction

Early and Late 2009 Mac Mini models corrected performance issues with an improved Nvidia GeForce 9400M chipset.

2009: Mac Mini Server Version Offered

From 2009, a server version of the Mac Mini bundled with the Server edition of OS X was offered.

2009: CPU Soldered to Logic Board

Models manufactured in and after 2009 had their CPUs soldered onto a logic board, preventing its upgradability.

2009: Video Connector Compatibility

Pre-2009 Mac Mini models have a video connector that is compatible with DVI, HDMI (video only), SVGA, S-Video, and composite video with appropriate adapters.

2009: I/O Ports Changed

The I/O ports were changed with the early 2009 Mac Mini revision, adding a fifth USB 2.0 and swapping the FireWire 400 port for a FireWire 800 port.

June 2010: Mac Mini Redesign

In June 2010, Apple redesigned the Mac Mini, giving it a more compact, thinner unibody aluminum case and an internal power supply.

2010: Finish of Mac Mini

Externally, the Apple silicon Mac Mini has a lighter, silver finish similar to that of the models released from 2010 to 2014.

2010: Introduction of Mac Mini Server without Optical Drive

In 2010, the Mid-2010 Mac Mini Server was introduced as the only model without an optical drive, which was replaced by a second hard drive.

2010: Unibody Redesign Changes

Since the unibody redesign in 2010, the Kensington Security Slot and the optical drive were removed from all models.

2010: Carryover Chassis

The 2018 Mac Mini chassis is a carryover from the Mac Minis released between 2010 and 2014.

2010: Last Mac Mini Redesign Before 2024

The Mac Mini was last redesigned in 2010 before the redesign in October 2024.

2010: HDMI Port Addition

The addition of a HDMI port on the 2010 Mac Mini simplified connection to high-definition televisions and home theater AV receivers.

June 2011: Mac App Store Availability

In June 2011, the OS X Server package, including applications like "Server App" and "File Sharing", became available on the Mac App Store for other Macintosh computers.

July 2011: Hardware Update Announced

In July 2011, a hardware update was announced for the Mac Mini, fitted with a Thunderbolt port, dual-core Intel Core i5 and 4-core i7 CPUs.

October 2012: Mac Mini Line Updated

In October 2012, the Mac Mini line was updated with Ivy Bridge processors, USB 3.0, and upgraded graphics.

2012: 2012 Mac Mini High-End Model

The 2012 Mac Mini model has a 4-core, 8-thread Intel Core i7-3720QM.

October 2014: Mac Mini Line Updated with Haswell Processors

In October 2014, the Mac Mini line was updated with Haswell processors, improved graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and 4K output via HDMI and Thunderbolt 2.

2014: Finish of Mac Mini

Externally, the Apple silicon Mac Mini has a lighter, silver finish similar to that of the models released from 2010 to 2014.

2014: Discontinuation of Mac Mini Server Hardware

In 2014, the Mac Mini Server hardware was discontinued, but the macOS Server software package remained available for purchase from the Mac App Store.

2014: 4K Output

The 2014 Mac Mini model added 4K output.

2014: 2014 Mac Mini Model

The 2014 Mac Mini model has a 2-core, 4-thread Intel Core i7-4578U.

2014: Carryover Chassis

The 2018 Mac Mini chassis is a carryover from the Mac Minis released between 2010 and 2014.

2014: End of Mac Mini Server Version

The server version of the Mac Mini was offered until 2014.

October 2018: Mac Mini Announced

In October 2018, Apple announced a "space gray"-colored Mac Mini with Intel Coffee Lake series CPUs and the T2 series chip for internal security.

2018: External Design Similarity

Externally, the Apple silicon Mac Mini is very similar to the 2018 Mac Mini.

2018: 2018 Mac Mini Model

In 2018, the Mac Mini model had Thunderbolt, an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU, and solid-state storage, replacing most data ports with USB-C.

2018: macOS Server Version 5.71 Release

In 2018, with the release of macOS Mojave, Apple shipped macOS Server version 5.71, which discontinued bundling open-source services and Apple-proprietary services.

2018: Audio and Video Updates

The 2018 Mac Mini model supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, and uses the macOS Catalina operating system.

2018: I/O Removed

The 2018 Mac Mini removes legacy I/O such as the SD card reader, SATA drive bay, IR receiver, optical S/PDIF audio out, and audio in.

2018: Performance Increase

With the M1, this Mac Mini has a 3x faster eight-core CPU, a 6x faster GPU, and 15x faster machine learning performance than its predecessor, the base 2018 model.

March 2020: Storage Doubled

In March 2020, Apple doubled the default storage in both Mac Mini base models.

June 2020: Release of A12Z-based Developer Transition Kit

The release of the Apple silicon Mac Mini was preceded by the June 2020 release of the A12Z-based Developer Transition Kit, a prototype with a Mac Mini enclosure made for developers to port their apps to Apple silicon.

November 10, 2020: Apple Silicon Mac Mini Announced

As part of the Mac transition to Apple silicon, Apple announced a new Mac Mini with the Apple M1 chip on November 10, 2020.

November 2020: Discontinuation of Core i3 Model

In November 2020, Apple discontinued the Core i3 Mac Mini model following the release of the M1 Mac Mini.

November 2020: Introduction of Apple Silicon Mac Mini (M1)

In November 2020, the Apple silicon Mac Mini based on the Apple M1 chip was introduced.

November 17, 2020: Apple Silicon Mac Mini Released

The new Mac Mini with the Apple M1 chip was released on November 17, 2020.

April 20, 2021: 10 Gigabit Ethernet Option

On April 20, 2021, 10 Gigabit Ethernet with Lights Out Management was added as a built-to-order option for the M1 Mac Mini.

January 2023: Discontinuation of Core i5/i7 Model

Apple continued to sell the Core i5/i7 models until January 2023.

January 2023: M2 and M2 Pro chip Update

In January 2023, an updated Mac Mini model based on the M2 and M2 Pro chips was released.

January 17, 2023: Apple Announces Updated Models

On January 17, 2023, Apple announced updated Mac Mini models based on the M2 and M2 Pro chips.

October 2024: Mac Mini Redesign

In October 2024, Apple redesigned the Mac Mini for the first time since 2010, making the design much smaller and featuring ports on the front and back.