Apple readies new Mac mini because it gears up for foldable iPhone and a wave of devices

Apple Inc. is gearing as much as launch a brand new model of its Mac mini desktop pc for the primary time in virtually two years, based on folks acquainted with the matter.

The new desktop will debut as quickly as the approaching days, probably placing the disclosing forward of a September occasion to introduce the subsequent iPhones, mentioned the folks, who requested to not be recognized as a result of the plan isn’t public. Apple has examined variations with each the M5 and M6 generations of its processor line.

The improve follows a surge in demand for the present Mac mini, which has develop into a well-liked device for operating synthetic intelligence functions domestically. At the identical time, memory-chip shortages have made it more durable for Apple to maintain the product in inventory.

A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to remark.

The up to date machine is a part of a wave of latest merchandise coming within the second half of this 12 months. Later this week, Apple is poised to ship out invites for its iPhone launch presentation. That occasion, which is prone to be held on Sept. 9, will introduce the corporate’s first foldable smartphone, in addition to the iPhone 18 Pro line.

The firm can be making ready a variety of latest Apple Watches with minor adjustments, together with upgrades to health monitoring and a ceramic-case possibility for Series 12 fashions. And it’s planning to debut recent AirPods as early because the September product launch occasion.

The rollout will embody new AirPods 5, an replace to Apple’s entry-level earbuds, the folks mentioned. That mannequin was final refreshed in 2024. A camera-equipped model of the AirPods, in the meantime, isn’t anticipated till subsequent 12 months.

Apple can be on observe to debut its first-ever good residence system with a display screen this 12 months. The product will depend on facial recognition to establish customers and show customized content material. The firm is readying a brand new Apple TV set-top field and HomePod mini good speaker as properly.

Other new merchandise this 12 months embody a revamped iPad mini with an OLED display screen. That expertise, brief for natural light-emitting diode, presents a crisper image than the pill had earlier than and brings it nearer in keeping with extra premium iPads. The new mannequin is because of arrive by the tip of October.

Additional Macs are coming as properly, although they’re prone to be additional out. That contains an iMac with new colour choices, in addition to a refreshed entry-level MacEbook Pro. They will use M6 chips, the upcoming era.

The most vital Mac introduction within the pipeline might be Apple’s first touch-screen pc. The firm will add that functionality to new MacEbook Pro fashions, in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, that may also embody redesigned instances and OLED screens.

The Mac mini will doubtless be the final new product to launch beneath the watch of Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who’s handing the reins to John Ternus on Sept. 1. Ternus will oversee the rollout of the foldable iPhone and the opposite main new merchandise within the firm’s pipeline.

Looking forward to 2027, Apple is planning updates to the entry-level iPad and iPad Air; new MacEbook Air and MacEbook Neo fashions; second-generation variations of the contact MacBooks that use chips from the upcoming M7 sequence; a second-generation foldable iPhone; and an iPhone with curved glass to mark the system’s 20-year anniversary.

It’s additionally planning a push into AI wearables, beginning with the AirPods with cameras. As a part of that effort, the corporate goals to introduce good glasses that will put it in competitors with Meta Platforms Inc. And it’s been testing a pendant with cameras that may feed visible information into iPhones for AI processing.

The Mac mini has been a specific ache level for Apple’s provide chain in latest months, with deliveries to clients taking weeks or months to be accomplished. Cook mentioned the issue would take some time to resolve, and it’s unclear how the brand new mannequin will have an effect on wait instances.

The pc can be central to Apple’s pledge to convey extra manufacturing to the US. Earlier this 12 months, Apple vowed to start out producing the Mac mini in Houston later in 2026. Cook toured the manufacturing facility this month with officers from the Trump administration, which has made home manufacturing a key piece of its agenda.

The firm had beforehand assembled the Mac Pro within the US, however that mannequin was discontinued earlier this 12 months.

Gurman writes for Bloomberg.