Last Update 05-03

Apple discontinues budget Mac mini, effectively raising price by $200

The $599 256GB Mac mini has become a thing of the past. Apple quietly discontinued the 256GB storage version globally this week (May 2026), raising the entry-level price to $799.

Mac mini Entry-Level Configuration Comparison
Configuration	Old Model (Discontinued)	Current Model (On Sale)
Storage Capacity	256GB	512GB
Starting Price	$599	$799

Currently, the 256GB entry-level model has been completely removed from Apple's online configuration page. For users seeking value, this means the minimum purchase threshold has increased. Since the M4 Pro chip models start at 512GB, their pricing remains unaffected.

Image via @Apple, copyright belongs to the original author

🔹 Cook Addresses Supply Constraints

During the earnings call, CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that Mac mini and Mac Studio are supply-constrained. He noted that since these devices are excellent platforms for running AI and Agentic Tools, demand has far exceeded expectations, and it may take several months to achieve supply-demand balance.

🔹 Global Memory Chip Shortage Impact

This configuration change comes amid a global memory shortage. Apple expects memory costs to rise significantly this quarter. In March, Apple stopped offering Mac Studio models equipped with 512GB RAM. Ongoing memory supply constraints may be forcing Apple to trim its lower-end product lineup.

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鬱金香的眼睛

: As macOS integrates more and more local AI models, the 256GB of storage becomes quite cramped after installing the system and necessary AI weight files. Apple aims to ensure a "basic user experience" in the AI era by mandating a 512GB starting capacity. The base model has already risen to $799, prompting some users on the fence to think, "Since I'm already spending $800, why not add a bit more for the more powerful M4 Pro?" This effectively nudges users toward an upgrade. With the Mac mini's entry barrier raised, Apple seems to be steering some entry-level users toward the rumored MacBook Neo (a lighter, entry-level laptop), which could fill the $599-$699 price gap. Even if users reluctantly buy the $799 512GB version, considering Apple's official storage upgrade pricing (effectively charging an extra $200 for the 256GB to 512GB jump), for those needing over 2TB of space, a Thunderbolt 4 enclosure paired with a high-speed SSD remains a more rational choice than opting for the official 1TB or 2TB upgrade. The $599 Mac mini was once many people's "first ticket" into the Apple ecosystem, but now the $799 ticket comes with more space, yet for users accustomed to storing data in the cloud or on a NAS, that extra $200 feels like a "forced expense."

05-09

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逆风飞扬abc

: Only 200? That's way too little. It should at least go up by 20,000. Keep pumping it up to fleece the investors , but I'm not one of the leeks in their pot anyway 🤣.