Apple Updates Mac mini with More Cores, More RAM, More Storage [Updated]

After only 1,475 days, Apple announced a new Mac mini on Tuesday at the company’s “There’s More in the Making” media event. The device now comes with 4 or 6 core processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of internal SSD. And they start at $799.

Apple introduces Mac mini 2018 at the “There’s More in the Making” media event

4 and 6-Core Processors on Mac mini 2018

Mac mini has two processor options. The entry-level processor is a 4-core 8th generation i3 processor at 3.66GHz and no turbo mode. The faster option is a 3.2GHz 6‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i7, with Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz for $300 more.

RAM starts off at 8GB, with 16GB ($200), 32GB ($600), and 64GB ($1,400!!) options. Storage starts at 128GB, with 256GB ($200), 512GB ($400), 1TB ($800!!), and 2TB ($1,600!!!) options.

Mac mini and the T2 Security Chip

One of the biggest new features on Mac mini is the T2 Security Chip. The TX line of security chips was originally introduced in 2016 MacBook Pros, while the T2 Security Chips was introduced in last year’s iMac Pro, and then added to Apple’s 2018 MacBook Pro lineup. That makes the new Mac mini the first non-pro Mac to get this feature.

The T2 chip means that everything stored on the internal SSD is encrypted on-the-fly, automatically. The T2 also has a Secure Enclave that makes sure software loaded up during the boot process hasn’t been tampered with. Lastly, the T2 chip handles HEVC video transcoding, a feature aimed at pro users.

Mac mini Ports

Mac Mini 2018 boosts 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports, an audio jack, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

The starting configuration includes a 3.66 GHz 4-core i3 processor, 128GB of SD storage, and 8GB of memory at $799.

Apple’s new Mac mini models are available for order now, and will ship on November 7th.

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