Apple execs address Mac mini's hidden power button in 2024 redesign

AppleInsider

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold move that executives say aligns with user habits, even if it's left some fans scratching their heads.

The new 2024 Mac mini. Image credit: Apple

The company's latest Mac mini is significantly downsized -- about half the size of its predecessor. The overhaul makes it more compact and gave Apple's designers challenges in laying out external features.

Apple's Vice Presidents, Greg Joswiak, Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, and John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, explained to IThome. They emphasized that the compact form factor still makes it easy to access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it.

On previous Mac mini models, the power button was located on the back panel of the device. It was positioned alongside other ports and connections, making it easily accessible without having to move the device.

One of the biggest reasons for the seemingly out-of-the-way placement is how infrequently most users actually use the power button. "Honestly, most people almost never use the power button on a Mac," one of the executives remarked.

Apple VPs comment on the new design. Image credit: IThome

That may sound surprising, but it makes sense in the context of how Macs are typically used. Many Mac owners rarely power off their devices completely, relying instead on sleep mode. As a result, reaching for the power button isn't a daily or even weekly task for most users.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the practicality of the new placement, especially in scenarios where physical access to the button is necessary. The need to lift or tilt the device to press the button could be inconvenient in cluttered or tight spaces.

Third-party button hacks

The Mac community has responded with innovative solutions to this design change. For instance, engineer Ivan Kuleshov created a 3D-printed lever mechanism that allows users to press the power button without lifting the Mac mini.

Apple has consistently pushed boundaries with minimalist, user-centric designs, and the 2024 Mac mini is no different. For those eyeing the 2024 Mac mini, this power button relocation will initially feel unfamiliar.

However, it's unlikely to impact daily use. As Apple sees it, once a Mac mini is set up, users will hardly think about its power button at all, especially since the device's sleep mode will handle most power needs.

In the end, Apple's power button decision is a practical response to the device's smaller size. While it might be one of the more subtle design shifts Apple has made, it reinforces the company's focus on efficiency and modern design principles.

So, if you're considering the New Mac mini, don't let the power button placement throw you off -- Apple has made it clear that you'll barely need it anyway.



Read on AppleInsider

cpsro

uh-h-h, nope.

mpantone

I've owned a Mac mini since the 2010 server model and the new location of the power button isn't a big deal. While I haven't purchased the M4 model, I rarely use the power button on my Mac mini M2 Pro and older Mac mini 2018 (Intel Core i7).

As much more consumer computing is cloud driven in 2024, people are more inclined to keep these small devices powered on all the time. This wasn't so common back in 2010 but modern consumer computing has evolved away from standalone apps using local on-device data. Allowing the power button on a Mac mini to migrate to the bottom isn't so far fetched in late 2024.

eriamjh

This is such a non issue that I'm not even going to bother to

DAalseth

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

mpantone

Well, it was enough of a concern (by a handful) to prompt a question to senior Apple management. But there are people who freak out about anything and they loooooooovvvvvveeeeee going online about these sort of issues.

As Bill Gates said, the Internet has become the place where crazy people congregate.

There are people who said "I won't be buying this Mac mini because of the power button placement."

bloggerblog

Just use Ctrl + Cmd + Q to put a Mac to sleep.

hmlongco

DAalseth said:

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

I'd almost be willing to bet that turning the thing off and then doing a full-power reboot off the OS and running applications uses more power than simply leaving the thing on overnight in low power mode. And prevents it from downloading photos, software updates, mail, and other things it needs to do periodically when not busy.

bloggerblog

DAalseth said:

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

Design is based on research and the result clearly points to it not being necessary. There'll always be a group who disagree, but that's typically because they have not adopted to newer options. The same sentiment happened when Apple removed the headphone jack, or the ability to swap the iPhone battery, or removed the iPhones Home button...

DAalseth

hmlongco said:

DAalseth said:

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

I'd almost be willing to bet that turning the thing off and then doing a full-power reboot off the OS and running applications uses more power than simply leaving the thing on overnight in low power mode. And prevents it from downloading photos, software updates, mail, and other things it needs to do periodically when not busy.

Uses Less Power is one of the many myths that hasn’t been true for decades. 
As far as photos, patches, etc, you forgot malware, DDOS attacks, not to mention damage from power ripples in the night. 
No you ALWAYS shut your machine off when not using it. 

Cesar Battistini Maziero

there is no reason to use a power button on a desktop Mac.

It's a non issue.

bart123ric

For me, it wouldn't be a big deal because I've only pressed the power button a couple times in several years of owning my current Mac. I have a Studio which I keep it in a cubby hole, so I have to 'feel' for the button around back of the unit. 

If it were an issue to find the button, the switch on the power strip is the alternative that works just as well.

auxio

DAalseth said:

hmlongco said:

DAalseth said:

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

I'd almost be willing to bet that turning the thing off and then doing a full-power reboot off the OS and running applications uses more power than simply leaving the thing on overnight in low power mode. And prevents it from downloading photos, software updates, mail, and other things it needs to do periodically when not busy.

Uses Less Power is one of the many myths that hasn’t been true for decades. 

Agreed. I'd go further and say that it's never been true that having a computer in sleep/low power mode uses less power than having it off. Perhaps if you're turning it off and on a dozen or more times a day.

As far as photos, patches, etc, you forgot malware, DDOS attacks, not to mention damage from power ripples in the night. 

I've been leaving at least one computer either on or in low power mode 24/7 for 25 years and never had any of those problems. Then again, I started with Linux-based machines and switched to Macs, both of which have far better security than Windows PCs thanks to their UNIX heritage. As long as you keep them up-to-date and are smart about what you install on them, you should be perfectly fine.

mikethemartian

hmlongco said:

DAalseth said:

Apple's 2024 Mac mini stashes the power button underneath, a bold stupid move that executives say aligns with user habits

access the button by tucking a finger underneath to press it as long as you’re a six year old child. Otherwise you have to pick the unit up. 

They are trying to put a shine on a turd. This was a stupid design choice that goes against best practices and will waste electricity. So much for Apple trying to act like they keep the environment in focus.

I'd almost be willing to bet that turning the thing off and then doing a full-power reboot off the OS and running applications uses more power than simply leaving the thing on overnight in low power mode. And prevents it from downloading photos, software updates, mail, and other things it needs to do periodically when not busy.

It is pretty easy to measure with a data logging power meter.

erio

Is the new Mac mini that heavy? Why aren't people complaining about Apple TV for not having a power button?

macgui

Cesar Battistini Maziero said:

there is no reason to use a power button on a desktop Mac.

It's a non issue.

That's a dumbass comment. Were it true, power buttons would have gone the way of the 3.5mm jack, long before the 3.5mm jack.

One of the biggest reasons for the seemingly out-of-the-way placement is how infrequently most users actually use the power button. "Honestly, most people almost never use the power button on a Mac," one of the executives remarked.

WTF? That's an excuse not a reason. It explains why they figured it would be more or less acceptable to move the button but not why they moved the button first place. If that's one of the bigger reasons (which it's not) what are the other biggest reasons? There's multiple biggest reasons? Then it follows there are also lesser reasons. None of which are addressed in this article. Why not put it in one of the front corners and not the back?

They did a survey/research to find out if Mac users use the power button? Not likely. This is just Apple being Apple. They wanted to do this, apparently for big and little reasons which can't be shared with the general public.

"They'll complain but give up eventually." 

Just because it may be a non-issue (for some) doesn't mean it's not a bad design. It's a bad design.

y2an

Remind me, where’s the power button on an Apple TV?

appleinsideruser

bloggerblog said:

Just use Ctrl + Cmd + Q to put a Mac to sleep.

Na, it’s Option-Command-Media Eject key 
See https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh10330/mac

jvm156

I fail to see how this is any harder to hit than the old ones power button🤷🏻‍♂️

programmer

jvm156 said:

I fail to see how this is any harder to hit than the old ones power button🤷🏻‍♂️

More importantly, it is harder to hit by accident.  I have accidentally hit my 2018 Mac mini's power button while plugging/unplugging cables on the back.  I'm happy that it is moved, and reaching under it to hit the button on such a small and light computer is trivial.  Most rack or other mounting options I've seen will be easier to reach with the button on the bottom.

It is better to leave the machine on.  If power quality is an issue then you ought to have a surge suppressing power strip anyhow (and use its switch), or unplug it from the wall.

commiePinko

…a bold move that executives say aligns with user habits, even if it's left some fans scratching their heads.

A trivial but annoying change that violates the user habits established over the last 20 years.  

"Honestly, most people almost never use the power button on a Mac," one of the executives remarked.

An executive who has never had a Mac crash, and who's blissfully unaware that the Mac has crucial features accessed through the power button.  In other words, and executive who doesn't use a Mac.  

I feel for anyone whose job requires uncritically repeating the bovine fecal matter spewed by professional purveyors of same.  The job interview must consist of "Do you have a gag reflex?"  Or have we reached the point where AI just regurgitates press releases, no actual thought required?