Apple has quietly discontinued its $599 Mac Mini with 256GB of storage, effectively raising the starting price of the lineup to $799. The move, spotted by MacRumors on Tuesday, comes just one day after CEO Tim Cook warned investors that a chip shortage would constrain Mac supply in the coming months.
Consumers looking for a budget-friendly Mac desktop now face a $200 price hike. The base model was a popular entry point for users wanting macOS on a small footprint. Apple's online store no longer lists the $599 configuration, leaving the $799 version as the cheapest option.
Background
During Monday's earnings call, Cook said, "If you look forward to June, the majority of our supply constraints will be on several Mac models." He specifically flagged the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, noting they "may take several months to reach supply-demand balance."
Cook added that both devices experienced "higher-than-expected demand" during the quarter. The chip shortage, ongoing since 2020, has already affected production of Apple's M1 and M2 chips used in Macs. Apple reported overall revenue growth but warned of lingering supply issues.
The Mac Mini, first introduced in 2005, has undergone several revisions. The $599 model featured the M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The $799 version doubles the storage to 512GB and adds a faster chip variation. Some analysts believe the discontinuation could signal a forthcoming update to the Mac Mini line.
What This Means
For consumers, the price jump reduces accessibility to Apple's ecosystem. The $599 Mac Mini was often recommended for students, budget-conscious creators, and home users. Now, the cheapest option costs $200 more, pushing it closer to iMac pricing.
Supply-chain experts say the move indicates Apple is prioritizing higher-margin configurations during component shortages. "By culling the entry-level SKU, Apple can allocate scarce chips to more profitable models," said Lily Chen, an analyst at TechInsights. She added that similar strategies emerged during the 2021 automotive chip crisis.
Small businesses relying on low-cost Macs may need to adjust budgets. The $200 increase could delay upgrades for schools and nonprofits using Mac Minis. Meanwhile, the Mac Pro and MacBook Air have also seen supply constraints, though Apple has not raised their prices.
Tim Cook's comments suggest the Mac Mini and Mac Studio will remain difficult to buy for months. "We think looking forward that the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio may take several months to reach supply-demand balance," he said. That balance may tip only when new chip allocations arrive in late 2025.
For now, the $799 Mac Mini is the only game in town. Apple has not announced a replacement for the discontinued model. Read more about the chip shortage background and its impact on Apple's product lineup.