Apple just quietly closed the door on the era of the budget Mac. The $599 entry-level Mac Mini with 256GB of storage has vanished from the official store, leaving the $799 model with 512GB as the new baseline for macOS desktop fans. While double the storage sounds nice, the $200 jump is a tough pill for those seeking an affordable entry point.

Tim Cook points to unexpectedly strong demand and global memory shortages as the culprits, noting that these compact powerhouses have become favorites for running local AI tools. With memory costs rising and AI tasks demanding more resources, Apple seems to be nudging everyone toward higher-spec machines to ensure a smooth experience with upcoming macOS features like macOS Sequoia. If you are hunting for that $599 bargain, you will have to scour third-party retailers or the refurbished section before they are gone for good. It is a classic Apple move: moving the goalposts just as the AI race heats up.