You thought that just because Apple hasn't updated it in over three years, the Mac mini is dead? We don't blame you, but according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, there's still hope for Apple's tiny desktop computer.

The news comes via Cook's somewhat surprising response to a customer's letter, unearthed by MacRumors.

"I'm glad you love Mac mini," wrote Cook. "We love it too. Our customers have found so many creative and interesting users for Mac mini. While it is not time to share any details, we do plan for Mac mini to be an important part of our product line going forward."

Cook's letter echoes Phil Schiller's statement from April 2017, when he said that the mini is "still a product in (Apple's) lineup."

Six months later, it still doesn't appear like a new mini is right around the corner, but at least we know Apple hasn't completely forgotten about it.

Combined with previous news, this vague update on the Mac mini spells an interesting near-future for fans of Apple desktop computers. The iMac Pro is launching in December, and a completely revamped Mac Pro is coming sometime next year.