The M1-powered Mac Mini can now be configured to include a 10 gigabit network, an option that was especially lacking on the computer compared to its Intel-powered counterpart (via 9to5Mac). The 2020 computer update appears to have come during the Apple Store update, which came with larger announcements about today’s products, including a new iMac and iPad Pro. Adding a faster network will add $ 100 to your computer – the same price as adding 10Gbps to your Intel version.
When Apple added the 10 Gbps port as an option to the Mac Mini in 2018, it was welcomed by those running home and professional servers, as well as anyone who needs quick network access on a cheaper Mac (such as video professionals using networked storage). But when Apple introduced a faster version of the computer with its own custom chip, the ability to add networks faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet no longer existed. If the lack of the 10 GB network put the most expensive (now) M1 computer out of business, now it’s an option again.
You can order the Apple Silicon Mac Mini with a faster network today, but it can be a bit of a wait for setup – Apple estimates I could be delivering a Mac M1 Mac Mini in two days, but adding 10 Gb Ethernet tweaks this in two weeks.