A couple of rumors were published today by Mark Gurman, the unofficial/official Apple news funnel. First, new Mac minis are to come with five USB-C ports while losing the old-school USB-A connectors. Apple plans to kick off their new round of  M4 Macs with a new Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pro. Of those models, the Mac mini will get the most dramatic new design, its first major overhaul since 2010.

Gurman revealed additional details on the Mac mini. First, suppliers are scheduled to begin shipping Mac mini units from China — with the standard M4 chip — to warehouses globally in early September.

The higher-end version, with an M4 Pro, won’t begin shipping until October. That probably means neither will be announced until about a month after the iPhone unveiling. I’ve also been told that the computer’s power supply will be internal, so don’t expect to need to lug around a separate brick.

The M4 Pro version will have five USB-C ports (three on the back and two on the front like the Mac Studio). That model will also retain an Ethernet port, HDMI connector and headphone jack. But prepare to say goodbye to the USB-A ports found on the current Mac mini. And one has to wonder if those will survive the Mac Pro and Mac Studio upgrades next year.

New low-end iPad Magic Keyboard in the works. In May, Apple rolled out a revamped Magic Keyboard, adding a metal palm rest, more durable design, larger trackpad and function keys. He’s now told that Apple suppliers are hard at work on a new iPad keyboard for next year. This accessory will be a low-end version that may be designed for an entry-level iPad or the new iPad Airs. I’m told it will lack pricier components like the metal palm rest, but will have some new features — perhaps including a function row. The product should be released by the middle of next year if all goes to plan. Review Gurman’s article for his discussion on Apple executives leaving or downgraded and more here.