Apple has ceased sales of its entry-level Mac mini, previously priced at $599, amid rising demand for powerful computing capabilities in the AI sector. According to observations from MacRumors, only models starting at $799 with a minimum of 512GB storage remain available on the company’s website.
The discontinuation is attributed to increased demand from AI developers and constraints in sourcing components like memory and storage. These factors align with comments made by CEO Tim Cook, who indicated that it may take months for the Mac mini and Mac Studio to balance supply and demand.
Initially introduced in 2024, the $599 model was well-received for its combination of powerful hardware options, including various tiers of the M4 chip and ample RAM. Its popularity surged as it became a favored option for running local AI applications.
Apple has been adept at managing supply chain challenges, as evidenced by its recent updates to other products. However, there is currently no alternative offering for the Mac mini at a similar price point, raising questions about future availability of an affordable model.