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Apple reportedly removed several high-memory Mac Studio and Mac mini options as AI demand and memory shortages strain desktop Mac supply.
Apple’s desktop Mac lineup is getting squeezed from the top down.
As demand for AI-ready computers continues to climb and memory supplies remain tight worldwide, the company has quietly removed several high-end RAM configurations from the Mac Studio and Mac mini. According to a MacRumors report, Apple has removed several larger memory options across both desktop systems.
The changes, which appeared on Apple’s online store this week, mean buyers now have fewer upgrade options, and in some cases, higher starting prices.
The biggest cut affects the M3 Ultra Mac Studio. Customers can no longer configure the machine with 256GB of unified memory. Instead, the model is now capped at 96GB. The M4 Max Mac Studio has also reportedly lost its 128GB memory option.
Meanwhile, the M4 Pro Mac mini no longer offers a 64GB RAM configuration. Buyers are now limited to 24GB or 48GB options. Apple has also removed the 32GB memory version of the standard M4 Mac mini, leaving only 16GB and 24GB variants available.
Even with fewer configurations on sale, wait times remain long for many systems.
Reports say some Mac Studio models are now showing delivery estimates of 9 to 10 weeks, while certain Mac mini configurations could take 10 to 12 weeks to arrive. The shortages are beginning to spread beyond desktop Macs as well. Higher-memory versions of Apple’s MacBook lineup are also reportedly seeing longer shipping delays.
The memory squeeze appears tied to the growing boom in AI computing.
Apple’s unified memory architecture has become increasingly popular among developers running local AI models and agentic AI software directly on Macs. That demand, combined with a wider global shortage of memory chips used in AI servers, has reportedly strained supply chains across the tech industry.
Earlier this year, Apple already started scaling back options. In March, the company removed the 512GB memory configuration for the Mac Studio. The company also recently dropped the 256GB storage version of the Mac mini, effectively raising the starting price from $599 to $799.
During Apple’s recent earnings call, Tim Cook acknowledged the growing supply challenges affecting the company’s desktop Macs.
“We think, looking forward, that the Mac mini and Mac Studio may take several months to reach supply-demand balance,” Cook said.
Cook also said Apple underestimated demand among users seeking machines capable of running AI tools locally. He added that rising memory prices are expected to continue affecting the company in the coming months.
Looking for more Apple hardware deals while Mac supply stays tight? Check out TechRepublic’s roundup of the best Apple deals available right now.
Aminu Abdullahi is a B2C and B2B technology and finance writer with more than six years of experience covering enterprise IT, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, fintech, business software, and emerging technologies. His work has appeared in publications including TechRepublic, eWEEK, Channel Insider, Geekflare, Enterprise Networking Planet, eSecurity Planet, CIO Insight, and Webopedia. With a technical background in computer science, he specializes in translating complex technology topics into clear, accessible content for business leaders and decision-makers.
