Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Apple has permanently removed high-RAM configurations from Mac Studio and Mac mini models due to ongoing global memory shortages driven by AI server demand.
- Macworld confirmed the M3 Ultra Mac Studio is now limited to 96GB RAM instead of 256GB, while M4 Mac mini models lost their 32GB and 64GB options.
- These changes affect both U.S. and U.K. Apple stores, though Apple’s market position has helped it weather the memory crisis better than competitors.
The ongoing memory shortage means even companies as large and powerful as Apple need to adapt. High allocations of RAM are becoming more and more difficult to offer, and it’s been noticed that several more configurations of the Mac Studio and Mac mini have dropped off the store.
As spotted this week by MacRumors, it’s no longer possible to buy the M3 Ultra Mac Studio from the U.S. Apple webstore with 256GB of RAM; you now have to settle for 96GB. Similarly, the M4 Pro Mac mini has lost its top 64GB option, while the M4 Mac mini can be bought with 16GB or 24GB of RAM, but not 32GB. In each case, the higher-RAM option has been removed completely rather than showing as unavailable or out of stock.
Macworld has confirmed that these changes apply to Apple’s U.K. webstore as well.
Apple
Apple has been struggling to fulfil high-RAM orders before now. In March, most configurations were delayed by several weeks, and the company stopped accepting orders for some configurations. But at the time these showed up as “currently unavailable.” The situation now seems more permanent.
The memory shortage, caused by ballooning demand for AI server hardware, has made these tough times for manufacturers of consumer electronic devices. But Apple and its customers have suffered less than most. While Windows-based PC makers were forced to raise prices as they struggled to meet demand, Apple leveraged its greatest asset to stem the tide.
Thanks to its market dominance and preferential contracts with suppliers, it’s taken longer for Apple to be affected by the crisis than most rivals. And when things improve, the company will be among the first to benefit, as will its customers. But until then, you can expect these sorts of maneuvers to continue.
