Apple Updates Mac mini with New Processors, Faster Wi-Fi, Price Drop

Apple updated its Mac mini line Thursday, a long awaited boost to the company's entry-level Mac. The update includes faster processors, faster Wi-Fi, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, and a lower starting price of US$499.

"People love Mac mini. It’s a great first Mac or addition to your home network, and the new Mac mini is a nice upgrade packed into an incredibly compact design," Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said in a statement. "With the latest CPU and graphics, faster Wi-Fi, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, OS X Yosemite, and starting at just $499, the new Mac mini is the best value ever."

Mac mini Specs

From Apple's October 16th Media Event

At the low end, Apple is offering the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 processors at 1.4 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz. With Intel HD Graphics 5000, a 500GB hard drive, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, that will set you back $499.

New Mac mini

$200 more will get a 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 8GB of memory, Intel Iris Graphics and a 1TB hard drive.

For $999, you can get a 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, 8GB of memory, Intel Iris Graphics and a 1TB Fusion Drive."

All three configurations are available online now—they have the same form factor as before.