Main points
- The base version of the Mac mini with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD has disappeared from Apple's online store, possibly due to high demand or preparation for the launch of the next generation.
- The disappearance may be due to a global shortage of memory chips, amid growing demand for local systems for artificial intelligence.
The basic Mac mini on M4 is over / Depositphotos
The base version of the Mac mini with the M4 chip, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD is no longer available on Apple's online store. This may indicate both high demand for the compact computer and the company's preparation for the launch of a new generation of devices.
Apple appears to have sold out of the starting Mac mini configuration – a model with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The variant was listed as “temporarily unavailable” on the company’s online store, which immediately sparked discussion among users, MacRumours reports.
However, the more expensive configurations are still available. In particular, there are versions with a larger SSD, models with 24 GB of RAM, as well as a Mac mini with a more powerful M4 Pro chip. At the same time, some options with 32 GB of RAM have also disappeared from stock.
Why is the basic Mac mini gone?
Usually, a shortage of Apple equipment in retail stores can mean that the company is preparing a new generation of devices . But in the case of the Mac mini, the situation is not so clear-cut.
The compact computer is currently in particularly high demand due to the ability to run artificial intelligence models locally. For many users, this is one of the most affordable ways to get a powerful system for working with AI tools without having to buy more expensive professional workstations.
Another important factor has been the global shortage of memory chips. Due to the active development of the artificial intelligence market, manufacturers are facing an increase in demand for RAM, which has already led to an increase in the price of RAM modules and supply problems.
This is why Apple has previously faced shortages of some Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations. Earlier this year, the company even stopped selling the 512GB Mac Studio version entirely.
Earlier, information also appeared that Apple is preparing updated Mac mini based on M5 and M5 Pro chips. This is reported by TechTimes with reference to 9to5Mac. It was expected that the new products could be released this year, but due to problems with the supply of memory, the launch may be postponed closer to the end of the year.
So far, Apple has not officially explained the reason for the disappearance of the basic Mac mini from sales, but a combination of high demand and a shortage of components seems to be the most likely scenario.