Whereas the brand new M4 Mac mini has impressed us all with its small dimension and processing prowess, a USB-C connectivity drawback has been baffling many early adopters.
As noticed by AppleInsider, posts on a number of totally different boards by individuals who purchased the Mac mini however have points with linked USB-C gadgets. In lots of cases, the gadgets cease working or don’t work in any respect. Posts have appeared within the Apple Assist Group, MacResource, and Reddit. The difficulty doesn’t seem to have an effect on any of the opposite M4 Macs that had been launched on the similar time.
One sample that seems from the assorted postings is that customers are connecting USB-A gadgets through the use of a USB-C adapter on a rear Thunderbolt/USB-C port. They expertise inconsistent connectivity, however as soon as they swap to a entrance USB-C port, the gadgets work correctly. Some customers report issues with gadgets that draw energy from the rear ports. In some circumstances, disconnecting the gadget after which reconnecting it fixes the issue.
The M2 Mac mini had a pair of USB-A ports however Apple eliminated them when it redesigned the Mac mini with a smaller design, therefore the necessity for USB-C-to-USB-A adapters.
The issues seemingly don’t have an effect on the Mac mini’s entrance ports, that are USB-C solely and never Thunderbolt ports. This may very well be an indication of an issue between adapters speaking with the multi-purpose nature of the rear ports. The adapters may very well be insufficient at sustaining the sign that the rear ports require for making a connection.
Apple has but to touch upon the problem. Should you do want to make use of a USB-A to USB-C adapter to attach a tool to a Mac, depend on merchandise made by respected firms, resembling Apple’s personal providing. It’s simple to seek out low-cost adapters on Amazon from firms with nonsensical-sounding names, however in our expertise, it’s definitely worth the few further {dollars} to spend money on merchandise from identified firms. Take a look at our guides on the greatest USB-C hubs and adapters and the greatest Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations.
Apple Mac mini (M4)
