Apple Discontinues Base Mac Mini To Raise Starting Price To $799

Apple has quietly updated its Mac Mini lineup by discontinuing the entry-level M4 model with 256GB of storage. This change effectively raises the barrier to entry for the compact desktop, as the starting configuration now features 512GB of storage. As a result, the base price for the device has jumped from $599 to $799.

This shift marks a significant departure for the Mac Mini, which has long been positioned as Apple’s most affordable gateway into the macOS ecosystem. While the doubling of storage offers more utility for power users, fiscal-minded consumers and educational institutions may find the $200 price hike a significant deterrent for a machine often used for basic tasks.

The move suggests Apple is streamlining its inventory to focus on higher-capacity hardware as file sizes and software demands grow. It also aligns the Mini more closely with the pricing of the MacBook Air, narrowing the gap between Apple's desktop and laptop offerings.

Tech enthusiasts should watch whether this pricing strategy extends to other entry-level Mac products in future refreshes. As the company leans into its professional-grade silicon, the era of the sub-$600 Mac may be coming to a close. This development was first reported by The Verge.