Mac mini · Apple Silicon · 2020
Mac mini (M1)
The little desktop became an absurd bargain: M1 power and silent efficiency for $699, making it the default budget Mac and a beloved home-server box.
Cheapest way into Apple Silicon: startling speed for $699.
Mac mini (M2 / M2 Pro) (2023)
Mac mini (M1): key facts
When was the Mac mini (M1) released?
The Mac mini (M1) arrived on November 17, 2020. Apple discontinued it in January 2023.
How much did the Mac mini (M1) cost?
The Mac mini (M1) launched at $699 in 2020, about $846 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple M1 (8-core) at 3.20 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, External display.
Why does the Mac mini (M1) matter?
Cheapest way into Apple Silicon: startling speed for $699.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple M1 (8-core) · 3.20 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 8 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB (up to 16 GB) |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Display | External |
| GPU | Apple 8-core GPU |
| Ports | 2× Thunderbolt / USB 4, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 19.7×19.7×3.6 cm |
| Operating system | macOS 11 Big Sur |
| Released | November 17, 2020 |
| Discontinued | January 2023 |
| Launch price | $699 |
How the Mac mini (M1) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 2.0× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 3.20 GHz, the clock is roughly 1.0× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 65,500 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $699 in 2020, about $846 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Benchmarks had it beating Intel iMacs that cost three times as much.
Related Mac mini models
Open the Mac mini (M1) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11