Mac Mini 3 Release Date, Specs & Features: Should Apple Launch New Version in 2015? [Poll]

The latest version of the Mac mini came out in last year's October iPad event. While TekRevue took note of the unit's new features (PCIe-based flash storage, Haswell processors and 802.11ac Wi-Fi), the outlet went on to cite Apple's use of soldered RAMs, which basically prevented upgrading of memory capacity soon after purchase.

in addition, users will have to shoulder $300 for the maximum 16 GB of RAM at checkout. TekRevue indicated that cheaper, third party alternatives are not part of the options.

As we have earlier noted, Apple's Phil Spencer labeled the 2014 Mac mini as "the world's most energy efficient desktop computer." The unit comes packed with 1.4GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, 500 GB hard drive storage and Intel HD Graphics 5000. It was first showcased alongside the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 and Retina-powered iMac.

Processor issue is another thing to note about the Mac mini family. For those who may not know, the late 2012 product from the similar lineup had 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor options. As told by Apple, the latter is even configurable to 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7.

However, the current Mac mini is all dual-core: 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and 2.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5.

Inquisitr is convinced that 2015 could finally become the Mac mini's year. The outlet called the product a "weird" part of the Cupertino giant's lineup since its introduction, being updated rarely (two years, for instance, between the current version and the last).

On the other hand, since Apple appeared to lack interest in the Mac mini and its 2014 upgrade, MacRumors predicted that a new version for 2015 is unlikely. In another report, however, the source still saw it as a possibility, citing the lineup's upgrades in years 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Technology Tell believed that the desktop computer may only be ignored this year, citing the iPhone, iPad, iMac, Mac Pro and Apple TV as the company's focus.

With no official word coming from Apple (and considering the unpredictability of the lineup's upgrade schedules), the 2015 Mac mini's release date may only be speculated at present.

For more information about the current Mac mini's specifications, head over here. To compare the range of Mac models, click this.

How do you feel about the Mac mini getting a 2015 upgrade? Should Apple push for a new version right away, or should it take another two years to bring huge updates?

Cast your votes in the poll below (after the clip), or speak your thoughts out in the comments section.

Check out Macworld UK's quick overview of the 2014 Mac mini here.