Apple clear-cutting: More Mac Minis & Mac Studios removed from the store

Apple is canceling further configurations of its desktop computers. Due to the ongoing shortage of components due to the global AI boom, additional storage options are no longer available for the Mac Studio and Mac Mini. Buyers also have to be prepared for long waiting times.

Clear-cutting of Apple’s desktop computers

After Apple had already canceled the entry-level model of the Mac Mini, the clear-cutting of the configurations is now continuing. In addition to other versions of the smallest Mac, the Mac Studio is now also affected. Global memory supply bottlenecks are forcing the manufacturer to drastically reduce the maximum memory configurations. The Mac Studio with M3 Ultra chip has the option for 256 gigabytes of RAM completely gone. Customers can only order the device with 96 gigabytes. The previously offered 128 gigabyte variant is also missing from the model with M4 Max processor. A maximum of 96 GB of RAM is also possible here. On the Mac Mini with M4 Pro chip, the 64 gigabyte option disappears, meaning a maximum of 48 gigabytes can be selected.

As Apple announced in its latest quarterly figures, it will take several months until supply and demand are back in balance. Company boss Tim Cook explained the bottleneck with increased component costs and high demand for local computers for applications with artificial intelligence.

Major delivery bottleneck

The reason for the shortage of models is the special architecture of Apple processors. The so-called unified memory, i.e. the shared memory for the processor and graphics unit, is suitable for running local language models and software such as OpenClaw. Developers have therefore been buying up the compact computers en masse in recent months. Due to the elimination of the 256 gigabyte SSD, the starting price of the Mac Mini rose from 699 euros to 949 euros.

The current strategy has advantages and disadvantages for end users. On the one hand, by reducing the variety, the group ensures basic delivery capability of the standard models. On the other hand, professional users have to accept restrictions on the upper performance limit. The shortages are also spreading to other product lines. Laptops such as the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with large RAM are now also recording extended delivery times of several weeks. Removing storage options limits choice for buyers.