High-end customization options for the M4 Mac Mini and Mac Studio are currently unavailable on Apple’s online store. Specifically, multiple RAM-intensive configurations are listed as “currently unavailable.” The affected models include the 32GB and 64GB RAM options for the Mac Mini, as well as the 128GB and 256GB options for the Mac Studio. Furthermore, available configurations for these computers are experiencing significant shipping delays, with Apple’s official listings citing periods of up to 18 weeks.
Industry experts warn that this issue extends beyond Apple. A global RAM shortage is predicted to persist until at least 2030, driven by the surge in demand for generative AI tools. Over 70% of the global RAM supply is earmarked for use by corporate AI-compute giants, contributing to stocking issues across the computing industry and contributing to rising prices for phones and laptops.
While storefront unavailability can sometimes precede a major announcement, sources suggest the situation might be linked to the global supply crisis. The M5 processor was first announced in fall 2025, marking a leap in AI performance. However, the Mac Mini and Mac Studio currently utilize the M4 processor, while the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air received the M5 chip refresh recently.
According to CNET computing expert Matt Elliott, there may be truth to both supply constraints and upcoming updates. Elliott posits that Apple might have withdrawn the high-memory configurations while preparing potential updates. He suggested that a M5 chip refresh for the Mac Mini and Mac Studio could be announced in early June, preceding the start of WWDC 2026. Elliott noted that Apple typically removes a product in the lead-up to replacement, although he cautioned that this usually happens closer to the launch than two months out.
It was suggested that the high demand for higher-end configurations may have caused supplies to drop below Apple’s anticipation, leading to an acceleration of these configuration removals ahead of potential M5 updates. The complete removal of these configurations, while surprising, follows a pattern, as Apple has previously adjusted the pricing and availability of M4 Mac products. For instance, Apple recently removed the 512GB RAM configuration for the Mac Studio and simultaneously increased the price of the 256GB RAM option by 25%.
A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the situation.