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The Mac Mini has unexpectedly become popular due to the increased demand for AI-powered devices. Photo: Endgadget . |
The Mac Mini and Mac Studio with high RAM configurations are currently unavailable for order on Apple.com in the US. The Mac Mini M4 with 32GB of RAM and the M4 Pro models with 64GB of RAM both show "not available". Other configurations have a delivery time of 4-12 weeks. The Mac Studio, priced from $3,499, is also in the same situation.
Last month, Apple also removed the option to upgrade the Mac Studio to 512 GB of RAM, which had been advertised as "the largest amount of RAM ever on a personal computer."
This scarcity comes at a time when these models are most sought after by AI professionals. Over the past six months, the Mac Mini has become a popular choice for running local AI agents like OpenClaw. Professional users run large language models directly on the device, avoiding cloud provider limitations. The Mac Mini, lacking a screen and containing only computer components and ports, is a cost-effective solution compared to cloud computing.
According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners , the Mac Mini previously accounted for only about 3% of Apple's Mac sales in the US. The shift toward locally powered AI devices has completely changed that picture.
Analysts are currently putting forward three hypotheses. The first is that demand simply exceeds supply.
"Apple was surprised by the number of people buying the Mini solely to use OpenClaw, something that was unforeseen just a few months ago," said Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of IDC.
Secondly, Apple may be preparing to refresh its product line. The current Mac Mini uses the M4 chip, which is expected to launch in October 2024. The M5 chip is already present in the MacBook line but has not yet appeared in the desktop Macs. Kieren Jessop, principal analyst at Omdia, notes that "out of stock" situations before a new product cycle often affect product generations, not just high-RAM models like the current one.
Ultimately, the global memory chip crisis is impacting every sector. The demand for RAM from AI data centers is affecting the entire industry's supply chain. However, analysts believe this is the least likely cause for Apple.
Apple integrates RAM directly into the chip and does not purchase it from the same suppliers as its AI customers.
"If Apple can't get the memory, then nobody else can," Jeronimo stated. Jessop also suggested that if Apple lacks the chips, the disruption would be far more widespread across the entire Mac product line.
In reality, the MacBook Pro with 128GB of RAM was still able to ship in early May, while most other Mac models shipped within days of ordering. The shortage was concentrated only on the two most popular desktop models for AI users.
Source: https://znews.vn/ly-do-mac-mini-bien-mat-khoi-apple-store-post1644734.html
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