It was 2005 when Apple released the Mac Mini. A revolutionary product with a very special computer concept. In a small size we had a powerful machine that did all the functions of a computer. Of course, we were afraid to add the peripherals to make it work properly. Four years before the iPod was launched and it was evolving in size and performance. Someone from Apple thought of merging the two devices: Mac Mini and iPod nano.
The Mac Mini and the iPod nano (also released in 2005) merged. Two independent devices but that could be joined making them work as a hybrid, we could even talk about the predecessor of the HomePod. Outside of jokes, it occurred to someone that they could hit it off together.
As can be seen in the images, we see that the Mac Mini has a 30-pin slot to be able to dock the first generation iPod nano. What it was, of course, the forerunner of Apple's iPod Hi-Fi that was released in 2006.
It is honestly not known what the intention would be to place that device in the macmini, since the synchronization was done with the built-in cable. It could be a charging and syncing base, but if it was just that, I really already know why it stayed in a prototype. Something else I had in mind, surely yes. It did not go well and was never released.
EVT Mac Mini, with iPod dock. Totally scraped project that never saw the light of day pic.twitter.com/fSm1m31fhX
- Dongle (@DongleBookPro) August 22
Now we can see it thanks to the Twitter user who shared these photos. DongleBookPro As we said, the project was scrapped internally before it could go on the market. Since the size and shape of the iPod nano constantly changed over the years, this Mac mini would only have been supported with the first and maybe second generation of the music player.