Apple’s 2024 Mac mini has a power button hidden underneath the device, a decision that has left some users puzzled. However, Apple executives John Ternus and Greg Joswiak explain that this placement aligns with how most people use their Macs. “Honestly, most people almost never use the power button on a Mac,” one of the executives remarked.
This is because many users rely on sleep mode rather than completely powering off their devices. The compact form factor of the new Mac mini, which is about half the size of its predecessor, presented challenges for Apple’s designers in laying out external features. Ternus and Joswiak emphasized that despite the button’s location, it is still easy to access by tucking a finger underneath to press it.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the practicality of this placement, especially in scenarios where physical access to the button is necessary.
Mac mini’s hidden power button
The need to lift or tilt the device to press the button could be inconvenient in cluttered or tight spaces.
In response, the Mac community has already come up with innovative solutions. Engineer Ivan Kuleshov has 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 exception.
While the power button relocation may initially feel unfamiliar, it is unlikely to impact daily use for most users. The decision to place the power button underneath the device is a practical response to the Mac mini’s smaller size. It reinforces Apple’s focus on efficiency and modern design principles, even if it takes some getting used to for users.
