Possible testing of an M3 Mac Mini by Apple

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter today, Apple could have a Mac Mini powered by its new M3 chip in the works for 2024. Gurman speculates that Apple is currently testing a computer with model identifier Mac 15,12 at its campus, but it is not confirmed whether it’s a Mac Mini.

Gurman mentions that the company is testing an eight-core CPU and a 10-core GPU Mac with 24GB RAM running macOS Sonoma 14.1. These specifications are similar to the base model M2 Mac Mini, except for the installed memory. So far, entry-level Apple silicon Macs have started with 8GB RAM. However, it is unlikely for Apple to jump to 24GB for the base model.

Gurman highlights that Apple expects a double-digit decline in Mac revenue in the fourth quarter of this year, as stated in the company’s earnings call. He predicts that M3-powered Macs will not be released before the first fiscal quarter of 2024, which begins in October.

This brings the total expected M3 Macs to six, covering all of the company’s primary desktops and laptops, including the upcoming refresh of the iMac. However, Gurman does not currently anticipate M3 versions of the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, as they recently transitioned to Apple’s M2 silicon at WWDC this year. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our reviews for the 2023 Mac Studio and 2023 Mac Pro.