Apple’s bestselling Macs are its laptops, the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. So it seems logical for Apple to debut its new M1 system on a chip in these machines. But Apple also decided to use the M1 in the Mac mini. Two years after its last update, the Mac mini became the first desktop Mac to sport Apple’s SoC.
After having tested the M1 Mac mini, one thing is perfectly clear: at $699, the M1 Mac mini is a tremendous value. You get so much bang for your buck that it’s a little hard to fathom, especially for anyone who has invested in Mac minis in the past. You expect to make compromises in performance for the price being paid. Not here. Not anymore.
This review takes a dive into the $699 Mac mini, which has an 8-core M1 SoC with an 8-core GPU and 8GB of RAM. This model also includes a 256GB SSD.
Before we dive into the performance results, let’s talk a little about why this Mac mini is so fast. It’s because of the M1.
M1: System on a Chip
Processor changes are not new to the Mac. In the mid 1990s, Apple switched from Motorola 68000 processors to the PowerPC. In 2005, Apple announced the transition from PowerPC to Intel processors. Now, in 2020, Apple has started the two-year process to switch from Intel chips to its own. But why should you care?
Apple doesn’t just switch chips for no good reason. There are a lot of reason why Apple wants to switch, and for you, the user, the reason are good. Apple wants to make hardware and software with features that can’t be achieved without fundamental changes. Sure, Apple benefits business-wise by controlling as much as it can, but if Apple really didn’t care about the evolution of the Mac (as some longtime users believe, because iPhone), it wouldn’t make this change.
Apple calls the M1 a system on a chip (SoC). Before the M1, Macs had separate chips for the processors, graphics, RAM, controllers, and more. Those components are now brought together on a single chip (the RAM is technically separate chips on the same package). And Apple isn’t really new to all of this. They’ve been making SoCs for the iPhone and iPad for years. If you want to learn more about the M1 and why an SoC makes Macs so fast, read this overview about the M1 SoC.
Mac mini performance benchmarks
We ran several benchmarks to gauge the performance of the M1 Mac mini. For comparison, we also tested 2018 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 Mac mini, which sold for $799 when it was released. This is the Mac that the M1 model replaces in Apple’s lineup.
Geekbench 5 single CPU and multi CPU benchmarks
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Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
The Geekbench 5 benchmark is good gauge for overall performance. The M1 Mac mini nearly doubled the single-core CPU result of the Core i3 Mac mini, and it more than doubled the performance in multi-core testing. The new Mac mini makes the old Mac mini look, well, old.
Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core benchmarks
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Results are expressed in Cinebench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Another way to gauge performance is by looking at benchmark results from Cinebench R23. This app does CPU-based ray traced rendering, so while it’s of interest to creative professionals, it’s a good way to measure performance in a production environment. Again, we see another multi-core result from the M1 Mac mini that’s more than twice that of the old Mac mini. The single-core result is impressive, too, with a 60 percent increase.
Cinebench R20 multi-core and single-core benchmarks
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Results are expressed in Cinebench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
We turned again to Cinebench in our next test, but this time with version R20, which was written only for Intel processors. In this case, the M1 Mac mini runs the app using Rosetta2, Apple’s code-translation software that allows Intel-optimized apps to run on Apple silicon. And it still outperforms the old Mac mini, with a 44 percent increase in multi-core testing! The single-core result is a little more subdued, showing an 8 percent increase.
The benchmarks show that the Mac mini is fast, but even the simple tasks that you do on the computer all the time feel fast. Opening and closing widows, alerts and notifications, and even wake for sleep have a snap to them. Safari benefits a lot from the upgrade to macOS Big Sur and the M1—webpage rendering and scrolling are much faster.
In addition to the benchmarks, I timed a couple of application–based tasks to see what the difference is like. With iMovie, an export of a 32-minute video with simple transitions and an opening title took 129 seconds to export as a 720p video file. That same export took what seems by comparison like an excruciating 252 seconds on the old Mac mini. In GarageBand, I did an export of a 42-minute Macworld Podcast to a 256k MP3 file, and the improvement wasn’t as big—the M1 Mac mini was 10 percent faster than the old Mac mini.
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Apple apps such as iMovie are optimized to take advantage of the M1.
Mac mini graphics performance
A major longtime issue with the Mac mini is that the machine traditionally has been a lackluster graphics performer. It relied on Intel integrated graphics and provided enough performance for everyday usage, but try to do anything more demanding, and you found out quick that the Mac mini suffered. Apple also didn’t update the Mac mini as frequently as other Macs (the last update before this one was in 2018, and that update replaced a four-year old lineup). So over time, as software becomes more demanding, the Mac mini didn’t keep pace.
That all changes with the M1 Mac mini. In the tests we performed, the new model is a dazzling graphics performer. And here’s the thing: most of the benchmarks we ran were done using non-native applications, and the Mac mini still provides high framerates and scores.
We ran the built-in benchmarks for Rise of the Tomb Raider and Civilization VI, both of which are running on the M1 Mac mini in emulation. And just take a look at the frame rates in the charts below. I repeat, this is in emulation. The old Mac mini is an embarrassment compared to the M1 Mac mini.
Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark
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Results are frames per second. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Civilization VI benchmark
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Results are frames per second. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Geekbench 5 is a Universal app, and its Compute benchmark tests the GPU, using either the OpenCL or Metal graphics framework. And the results here are comical. The old Mac mini barely even registers compared to the M1 Mac mini.
Geekbench 5 Compute benchmark
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Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher results/longer bars are better.
If you have an old Mac mini, and the CPU performance isn’t enough to sway you to upgrade, then these graphics results should give you the final push.
Mac mini design, ports, and display support
Apple didn’t change the design of the Mac mini. It still has a compact, aluminum 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 case, and its size make it idea for unique situations where space is at a premium, whether it is on a desk, used for creative installations, or stacked with other Mac minis for a server farm. But the Apple silicon models are available only in silver, while the Intel-equipped Mac mini comes in space gray.
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Apple still offers an Intel Mac mini, which is available only in space gray (left). The M1 Mac mini comes in silver.
Besides the colors, there are major differences with the supplied ports. The M1 Mac mini has only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, while the Intel model has four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. You may need a hub for the M1 Mac mini. Both models have an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports, a gigabit ethernet jack, and a headphone jack.
Another issue with the M1 Mac mini is its display support. Here’s what to consider:
M1 Mac mini: Can support up to two displays, one 6K (at 60Hz) display connected to Thunderbolt, and one 4K (at 60Hz) connected to HDMI 2.0
Intel Mac mini:
Can support up to three displays, with two displays both at 4096×2304 resolution (60Hz) connected via Thunderbolt, and one display at 4096×2160 resolution (60Hz) connected via HDMI 2.0
Or two displays, one at 5120×2880 resolution (60Hz) connected via Thunderbolt 3, and one display at 4096×2160 resolution (60Hz) connected via HDMI 2.0
Most people use one or two displays, but a good number use three (creative professionals, data analysts). If you can’t live without a third display, then the M1 Mac mini isn’t for you. You have to get the Intel model.
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The M1 Mac mini (top) has two fewer Thunderbolt/USB-C ports than the Intel-based model (bottom).
Bottom line
The Mac mini is popular because it’s Apple most affordable desktop Mac, and also because its size gives it versatility, making it a good machine to use in a variety of situations. But it was to the low tier of the Mac lineup when it came to performance.
With the M1 system on a chip, that’s no longer the case. The new $699 M1 Mac mini blows right past its predecessor, the 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 Mac mini, and leaves it in the dust. In fact, based on our benchmarks, the new M1 Mac mini’s performance mirrors that of the new 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro.
It’s unfortunate that the M1 Mac mini has only two Thunderbolt/USB-4 ports, which means you may have to buy a hub. And the display limitations may come into play for you. But even with those restrictions, the Mac mini ends up being the best value right now in Apple’s Mac lineup. The Mac mini may be small in stature, but it’s a giant when it comes to performance.
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The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
