Apple has officially discontinued its most affordable Mac mini configuration. The $599 base model with M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage is no longer listed on Apple’s website, marking the end of an era for the company’s entry-level desktop Mac.
Just last week, the base Mac mini went completely out of stock at the Apple Store, with shipping estimates shifting to “currently available” after repeated delays. Now, it’s been removed entirely from the configurator, confirming its discontinuation.
New Starting Price: $799 for 512GB Storage
The new entry-level Mac mini starts at $799, featuring the M4 chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. This isn’t a direct price hike for equivalent specs — the 512GB model previously carried the same $799 price tag — but it does raise the floor for anyone looking to buy a new Mac mini today.
Current availability for this new base model shows backorders stretching into the second or third week of June, with many higher-end configurations (especially those with 32GB or more RAM) listed as “currently unavailable” or quoting 10-12 week delivery times.
Why Is This Happening?
During Apple’s recent Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook attributed the shortages to “higher-than-expected demand” for the Mac mini and Mac Studio. He highlighted strong interest in these machines as platforms for AI and agentic tools, noting that customer adoption has outpaced Apple’s forecasts.
Cook indicated it could take “several months” to balance supply and demand, suggesting buyers shouldn’t count on quick relief. The removal of the 256GB model entirely signals it’s unlikely to return.
Similar shortages are affecting other Apple products, though MacBook Neo configurations are seeing relatively shorter wait times of 2-4 weeks on Apple’s site (and next-day availability in some cases on Amazon).
What This Means for Buyers
• Budget shoppers: The cheapest new Mac mini is now $200 more expensive than before, though it comes with double the storage.
• AI enthusiasts and developers: High demand for local AI workloads is clearly driving these shortages, making the Mac mini a popular compact powerhouse.
• Patience required: If you’re not in a rush, you might score better availability later this summer. Otherwise, check third-party retailers (where stock is also tight) or consider refurbished options.
This move reflects Apple’s ongoing challenges with component supply — particularly advanced chips — while underscoring the growing popularity of its desktop lineup in the AI era.
MacDailyNews Take: The Mac mini remains one of the best values in Apple’s ecosystem for power users who want maximum performance in a tiny package. With the base model now bumped up in specs and price, it continues to punch well above its weight.
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