Apple Inc. is scaling back its desktop Mac offerings, removing multiple high-memory configurations as the global demand for AI servers consumes the world’s supply of memory chips. The move affects professionals and AI developers, a key source of demand that the company now admits it underestimated.
"We think, looking forward, that the Mac mini and Mac Studio may take several months to reach supply demand balance," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a recent statement, also noting the company expects "significantly higher memory costs" in the coming months.
The Cupertino-based technology giant has pulled several build-to-order options from its online store. The M3 Ultra Mac Studio, which previously supported up to 256GB of RAM, is now only available in a single 96GB configuration. For the Mac mini, the M4 Pro model now maxes out at 48GB of RAM, with the 64GB option removed, while the standard M4 version no longer offers a 32GB option. Delivery estimates for remaining Mac Studio models have stretched to as long as 10 weeks.
These constraints effectively limit options for power users and increase the cost of entry for others. The decision follows Apple's move last week to discontinue the base Mac mini with a 256GB solid-state drive, which raised the product's starting price by 33% from $599 to $799. For customers seeking the highest memory capacity in a Mac, the M5 Max MacBook Pro, configurable up to 128GB, now stands as the top option.
The configuration changes are the latest signal of a deepening supply chain crisis impacting consumer electronics. The boom in generative AI has led companies like Nvidia, a primary competitor in the AI chip space, and cloud service providers to place massive orders for high-bandwidth memory, straining the same supply lines used by device makers like Apple.
This is not Apple's first adjustment. The company began limiting orders for high-RAM Mac models in March and April. The 512GB memory option for the M3 Ultra Mac Studio was the first to be removed, followed by the 256GB version, leaving only the 96GB configuration today.
For consumers, the impact is twofold: reduced choice and higher costs. Users who require more than 48GB of RAM in a Mac mini or 96GB in a Mac Studio must now either purchase a more expensive MacBook Pro or delay their purchase, facing a market where supply is tight and prices are rising. Cook’s comments suggest the pressure is unlikely to ease in the short term, forcing potential buyers to adjust their purchasing plans for the foreseeable future.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
