The M4 Mac mini is not going to feature a single USB-A port. Apple is going to drop USB-A completely with the new Mac mini.
Mac mini is Dropping the USB-A Port with the Release of New M4 Model – But, will Feature up to 5 USB-C Ports
I honestly don’t know why the USB-A port exists at this point. I still see it around in chargers, power banks, laptops, computers – I believe it has served its purpose and the time is right for it to move on. That’s exactly what Apple is planning to do with the release of the new Mac mini later this year.
In his PowerOn newsletter, Mark Gurman reveals the new M4 Mac mini is going to ditch all USB-A ports. But, on the flip side, you’re getting a total of 5 USB-C ports in return. You will find 3 USB-C ports at the back and 2 of them at the front for easy access. In case you’re wondering where you’ve seen this arrangement of ports at the front before, it’s the Mac Studio.
Apple is going to keep the rest of the ports, including HDMI, Ethernet and 3.5mm audio jack on the back.
From what I’ve heard so far, the new Mac mini is going to be as small as the Apple TV. When you picture that in your head, it’s surprising the amount of ports the new Mac mini is going to have. I thought 3 USB-C ports was completely extra, but 5? That too on something as small as an Apple TV? Wild.
Do keep in mind 5 USB-C ports will most likely be excessive to the M4 Pro model of the desktop. It will be safe to assume the regular M4 model will likely feature just 2 or 3 USB-C ports, that too at the back.
Despite its small size, Apple is going to keep the power supply inside the Mac mini. I believe this is great, since you don’t want a power adapter dangling behind something as small as the new Mac mini.
