Apple has quietly increased the entry price of the Mac mini, as the once-standard $599 base model is no longer available on its US online store.
As of May 1, the $599 Mac mini configuration is no longer available for order through Apple’s main online store. The 256 GB model does not appear as a selectable option here.
More expensive configurations now define the core lineup, with list prices starting at $799, although availability across configurations continues to fluctuate.
The 256GB configuration is also missing from Apple’s education and military storefronts, with no way to order it or order it backordered.
Refurbished listings always include cheaper Mac mini configurations when inventory is available, but these units are limited and inconsistent.
When the M4 Mac mini launched on October 29, 2024, Apple positioned it as the company’s most affordable Mac, with a starting price of $599, 16 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage.
Other configurations also show extended shipping times or limited availability, indicating that the constraint affects multiple models.
The base model was out of stock for about two weeks before disappearing from the online store. This change aligns with supply constraints affecting the Mac mini line.
It will be months before supply matches demand
During Apple’s second quarter earnings conference call on April 30, 2026, CEO Tim Cook said that demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio had outpaced supply and would take months to stabilize. Growing interest in running AI workloads locally has increased demand for compact Macs and added additional pressure to an already limited supply.
For buyers, the Mac mini no longer offers a reliable $599 entry point into macOS, with that role now shifting to the MacBook Neo. Mac mini configurations now start at over $799 in most purchasing scenarios.
On Apple’s side, this decision reflects a combination of supply constraints and product positioning. Removing the least expensive configuration pushes buyers toward more expensive models and promotes higher average sales prices.
That the change, spotted by Woozadis temporary or a longer-term adjustment remains uncertain. Previous reports pointed to a Mac mini update later in 2026, but the exact timeline is uncertain and current availability issues may still impact Apple’s supply chain.