Apple is no longer listing the $599 entry-level 256GB Mac mini on its online store. Customers looking to purchase the compact desktop directly from Apple now have to spend a minimum of $799 for 512GB of storage.
The 256GB variant went out of stock late last week before disappearing from the configurator entirely. This change extends across Apple's education and military storefronts as well, leaving no option to order or backorder the model. For now, the only way to get a lower-priced Mac mini from Apple is through its refurbished inventory, though availability there remains inconsistent.
While the 512GB configuration has always cost $799, its current position raises the pricing floor for desktop buyers. The $799 model is currently backordered into June. Higher-end configurations, particularly those featuring 32GB of memory, are completely sold out and listed as "currently unavailable" on the website. That availability trend is mirrored at major third-party retailers like Amazon.
The change comes as Apple deals with broader supply constraints. During the company's recent Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook warned investors that tight availability for the Mac mini and Mac Studio would likely persist for several months. Cook attributed the crunch to stronger than expected demand, noting that the machines have become popular platforms for running local AI and agentic tools.
Apple is also navigating a severe global memory shortage. Cook acknowledged during the earnings call that the company expects significantly higher memory costs in the current quarter, which may be contributing to decisions around configurations like the 256GB model. With the $599 model no longer listed, the MacBook Neo now stands as Apple's only $599 entry point into macOS.
If you are trying to track down a specific configuration, you can monitor inventory levels and check for third-party discounts using the iClarified Mac Price Tracker at https://www.iclarified.com/prices/mac.
Get the iClarified Daily Newsletter
Apple news, rumors, tutorials, price drop alerts, in your inbox every evening, free.
Unsubscribe at any time.
Success!
You have been subscribed.
Add Comment
Would you like to be notified when someone replies or adds a new comment?
Yes (All Threads)
Yes (This Thread Only)
No
Notifications
Would you like to be notified when we post a new Apple news article or tutorial?