Official: Apple price hikes kick off with Mac Mini; is MacBook Neo next or can Tim Cook avoid a Windows-level crisis?

Hours after we talked about why Mac and MacBook price hikes are just a matter of time, Apple has now officially adjusted its Mac mini lineup, resulting in a significant $200 increase to the entry-level price point. 

By quietly removing the 256GB storage tier from its global configurator, Apple has effectively raised the barrier to entry for its smallest desktop. The M4 Mac mini now starts at $799, featuring the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a minimum of 512GB of storage.

Previously, users could enter the ecosystem for just $599. While the 512GB model itself hasn't seen a price increase, the elimination of the more affordable base model represents a "stealth" price hike. Apple did something similar with the launch of the M5 series MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. In other words, no big surprises here.

During a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook attributed supply constraints to "higher-than-expected demand," noting that both the Mac mini and Mac Studio are becoming preferred platforms for AI and agentic tools. However, industry analysts point toward a global memory chip shortage and rising component costs as the more likely catalysts for the price jump.

Mac mini prices in the US, UK, and Europe after Apple discontinues 256GB model: You have to pay at least $200 more to enter the Apple ecosystem now

Following the removal of the 256GB storage tier from the official Apple Store, here is how the entry-level pricing for the Mac mini has shifted across global markets.

Here are the price changes for the base model (M4, 16GB RAM) in the US, UK, and Germany:

• United States: From $599 to $799
• United Kingdom: From £599 to £799
• Germany: From €699 to €949

While the price of the 512GB configuration itself has remained stable, the discontinuation of the 256GB tier has effectively raised the "buy-in" cost by $200 / £200 / €230 for new customers.

Should you buy a MacBook Neo or a MacBook Air instead of a Mac mini now?

Given this new pricing structure, the value proposition of the Mac mini has shifted.

What’s interesting is that the super-popular MacBook Neo is now the cheapest way to buy into the Apple ecosystem. For now, the Neo still starts at $599 for the 256/8GB configuration, while the 512/8GB variant is $699 - still $100 less than the Mac Mini.

In fact, for some users, it may now be a wiser decision to spend $1,100 (or $300 more) to pick up a MacBook Air (512/16GB). Not only does the Air offer portability and a built-in display, but it has the M5 chip, providing a performance edge over the M4 found in the $799 Mac mini.

How is Apple going to handle future price hikes - is the MacBook Neo next; what about the upcoming M6 MacBook Pro and MacBook Ultra?

With the entry-level Mac mini now sitting at $799, all eyes are on the MacBook Neo - Apple's newly released answer to the budget Windows world. Launched in March 2026, the Neo has turned out to be more popular than Apple itself anticipated. However, could this and the ongoing memory crisis give Apple the "courage" the discontinue the 256GB variant?

Looking further ahead, the rumor mill is already buzzing about the M6 generation of Macs, expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. The next era of Apple Silicon is expected to power a massive MacBook Pro redesign, potentially introducing OLED displays, ultra-thin chassis, and even touchscreen support. 

While the M5 MacBook Air remains a strong value play right now, the M6 is to be positioned as the "biggest performance leap yet," moving to an advanced 2nm process that could redefine efficiency for pro-level workflows.

One thing is for sure - jut like Windows laptops (which also see massive price hikes), Macs aren't getting any cheaper.