Why does Apple continue to make the Mac mini, the least popular Mac?

Apple’s current Mac mini is powered with the M2 and M2 Pro

As the rumor mill expects an updated Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chip is in the works, CIRP is out with its latest report on Apple’s most affordable personal computer. With Mac mini market share as low as <1% of total Mac sales, CIRP’s new data looks to answer the question, “Who buys a Mac mini?”

Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz for CIRP:
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We’ve long wondered why Apple continues to make this thing. Apple introduced the Mac mini in 2005, before iPhone and iPad, when Apple competed hard against Windows/Intel PCs…

Almost twenty years later, Apple continues to produce and even upgrade Mac mini. The base model costs $599, much less than other Apple desktops and competitive with Windows-based PCs. Apple continues to promote it as an easy point of entry to the Apple operating system.

It remains a slow seller compared to other models, however, with under 1% of total Mac sales. What do we know about this tiny group of customers?

As it turns out, the very youngest and oldest buy Mac mini more… It seems Mac mini’s original purpose continues to work: offer a cheaper way into Apple computing, especially for younger buyers who can’t afford much, or older ones looking for an economical Mac desktop option.

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MacDailyNews Take: Perhaps sales will go up if the rumors of an Apple TV-sized M4 Mac mini are true?
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