Bloomberg have got quite the scoop on an unexpected update on an underserved member of the Apple family – the Mac mini.
They report that there will be a new 2018 Mac mini model which will be aimed at professional users.
As well as being the first upgrade in over four years, it is planned to ship as a Mac desktop that won’t come with a keyboard, mouse or even screen as standard for a base price of $500. This might not be an issue for existing Apple users who already have these essential peripherals but might put off newer entrants.
All about that base
Bloomberg’s reasoning is that it’s a low price for a base unit which is popular among programmers, app developers, server units and home media centers. It is envisioned that there will also be options to upgrade the storage and processor options that will also increase the cost.
The new Mac Mini will shop with the new macOS Mojave, a upgraded and updated version of the operating system that will let the user run iPad apps like Apple news.
This is in addition to the widely anticipated new 13-inch MacBook.
They report that the new laptop will look similar to the current MacBook Air but will have thinner bezels around the screen and a higher resolution Retina display system that is already in use with other products. The previous MacBook Air is the only laptop in the range without a high resolution screen and although updated with a faster processor last year, hasn’t had an overhaul since 2015.
The good book
While the original MacBook was aimed at professional users with a professional $1300 pricetag to match, the new version will be aimed more at a public looking for cheaper tech investments and school looking for a bargain bulk purchase.
The MacBook is expected to launch at an event traditionally held in October. This is after the launch of newer 2018 iPhones and Apple Watches scheduled for September this year.
The timing is important for Apple as the Macs last quarter sales figures were 3.7 million which was the fewest since 2010 and it is slipping in the laptop market. Shannon Cross from Cross Research said: “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.
“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.”