Apple has stopped selling its cheapest $599 Mac mini and now offers only configurations that start at $799 with 512GB of storage. [1]
The removed model had an M4 chip, at least 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage. It had become a popular option for people running local AI models and AI agents on a desktop Mac. [1]
Chief executive Tim Cook said demand for the Mac mini and Mac Studio is running ahead of expectations because of AI use. "We think, looking forward, that the Mac mini and Mac Studio may take several months to reach supply demand balance," Cook said. He added that both systems are "amazing platforms for AI and agentic tools" and that customer interest is rising faster than Apple predicted. [1]
Apple has also recently pushed up the starting storage on its MacBook Air line to 512GB and its starting price to $1099 as RAM and storage costs changed. The company has no lower-priced Mac mini alternative on sale, such as a MacBook Neo-style option. [1]
Apple launched the redesigned Mac mini in 2024 at $599 with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In May 2026, it removed that entry model and made $799 the new starting price for the desktop. [1]