Several high-end RAM configurations for Apple's M4 Mac Mini and Mac Studio are listed as currently unavailable on the company's online store, with the base M4 Mac Mini now out of stock. Available options face shipping delays of up to 18 weeks. Experts point to a global RAM shortage driven by AI demand as a likely cause.
Apple's online store shows multiple high-end configurations of the M4 Mac Mini and Mac Studio as 'currently unavailable,' including 32GB and 64GB RAM options for the Mac Mini and 128GB and 256GB options for the Mac Studio. The base $599 M4 Mac Mini is also out of stock. Remaining configurations carry shipping estimates of up to 18 weeks, according to the listings last week and updated now. Affected setups coincide with reports of a global RAM shortage, fueled by surging demand for generative AI tools, expected to last until at least 2030. More than 70% of global RAM supply goes to AI-compute giants, leading to widespread stocking issues and rising prices in phones and laptops. CNET computing expert Matt Elliott suggested high demand may have depleted supplies faster than anticipated. 'Apple usually removes a product in the lead-up to its replacement, but this move generally happens closer to launch than two months out,' Elliott said. He speculated that a Mac Mini and Mac Studio refresh with M5 chips could come in early June ahead of WWDC 2026, though the M5 was announced in fall 2025 and recently updated MacBook Pro and Air models. Veteran CNET reviewer Lori Grunin linked the issues to Apple's leadership transition, with CEO Tim Cook set to be replaced later this year by hardware chief John Ternus. She noted potential adjustments for uncertain memory supplies, faster SSDs, or shifting focus to AI development systems. 'Both systems (the Mac Studio, especially) have traditionally been targeted at creatives, but now they probably will serve as Apple's flagship AI development systems,' Grunin said. Mac Minis have gained popularity among developers running AI platforms like OpenClaw locally. There is precedent, as Apple recently removed the 512GB RAM option for Mac Studio and raised the 256GB price by 25%, according to The Next Web. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
