Apple's latest Mac Mini comes with a faster processor and a lower starting price — here's how to preorder

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• Apple's latest Mac Mini uses the company's M2 and all-new M2 Pro processors.
• The compact desktop computer is now available to preorder, and starts at $599 for the M2 version.
• The 2023 Mac Mini promises faster performance compared to the previous M1 and Intel models.

Apple just announced its newest Mac Mini, which is already available for preorder. Though it's kept the same minimalistic form factor, the new compact desktop is now powered by Apple's M2 and M2 Pro processors.

With the reveal of these new M2 models, Apple is officially phasing out the 2018 Intel-powered Mac Mini. That means Apple only has one device left using Intel processors: the Mac Pro.

The new Mac Mini is available in three configurations, starting at only $599 for an M2 with a 256GB SSD. That's actually $100 less than the entry-level M1 model was selling for. If you need more storage, you can opt for an M2 with 512GB for $799. Meanwhile, the more powerful M2 Pro model costs $1,299 with a 512GB SSD.

Preorders for the new Mac Mini are available now with an estimated delivery date of January 24.

The Mac Mini with M2 is faster and cheaper than the previous-gen model

The biggest difference between the previous-gen Mac Mini and the new 2023 model, is the jump from an M1 or Intel chip to a more powerful M2 chip. The new processor has an eight-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.

And despite this upgrade, Apple has actually reduced the 256GB price from $699 to $599, and the 512GB price from $899 to $799.

In practice, Apple says the M2 model is more than twice as fast as its M1-powered predecessor when using programs like Final Cut Pro, and up to 50% faster when using Adobe Photoshop. If these claims hold true, the new Mac Mini should give content creators a nice boost in performance.

The Mac Mini with M2 Pro is pricier but delivers more power for professionals

For even heavier loads, the Mac Mini with M2 Pro offers more power. The M2 Pro model starts at $1,299, but features a 12-core CPU and up to a 19-core GPU. It also boasts up to 200GB per second of memory bandwidth, which is double the memory bandwidth you get with the M2.

This model is made for users who want a compact computer that's capable of handling demanding workloads, like photo and video editing. Apple says this model is more than four times as fast as the M1 Mac Mini when using Final Cut Pro.

Though the new M2 Mac Mini computers come in at a lower starting price than the M1 Mac Minis that they're replacing, buyers should keep in mind that it's likely we'll start seeing some retailers discount the older models in the coming weeks.

Mac Mini with M2 (256GB)

Mac Mini with M2 Pro (512GB)