Apple Kills 256GB Mac Mini, Entry Price Jumps $200

Apple has quietly removed the 256GB storage configuration of the Mac mini from its configurator worldwide, effectively pushing the starting price of the M4-based desktop up to $799. The entry-level model previously cost $599 with 256GB of storage.

The change took effect weeks after the 256GB option became unavailable to order, and the listing is now completely gone. Customers looking for a new Mac mini from Apple must now pay at least $799 for the 512GB version.

Supply Constraints Confirmed by CEO Tim Cook

During Apple's earnings call this week, CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that both the Mac mini and Mac Studio are supply-constrained. He warned that achieving supply-demand balance could take “several months.”

Cook described the machines as “amazing platforms for AI and agentic tools,” citing unexpectedly high demand. “We’re seeing more orders than we can fulfill right now,” he said during the call.

Background: Global Memory Chip Shortage

The move comes amid a worldwide memory chip shortage driven by massive AI server buildouts. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that “RAM costs have spiked nearly 30% in Q1 alone,” forcing Apple to rethink its product tiers.

In March, Apple already discontinued the Mac Studio with 512GB of RAM. Cook confirmed the company is expecting “significantly higher memory costs” in the current quarter, making the 256GB Mac mini economically unviable.

The M4 Pro configurations of the Mac mini already started with 512GB of storage, so those models remain unchanged in price.

What This Means for Consumers

For budget-conscious buyers, the $200 price hike removes one of the most affordable entry points into Apple’s desktop lineup. However, the 512GB model offers double the storage for the same price as before.

Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon may still have limited stock of 256GB units, but once they’re gone, the only option will be the $799 model. Students and home office users will feel the pinch most.

This also signals Apple’s intent to position the Mac mini as a midrange AI workstation rather than a budget starter machine. The M4 chip’s neural engine benefits from larger storage for local AI models, but the price jump may push some buyers toward refurbished units or competing PCs.

We have reached out to Apple for additional comment and will update this story when more details emerge.