Photo: Derorgmas / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
Mac mini (2018)
Space Gray, six cores and four Thunderbolt 3 ports for pros.
Overview
The 2018 Mac mini was a major reset. A new Space Gray finish accompanied powerful 8th-generation Intel processors: a 3.6 GHz quad-core Core i3 as the base model, a six-core Core i5 at 3.0 GHz, and a Core i7 option. Memory used user-accessible DDR4-2666 SO-DIMMs and could reach 64 GB.
Storage was now a soldered SSD of 128 GB to 2 TB, protected by Apple's T2 security chip. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A, HDMI 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet (with a 10 Gigabit option) made for a lively connectivity set, supporting up to three 4K displays or one 5K display with a second 4K.
The case kept the 7.7-inch square footprint, and the SD card slot, infrared receiver and optical audio port were all removed.
Why it mattered
It repositioned the Mac mini as a pro-grade compact computer and revived the product line.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 30, 2018
- Released
- November 7, 2018
- Launch price
- $799
- Chip / processor
- Intel Core i3, 3.6 GHz quad-core
- Storage
- 128 GB SSD
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- Up to six-core Intel Core i7
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- T2 security chip
- Space Gray finish, 64 GB memory
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Intel Core i3-8100B 3.6 GHz quad-core (Core i5 and i7 six-core options)
- CPU cores
- 4 to 6
Memory
- RAM
- 8 GB DDR4-2666, up to 64 GB
- Storage options
- 128 GB SSD; options to 2 TB
Graphics
- GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Ports
- Ports
- 4 Thunderbolt 3, 2 USB-A 3.0, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gigabit option), headphone jack
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11ac
- Bluetooth
- 5.0
Design
- Dimensions
- 3.6 x 19.7 x 19.7 cm (1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 in)
- Weight
- 1.3 kg (2.9 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- macOS Mojave 10.14
Availability
- Announced
- October 30, 2018
- Released
- November 7, 2018
- Launch price
- $799
Colors
- Finishes
- Space Gray
How it compares
More in the Mac mini family
Mac mini (G4)
The cheapest Mac ever: bring your own keyboard, mouse and display.
Mac mini (Early 2006)
The first Intel Mac mini, with a Core Solo or Core Duo inside.
Mac mini (Mid 2007)
Core 2 Duo power in the same small white box.
Mac mini (Early 2009)
Nvidia graphics, FireWire 800 and five USB ports.
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
A unibody aluminum redesign with HDMI and a built-in power supply.
Mac mini (Mid 2011)
Thunderbolt and Core i5 come to the Mac mini.
Mac mini (Late 2012)
USB 3.0 and Ivy Bridge arrive in the small aluminum box.
Mac mini (Late 2014)
Cheaper but with soldered memory and no quad-core option.
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
The first Apple silicon desktop, at $699.
Mac mini (M2, 2023)
M2 for $599, or M2 Pro for serious work.
Mac mini (M4, 2024)
Half the footprint: a 5-inch aluminum cube with M4 and M4 Pro.
Mac mini (M6, 2026)
M6 and M5 Pro, Wi-Fi 7 and faster storage in the 5-inch cube.