After announcing the shift to Apple Silicon and MacOS Big Sur, Apple also announced a new Mac mini for developers. Apple calls it Mac Developer Transition Kit.
This new Mac mini is powered by Apple’s A12Z chip, the same used in 2020 iPad Pro, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Connectivity options include 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB-C ports, 2 x USB-A ports and HDMI 2.0 port.
The DTK comes with beta versions of macOS Big Sur and Xcode to make it developer ready. Developers can use this machine to build apps for next-gen Macs.
Apple also demonstrated how well it can run Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro X.
Developers interested in using the Developer Transition Kit can request it beginning today. For this, developers will have to join the Universal App Quick Start Program that costs $500 The program includes Beta Software and Tools, Developer Transition Kit, Developer Labs, Development Resources and Technical Support. Apple has noted that the DTK is owned by Apple and must be returned.