Two of the recently released new Apple devices have now been dismantled by users for the first time. The results for the new Mac mini with M1 chip and the HomePod mini are expected, but also contain as yet unknown innovations.

Mac mini: Centralized and soldered So Apple has the new compact computer (from 759, 90 €) internally shrunk with ARM processor, like a teardown in the eGPU.io- Forum can be found. The motherboard has been reduced in size as Apple focuses more on integration. The RAM modules are located – there may be a maximum of GB – right next to the SoC and form one under one with it Heat sink unit. Other components that are discreetly constructed in Intel Macs also found their way into the M1 SoC – including the Thunderbolt controller.

The repair options and upgrade capabilities naturally limit further centralization on the motherboard. Neither RAM components nor SSD can be replaced. Accordingly, users have to order the configuration that they actually need. The SSDs Apple offers a maximum of 2 TB. Due to the smaller number of components, access to the innards seems to be easier than with the Intel machines.

HomePod mini: Actually for recycling? The teardown of the HomePod mini (from 96, 50 €) reveals further details on Apple’s current hardware strategy. The small ball at a price of under 100 euros, which develops a voluminous sound, is nailed from front to back. According to an adventurous user in the forum of MacRumors not even the USB-C cable can be used from the device. With the HomePod, this was still possible with a little effort. It was already known that the cable is integrated directly into the device, but the teardown now shows a fixed connection to the circuit board. Under no circumstances should you pull it harder from the outside in order not to damage the smartspeaker.

The touch-sensitive surface of the HomePod mini is also virtually impossible to remove. “Removing it is a great way to destroy the device.” After all, this doesn’t have to be done to get to the main board, a side board with the S6 chip, and the drivers. By the way, Apple itself apparently does not plan any repairs. If the mini is defective, you pay almost as much for service outside of the warranty as for a new device. (bsc)