Apple has officially stopped sales of the Mac mini with 256 GB of storage. The most affordable model, which previously cost €719, has been completely removed from the website and is no longer available. The Mac mini now starts at € 969 and comes with the M4 chip, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage as a new entry-level model.
This change follows weeks of supply problems. Last week, the 256GB variant was completely sold out in the Apple Store, and after postponed delivery dates, Apple eventually removed the model from the range completely. For consumers looking to purchase a Mac mini, this means the entry price has increased by $250 and the cheaper model now offers 512GB of storage instead of 256GB.
Chip shortages as the main reason
The reason behind this decision is the global chip shortage in the technology industry, which is mainly caused by the high demand for memory chips for AI applications. During Apple’s Q2 quarter results presentation CEO Tim Cook indicated that the availability of the Mac mini and Mac Studio is limited and that it may take ‘several months’ before supply and demand are back in balance.
Both Mac models are seen as “excellent platforms for AI and agentic tools,” meaning customers are starting to recognize their potential sooner than expected. A striking example is Perplexity Computer, which uses Mac mini servers in its data centers to leverage the computing power and energy efficiency of the M-chip to perform AI tasks.
This unforeseen demand, together with limitations in the production of advanced chip nodes, has led to shortages. The demand for encoding for AI server facilities by companies worldwide has also affected the availability of RAM and storage spaces.
Apple expects “significantly higher memory costs” this quarter and limited availability is forcing the company to make difficult business decisions. It seems that the 256 GB variant will never return, and when a successor with the M5 chip will appear is currently unknown.
End for Mac mini with 256 GB storage
The Mac mini with 256 GB and M4 chip may be available at stores such as MediaMarkt, Coolblue, Amazon, Azerty, InformatiqueYorcom or Bol.com still available, but Apple no longer restocks because the model has been discontinued and replaced by the 512 GB version. The stores still have old stock, but this will gradually disappear from sale. Are you going to sell your old Mac? Nowadays you can also do this via our sales page.