Apple surprises again.

Supply shortages are forcing Apple to continue removing the 256GB RAM configuration from one of its high-end computer lines.

Mac Studio M3 Ultra. Photo: The Verge .

According to Basic Apple Guy , Apple has removed the 256GB RAM option for the Mac Studio M3 Ultra, the company's most powerful Mac Studio model currently available.

This move means the Mac Studio M3 Ultra now only comes with 96GB of RAM. Back in March, Apple also removed the 512GB option for the product.

This change applies globally. On Apple's online store in Vietnam, the Mac Studio M3 Ultra is now only available with 96 GB of RAM. Customization options for other components remain unchanged, including 28 or 32-core CPUs and SSDs ranging from 1 TB to 16 TB.

The Mac Studio M4 Max still supports RAM options from 36 GB to 96 GB. However, it is unclear whether this version will have some options cut in the future, similar to the M3 Ultra model.

During the earnings report held at the end of April, CEO Tim Cook mentioned the supply shortage for some Mac mini and Mac Studio models.

According to 9to5Mac , Cook cited customer interest in running AI agents, such as OpenClaw, as the reason for demand for the Mac mini and Mac Studio exceeding expectations.

"With the Mac mini and Mac Studio, both are excellent platforms for AI and agent tools. Users realized this faster than we anticipated, leading to higher-than-expected demand," Cook emphasized.

Apple's CEO explained that the company had underestimated the production volume needed, thus requiring significant time to meet demand. Combined with shortages of advanced chips and memory, supply of Mac mini and Mac Studio is likely to remain limited for the next few months.

Users now only have the option of 96GB of RAM when purchasing the Mac Studio M3 Ultra from Apple. Photo: Basic Apple Guy .

On May 3rd, Apple also removed the 256GB SSD option for the Mac mini M4 globally, leaving only 512GB and larger capacities. This means the starting price of the product is 30-40% higher depending on the market.

For example, in the US, the Mac mini currently starts at $799 for the configuration with an M4 chip, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. Previously, it was listed at $599 for the configuration with an M4 chip, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage.

The 512GB configuration has always been priced at $799 from the start. But customers in need couldn't afford a cheaper Mac mini at the $600 mark from Apple.

Not only desktop computers, Apple is also forecasting a supply shortage for the MacBook Neo. According to CEO Tim Cook, demand for this affordable laptop model is "outstanding," helping the company set a record for the number of new Mac users.

Source: https://znews.vn/apple-ngung-ban-mac-studio-m3-ultra-voi-ram-256-gb-post1649281.html