Apple unveils new MacBook, Mac mini in rare January launch

The new M2 Pro chip delivers pro-level performance to Mac mini for the first time, enabling users to run high-performance workflows that were previously unimaginable in such a compact design, the company said in its statement

Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro delivers faster performance, even more unified memory, and advanced connectivity, including support for up to two displays on the M2 model, and up to three displays on the M2 Pro model, it added.

When compared to the 27-inch iMac with Intel Core i7 and Radeon Pro 5500 XT, the Mac mini with M2 Pro offers:

• Up to 50 percent faster filter and function performance in Adobe Photoshop.
• Up to 5.5x faster panoramic merge in Adobe Lightroom Classic.
• Up to 4.4x faster object tracking in Final Cut Pro.

When compared to the previous-generation M1 Mac mini, Mac mini with M2 Pro delivers:

• Up to 2.5x faster graphics performance in Affinity Photo.
• Up to 4.2x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro.
• Up to 2.8x faster gameplay in Resident Evil Village.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said, “With incredible capabilities and a wide array of connectivity in its compact design, Mac mini is used in so many places, in so many different ways. Today, we’re excited to take it even further with M2 and M2 Pro.” 

 “Bringing even more performance and a lower starting price, Mac mini with M2 is a tremendous value. And for users who need powerful pro performance, Mac mini with M2 Pro is unlike any other desktop in its class.”

The company usually has four launch events in a year, with the first spring event scheduled in March, when Apple launches its iMacs and accessories.