The Mac Mini—one of the most popular Macs in Apple’s current line-up—is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, all thanks to the ongoing component shortage.
Wired reports that the popular Mac Mini is getting harder and harder to find, with waiting times increasing rapidly. In some cases, you may have to wait weeks or even months for an order placed directly with Apple. Some large online retailers such as Amazon still have stock available, but of course there’s no telling how long that will remain the case.
The cause is once again the severe shortage of essential computer components such as RAM, SSDs, and more. In Apple’s case, the problem is compounded by the fact that the Mac Mini happens to be particularly popular. The base model with ‘only’ 16 GB of RAM—macOS still runs perfectly well with 8 GB, as the Neo once again demonstrates—is currently the quickest to obtain. Even then, you’re looking at a wait of around three weeks. According to Wired, similar waiting times apply to the MacBook Air and the new Neo.
More RAM and Storage = Longer Wait
Waiting times increase considerably once you start ordering configurations with more memory. A Mini equipped with, for example, 36 GB of RAM and 12 GB has an estimated delivery time of around a month. Meanwhile, a more extensively configured Mac Studio with 48 GB of RAM may take approximately 13 to 14 weeks to arrive. And that’s the situation in the US.
On top of that, the Mac Mini is in principle due for an update this year, potentially to an M5 version—or perhaps even an M6. Apple may therefore be prioritising component procurement for those upcoming models, although only time will tell.
What is clear is that the component shortage is having increasingly serious consequences. As a result, buying a new computer or laptop right now may not be the smartest move. That is particularly inconvenient for owners of older Windows 10 PCs that are incompatible with Windows 11. The EU may possibly manage to squeeze another year of updates out of Microsoft, but eventually support for that operating system really will come to an end.
And keep in mind that we may not yet have reached the peak of the current crisis. Experts expect that point to arrive in 2027.
About the Mac Mini
We specifically mention the Mac Mini as an example because it is arguably Apple’s most practical desktop computer. One major advantage is that you can continue using existing peripherals such as your monitor, mouse, and possibly keyboard—although buying an Apple-compatible keyboard can be convenient, and there are plenty of affordable alternatives from other brands.
The system itself is extremely compact, yet performs significantly better than the vast majority of mid-range and high-end PCs. Opt for an M4 Pro as the base chip and the machine can easily outperform some of the most expensive PCs around.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and relatively low price, the Mini is also – we think – an excellent system for audio applications, whether you’re creating, editing, or simply listening to music. With virtually all the major software names available, macOS has for years been a popular choice among creative users working with both image and sound. Think of the complete Adobe suite, Microsoft Office, and plenty more besides.
Buy a New Computer or Wait?
At a time when people around the world are considering either switching to an alternative platform or buying yet another new Windows PC, the timing of the component shortage could hardly be worse for Apple. The only consolation is that its competitors are facing exactly the same problem.
Our advice: wait before buying a new PC if you can. Only if you really have no other option does buying right now make much sense. If you do decide to go ahead, check stock levels at major retailers and webshops and compare prices carefully.
And if you specifically want a Windows 11 system, make sure you buy something reasonably future-proof. Ideally, that means choosing a machine that already includes an NPU (AI accelerator), even though Microsoft does not yet require one across the board.
Behind the scenes, Microsoft has quietly been working on Windows 12 for several years. That operating system is expected to introduce another round of new hardware requirements—including, still according to expectations, an NPU.
I get asked often about the best computers to use for HiFi. Laptops have to pass FCC regulations that are a lot higher than desktops. Also the engineering going into laptops are usually much better because they are trying to eek out as much battery life as possible. The MacBook Air 13 has the lowest noise. Without the fan and the smaller screen makes it the top choice. If your streaming get a small dock with Ethernet as WIFI is never as good. At the bottom of the list are the desktops and Intel NUC are usually the worst I have tested. One of the reasons why using a good supply with a NUC makes everything better. Only one way to go and that’s up!