Apple’s latest M4 Mac mini is a compact powerhouse, with a fresh design and surprisingly repair-friendly features, earning it a 7 out of 10 repairability score from iFixit. In its teardown, iFixit explains what makes the new M4 Mac mini an easy repairer versus most of Apple’s devices, with attention to modular storage, a great cooling system, and a compact body.
A Smaller M4 Mac Mini with Big Repair Potential
A few weeks ago saw the launch of the M4 Mac mini, which is not just dramatically smaller than its predecessors, but at a mere 5 inches on each side. By optimizing internal space, Apple has piled this compact frame with more functionality. The M4 Mac mini packs a lot of power in this model; it is similar to previous models with lots of unused room except this model takes up every inch as it throws in modular components.
For example, the power supply exists on top of the device, a similar configuration to that found in Apple’s HomePod. This is perhaps the most space-saving layout choice there is and fits in perfectly with Apple’s aim of the Mac mini not growing too large despite its staying power and the power it packs. Fan air circulates throughout the system, pulling cool air in around the M4 and M4 Pro core, and expelling heat out of the bottom, keeping the M4 and its M4 Pro big brother cool, even under heavy use.
Enhanced Cooling with an Innovative Thermal Design
Apple addressed its cooling needs by providing the M4 Mac mini with a larger, than usual, copper heatsink. The reason is especially pronounced in the M4 Pro version, which necessitates a great deal of cooling, and iFixit’s teardown shows that its huge heatsink is what is really making the smaller mini’s processing abilities work. It means Apple does not care for reliability when it comes to performance.
Notably unique is the thermal design for the M4 Mac mini differentiated from what Apple has done before. The updated cooling solution ensures temperatures stay low, required by any used in a resource-intensive application.
Modular Storage and Proprietary SSD Options
Perhaps the best new feature of the iFixit teardown is the M4 Mac mini’s modularity in its SSD, making it easier to upgrade storage than before. Still, the SSDs in M4 and M4 Pro models are proprietary and the same kind of SSD in use in the Mac Studio, meaning these models are not truly interchangeable. Before you spend your time and effort upgrading, however, you should make sure which SSD will be compatible with your unit to prevent leaks.
The M4 Mac mini offers modular storage, but the RAM is soldered onto the M4 chip itself. What this basically means is that hence the RAM will be non-upgradeable later. When planning in advance becomes necessary for those needing a memory upgrade.
A 7/10 Score Reflecting Apple’s Shift in Repairability
Given the reputation most Apple products have for reparability, iFixit’s score of 7 out of 10 is an impressive score for the company. Apple’s choices like modular storage, easy-to-understand cooling layout, and a repair guide for DIY enthusiasts and even technicians make this a better rating. While some components are still closed, the M4 Mac mini earned some points for a more user-friendly design.
Apple M4 Mac mini redesign offers a roadmap towards repair-friendly options without compromising on performance and gains some accessibility for tech professionals and general consumers.
