alt=The underside of the Apple M4 Mac mini, showing the relocated power button and vent.
Apple recently refreshed several products, and like the Magic Mouse’s bottom-placed charging port, the M4 Mac mini’s power button has also been moved to the underside. This design choice has sparked controversy, but Apple appears to stand by its decision.
Apple’s Justification for the Power Button Placement
In a video posted on the Chinese social media platform Bilibili, Apple’s Greg Joswiak defends and even praises the new power button location. He describes it as an “optimal spot,” suggesting users simply “tuck their finger in there and hit the button.”
Practical Challenges with the New Design
However, as noted in our M4 Mac mini review and many others, accessing the button without lifting the entire computer is difficult. It’s also hard to determine the button’s location by touch. These practical considerations are significant for users.
Joswiak downplays the issue, stating that users “pretty much never use the power button on your Mac.” This suggests Apple believes accessibility is less important than other design factors. The debate about how often users should power down their computers continues, but Apple’s stance is now clear. It remains to be seen whether this will prompt further investigation into the effects of regularly powering down a Mac mini.
alt=The Apple Mac mini resting on its side on a desk.
Size Reduction as a Potential Factor
Regarding the reason for the change, Joswiak implies it’s related to the M4 Mac mini’s smaller size. While this could be a reasonable trade-off, some believe Apple prioritizes minimalist aesthetics over practicality.
Performance vs. Practicality
Despite the power button’s awkward placement, the M4 Mac mini offers impressive performance for its price. For users who can overlook this design quirk, the M4 remains a compelling option.
