Mac Mini to gain M4 Pro variant that loses USB type-A ports

The Mac Mini is tipped to undergo a substantial upgrade on the (possibly imminent) launch of its latest generation in terms of processing platforms. 

It is believed to come in M4- and M4 Pro-powered variants, the latter of which is also now tipped to sprout front-mounted USB-C ports - 2 of them, in fact. They are to be joined by 3 more to the rear - however, that update might come with a downside for some potential buyers.

In a move that might irk those who still want to hang on to their older storage drives or accessories, the new configuration leaves no room for the usual USB type-A ports, according to Bloomberg contributor Mark Gurman.

Other consumers might be relieved, however, as the "Mac Mini (M4 Pro)" is also backed to retain ports for Ethernet and HDMI - not to mention a 3.5mm jack.

Nevertheless, some users might find that they need to keep something like the Baseus Spacemate (now available at a discounted price of $111.98 on Amazon) alongside their next-gen tiny PC.