According to the latest revelations, Apple plans to launch a new version of the Mac mini, which will be the company's smallest desktop computer yet.

This marks the first design revamp for the line since Steve Jobs introduced the Mac mini—a design that has remained classic for over a decade.

Sources familiar with the matter reveal that the new device will be much smaller than its predecessor, with dimensions close to that of an Apple TV box.

Apple has already tested the new model in two versions: one with a standard M4 chip, similar to the iPad Pro, and the other with an M4 Pro chip.

The standard version featuring the M4 chip will enter production this month, while the premium version with the M4 Pro chip will be available from October onward.

Interestingly, the tipster also disclosed that next year, Apple plans to incorporate M4 chips into updates for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro—effectively covering the entire Mac production line.

From a rational perspective, Apple had the opportunity to employ a new design when it launched the first Mac mini with an M1 chip. This could have served to highlight the new generation of Apple computers and distinguish them from Intel-based models. However, Apple opted not to make this design change at that time, possibly due to marketing strategy considerations. Unlike smartphones, desktop computers have a longer upgrade cycle, with users often using them for over five years before considering a replacement. Therefore, Apple may have strategically focused on the strong performance and energy efficiency of the Apple Silicon chip in the original M1 model, leaving the appearance upgrade for the current generation. This would entice existing M1/M2 users to consider upgrading.