Why Mac mini rules

It's simply the best value in computing right now.

Leander Kahney
April 06, 2023

The Mac mini has long been the red-headed stepchild of Apple’s lineup.

The bring-your-own-keyboard-and-mouse computer has long been treated like an afterthought.

That’s until Apple silicon came along, especially the M2.

Powered by Apple’s latest screaming chip, the Mac mini now stands as the best value in the entire computer industry, according to our hands-on review.

After using one for several weeks, Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones says it’s not just a great cheap computer; it’s a great computer, period. Check out his review of the M2 Mac mini.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Coincidentally, the M2 Mac mini is on sale for less than $500.
Talking of sales, we have an exclusive 10% discount code on Momax’s eye-catching MagSafe chargers and power banks.
Add ChatGPT to your iPhone with this handy Shortcut.
Weirdly, macOS has for years shipped with a hidden copy of the Bitcoin white paper. Maybe for tests?

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Add ChatGPT to iPhone or Mac with this new Shortcut

Don't be jealous of Microsoft Bing's new AI capabilities: A new Shortcut called S-GPT integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot into Apple devices.

How to make Apple Passwords a standalone app

There’s much more to iCloud Keychain than meets the eye. You can put an icon on your Home Screen, use it for your 2FA codes and sync your passwords on Windows.

Weird: Bitcoin white paper has been buried deep in macOS since 2018

For some reason, the white paper that first proposed Bitcoin has been included in every version of macOS since Mojave.

^{A message from Momax}

Exclusive: Save 10% on these cool MagSafe chargers with code CULTOFMAC10

Momax is offering Cult of Mac readers an exclusive 10% discount on its MagSafe-compatible transparent chargers and battery packs. Packing USB-C and futuristic designs, these accessories are super well-made and surprisingly affordable. To trim an extra 10%, use code CULTOFMAC10 at checkout:

Grab a 2023 Mac mini for less than $500 while you can

The new Mac mini with M2 processor is a bargain at its regular price, and $100 off makes it an even better deal.

Patricia Arquette's dark comedy ‘High Desert’ hits Apple TV+ in May

The upcoming show is about an addict who decides to become a private investigator.

Mac mini with M2 Pro: Apple silicon for the rest of us [Review]

The new Mac mini is the best value in the entire computer industry, point blank.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac store}

Save up to 40% on iPhone cases and accessories in our Easter Sale

The Easter Sale in the Cult of Mac Store features an array of iPhone cases and accessories from Laut and others at great discounts.

Today in Apple history: Future Apple CEO John Sculley is born

On April 6, 1939, John Sculley was born. He went on to become Apple's third CEO and oversaw the company's transformation into a profit powerhouse.

Tweetz o’ the day

Still the best maps app around. 5 years from now on when their done mapping and adding business data, google maps could be in trouble. #AppleMaps
— Petar (@DirectTechYT)
8:31 PM • Apr 5, 2023

Newly vintage: 2013 Apple Mac Pro.
— The AAPL Collection (@AAPLcollection)
1:27 AM • Apr 6, 2023

I’m this old…
— I❤️Nostalgia (@il0venostalgia)
1:41 AM • Apr 5, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

You ever wonder what this pocket's for? I've always wondered that. Well, now we know.

— Steve Jobs, at launch of iPod nano, 2005.

Today’s poll

Would you buy a Mac mini?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Do you care about Apple's renewable energy efforts?

Best reader comments, from ‘ryost,’ ‘kim.ahlberg,’ caedmonmyers,’ ‘rlcrain’ and ‘tvh’

Reply

or to participate.