Apple to Release New Pro-Focused Mac Mini, Low-Cost MacBook Later This Year [Report]

Apple is working on professional-focused upgrade to the Mac mini and a new low-cost MacBook for release later this year, according to a Bloomberg report.

Apple is also planning the first upgrade to the Mac mini in about four years. It’s a Mac desktop that doesn’t include a screen, keyboard, or mouse in the box and costs $500. The computer has been favored because of its lower price, and it’s popular with app developers, those running home media centers, and server farm managers. For this year’s model, Apple is focusing primarily on these pro users, and new storage and processor options are likely to make it more expensive than previous versions, the people said.

The site also reiterates rumors that Apple will release a new low-cost laptop. The device will look similar to the MacBook Air but have thinner bezels and a 13-inch Retina display.


"HP and Lenovo have released products priced similarly to the MacBook Air, gaining share, and in order to remain competitive in that price point, we think a form-factor change is necessary," Shannon Cross, an analyst at Cross Research, said. "It should help them rebound some of their Mac sales as things have been getting a bit long on the tooth in terms of their Mac line as they’ve clearly been very focused on the iPhone and services businesses."

It's believed that Apple had planned to release the laptop in 4Q17 but issues with Intel's 10nm manufacturing process resulted in the decision to adopt processors based on an improved 14nm Kaby Lake architecture. Quanta and Hon Hai are expected to manufacture the new notebook.

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