Apple's Mac Mini and Mac Studio Face Extended Shipping Delays Amid Global RAM Shortage
Apple's Mac Mini and Mac Studio models are experiencing significant shipping delays due to a global memory chip shortage, with some configurations facing up to 4-5 months wait time.
Apple's U.S. online store is currently listing extended delivery times for various Mac Mini and Mac Studio configurations, particularly those with upgraded RAM. For instance, a Mac Mini equipped with an M4 Pro chip and 64GB of RAM now has an estimated shipping window of 16 to 18 weeks. Even the base model Mac Mini with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM is facing a one-month delay. Similarly, a Mac Studio featuring an M3 Ultra chip and 256GB of RAM is projected to ship in 4 to 5 months, with in-store availability not expected until September.
These delays coincide with a global shortage of memory chips, driven by increased demand from companies developing AI servers that require substantial amounts of RAM. In response to the supply constraints, Apple has removed the 512GB RAM upgrade option for the Mac Studio and increased the price of the 256GB RAM upgrade from $1,600 to $2,000. Shipping estimates for the 256GB configuration now extend into May.
While memory chip prices have begun to stabilize or slightly decrease, they remain above historical averages. Consequently, shipping estimates for high-end Mac Mini and Mac Studio models may not see significant improvement in the near future.
