Apple culls Mac mini, Mac Studio configs as RAM costs grow

Apple has pulled even more higher-end configurations of its Mac Studio and Mac mini, removing some of the most expensive memory options as the entire industry deals with the RAM crisis.

The ongoing memory supply problem has claimed another victim from Apple’s roster. After the removal of the 512GB RAM option for the Mac Studio in March, Apple has slimmed down its product options a bit more, as component costs bite.

This time, it’s not just the Mac Studio that’s being hit. The Mac mini is also affected by the memory downgrade.

Prospective buyers of the M3 Ultra version of Mac Studio previously could buy the model with either 96GB or 256GB memory. However, as spotted by @BasicAppleGuy on X, potential shoppers selecting the model will no longer see the 256GB option, only the 96GB.

During April, it was found that the M3 Ultra Mac Studio with 256GB was “unavailable,” while the 96GB version had a lengthy lead time. There was also a similar issue for the M4 Max version, which listed the 128GB capacity as unavailable.

Checks reveal that the 128GB option is also not listed at all for the M4 Max Mac Studio either.

At the same time, anyone looking at the Mac mini with one of the M4 Pro chips will see slim pickings when it comes to memory. Previously, it had an option for 64GB of unified memory, but that too has disappeared, leaving 24GB and 48GB options.

This is the second configuration change for the Mac mini in May alone. Earlier in the month, it removed the option for the $599 256GB capacity M4 model.

Instead, consumers wanting the cheapest desktop Mac model will have to pay at least $799 for the M4 Mac mini with 16GB of memory and an increased 512GB of storage.

RAM bites

While Apple has so far insulated itself from the memory problems affecting the rest of the industry, it wasn’t going to be that way forever.

During the Q2 results call, current-CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the memory pricing problem is affecting Apple’s bottom line. While it didn’t affect the December nor March quarters due to carry-in inventory offsetting the issue, Cook said there would be a significant effect felt in June.

Into future quarters, Cook warned that there will be a further increase in impact, but added that Apple had a range of options available.

Evidently, those options include lopping higher-priced configurations off the deck.