Apple Discontinues Entry-Level Mac Mini with 256GB Storage, Upscaling Base Model to 512GB

• May 2, 2026

Apple has quietly removed the entry-level Mac mini model featuring 256 gigabytes of internal storage from its product lineup, a move confirmed last week when the device disappeared from the Apple Store’s online catalog. Previously priced at $599, this basic configuration is no longer available for purchase on the company’s official website.

Base Storage Capacity Doubled, Price Increased

In place of the discontinued 256GB variant, Apple now lists the Mac mini with a minimum internal storage of 512GB. This updated base model carries a starting price of $799, reflecting both the increased storage and a price adjustment tied to the shift in product offerings. According to updated information on availability, the new version is currently in stock for immediate purchase.

While Apple has yet to provide an official statement regarding the discontinuation of the 256GB model, the transition signals the company’s ongoing strategy to offer enhanced baseline hardware configurations across its device lineup. This step also aligns with current consumer expectations for larger onboard storage capacities in desktop systems.

The removal of the $599 Mac mini option means prospective buyers will now enter the Mac mini ecosystem at a higher price point, with double the standard storage capacity compared to the previous base model. This may influence purchasing decisions for users prioritizing cost over storage volume or those considering alternative desktop solutions.

In general, the Mac mini continues to serve as Apple’s compact desktop solution, favored for its combination of performance and form factor. The update to its starting storage specification marks one of the more significant adjustments in recent product iterations, underscoring the brand’s focus on enhancing user experience through improved hardware standards.

Details about other potential configuration changes or future lineup expansions have not yet been released. Consumers interested in owning a Mac mini should review Apple’s official store listings to confirm the latest specifications and pricing before making purchasing decisions.

Apple has phased out the Mac mini with 256GB storage, now offering a base model with 512GB storage at a higher starting price.