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.
🔹 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.
