Apple’s latest Mac mini has stirred up buzz online, not only for its compact power but also for an inconvenient design choice: its power button is located on the underside. While this placement may work for minimalist aesthetics, it has left fans seeking creative solutions for easier access.
Engineer Ivan Kuleshov has taken up the challenge, designing a 3D-printed lever tool that presses the hidden power button with a gentle push. Kuleshov’s clever fulcrum design mimics Apple’s style, complete with a power icon on the end. Even without the new Mac mini in hand yet—since pre-orders only begin shipping on November 8—Kuleshov created a prototype based on available specs and photos. He acknowledges that the tool's final effectiveness will depend on the weight of the Mac mini and the required pressing force.
Despite its ingenuity, the lever does come with a minor drawback: it requires extra desk space to extend outward. For users who keep their Mac mini powered on consistently, this is a non-issue. However, for those who do need to power down, this 3D-printed solution could make a difference.
The Mac mini’s button placement also hearkens back to Steve Jobs' preference to avoid power buttons altogether—a philosophy that has shaped Mac designs since the original Mac mini in 2005. While previous models placed the power button at the back, Apple’s latest version takes it to an even more discreet location. Thanks to fans like Kuleshov, though, the challenge of making that button accessible is being solved creatively.
