Chosen Solution

Is it possible, with the existing antenna setup in a late 2012 MacMini to replace the wifi card with a current 802.11ac card?

Not really - as with a laptop there’s more to it than just a card. You’d need an 802.11ac router, and, a very fast internet connection to the router. Additionally the problem is that the new board is lots shorter than the old board so the antennas don’t connect. If this Answer is helpful please remember to return and mark it Accepted.

I have been looking for the same thing, but for the older Mac Mini 2011, which appears to have a similar interface. Mac Mini 2011 wifi card Mac Mini 2012 wifi card Currently there is no replacement for the internal WiFi card, but there are alternatives. I would hope that Apple doesn’t change the Mac Mini style and releases a new Mac Mini with WiFi ac support in a similar minicard style as the 2011/2012 models, so I can order a spare part to replace the existing one. Edit: QuickerTek used to make a WiFi ac product called uCard which was an internal replacement for the AirPort card within the Mac Mini, however it was discontinued before I had even heard of it. :(

I just read this thread. Quickertek does still make the ucard 4 upgrade for the 2012 Mac Mini, and pretty much any MacBook made between 2008-2012. As of today in January 2020 the company asks $149 for the card. Here’s the current link. If the product page goes dead over time, do what I just did, and check their site menu product page… https://www.quickertek.com/product/ucard… I bought a Late 2012 Mac Mini Server today. I’m excited!

Actually, that QuickerTek answer is the best one (as they’re planning on releasing a new version of the card - it’s currently in development). Keep an eye on their website to see when it’s released. No only for faster speeds, but also new Apple features use the “time in flight” feature found in 802.11AC cards to determine proximity. This is used by the Apple Watch for auto unlocking as well as the new Apple earphones (AirPods and Beats3 Wireless) - both with the W1 chip. The proximity is used by the headphones to auto-switch between devices (as well as automatic pairing through the icloud - there’s likely a secure token passed).

So I emailed QuickerTek and this was the interaction or lack there of. I emailed the following: Hi I am interested in the ucard 4 but it seems to be under revision. I also researched this part and have yet to find a actual review on it. Many people stating they have purchased the product only to have to seek a refund after several months as the product is vaporware, and once ordered the purchase had no movement after several months. That their orders never received updates from quickertek. I am very skeptical of this card, with all available information it seem to good be to be true and more than likely vaporware. So my questions are…. 1.Is this an actual product that you have produced and have current physical stock? 2.Is this product currently available and if ordered how long does it take to ship out? 3.Was there issues with the product or production that keep others from actually receiving the product? 4.If this product is not real why is it still available on your website? Sorry for being so skeptical but a quick google search does no justice for this product or quickertek. Their response… Mr. R, Thx for your email So I would definitely feel comfortable calling this card a scam or a least vaporware. I don’t believe the card exists.