Apple planning fall release for new Mac mini aimed at pros

Apple’s least expensive Mac, the Mac mini, will finally get an update later this year.

The standalone Mac, which Apple hasn’t updated in almost four years, will get a refresh aimed at professionals, reports Bloomberg. 

It’s embarrassing Apple continues to sell the outdated Mac mini. But just as Tim Cook promised, a new one is coming.

According to Bloomberg, the new Mac mini will target professionals and come with internal upgrades to the processor and storage. As a machine for pros (y’all are getting a lot of love from Apple these days), it will likely cost more than the current Mac mini, which starts at $499. 

Like the existing Mac mini, the new model isn’t expected to come with a keyboard, mouse, or a computer monitor. Those you’ll have to bring yourself.

In addition to a refresh to the Mac Apple seemed to have forgotten, the report also includes a few new details on the upcoming 13-inch MacBook.

The new laptop is said to resemble the MacBook Air’s design and have a higher resolution Retina display with slimmer bezels.

In other words, it sure sounds like the new clamshell will be a 13-inch version of the current 12-inch MacBook.

“The new MacBook Air will be geared toward consumers looking for a cheaper Apple computer, but also schools that often buy laptops in bulk,” say Bloomberg reporters Mark Gurman and Debby Wu.

Apple currently sells the MacBook Air starting at $999. With the Retina display, it’s possible the new laptop will cost a little bit more. Early reports suggest it could start at $1,200.

So when can we expect these two new Macs? Hard to say. Apple could announce them together with the new iPhones in September along with new Apple Watches and new iPads, but that seems a bit much.

It’s more likely the new Macs will launch at a separate event in October, which is typically how Apple likes to release major updates to non-iPhone products. Like I said before: If you’re an Apple fan, this fall is gonna be a big one with a ton of new releases. Better start saving now!