Apple Ditches Cheapest Mac Mini, Pushing Entry Price to $799 Amid AI

Apple has seemingly discontinued its most affordable **Mac mini** model, previously priced at **$599**. The change, first reported by **MacRumors**, means the entry-level desktop now starts at **$799** with 512GB of storage. This move is widely attributed to surging demand from the **AI community**, which has embraced the Mac mini for running local large language models and AI agents. **CEO Tim Cook** himself noted that demand for the Mac mini and Mac Studio, particularly for AI applications, has outpaced Apple's predictions, leading to supply-demand imbalances.

• Apple has removed its cheapest $599 Mac mini from sale.
• The entry-level Mac mini now starts at $799 with 512GB of storage.
• Increased demand for AI applications is cited as a primary reason for the change.
• CEO Tim Cook acknowledged higher-than-expected demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio due to AI.
• This move reduces Apple's most affordable desktop option.

Apple has removed the **$599 Mac mini** configuration from its online store, with the lowest available model now costing **$799** and featuring 512GB of storage. This change aligns with **CEO Tim Cook's** recent statements about higher-than-anticipated demand for the **Mac mini** and **Mac Studio** driven by AI applications. The company has not yet officially confirmed the discontinuation, but the store page reflects a clear upward shift in the entry-level price point and specifications.

This strategic shift positions the **Mac mini** as a more powerful, AI-focused workstation, catering to a growing and lucrative market. By focusing on higher-spec configurations, Apple can better meet the demands of **AI developers** and enthusiasts, potentially driving innovation and adoption of its silicon for advanced computing tasks. The increased starting price reflects the enhanced capabilities and the premium value offered for **AI-centric workloads**.

The discontinuation of the **$599 Mac mini** effectively prices out a significant segment of users, particularly students, budget-conscious creators, and those who previously relied on it for general computing or less intensive AI tasks. This move, coupled with a similar storage bump and price increase for the **MacBook Air**, suggests a broader trend of rising costs for Apple's entry-level machines, potentially alienating a portion of its user base and making its ecosystem less accessible. The lack of an affordable alternative leaves a void for budget-friendly Apple desktops.

Originally reported by Engadget