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April 24, 2026 • Sarah Perez

Mac Mini Shortage Fuels eBay Price Hikes Due to AI Demand

Mac Mini Shortage Fuels eBay Price Hikes Due to AI Demand Mac Mini Shortage Fuels eBay Price Hikes Due to AI Demand Mac Mini Shortage Fuels eBay Price Hikes Due to AI Demand

Marked-up Mac minis Flood eBay Amid Shortages Driven by AI

Apple's M4 Mac mini, particularly the base model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, has become a highly sought-after device, leading to widespread sell-outs on Apple's official website. This shortage has driven prices up significantly on secondary markets like eBay, with some units fetching prices well over their original retail value.

The AI Demand Driver

The surge in demand is largely attributed to the Mac mini's increasing popularity for running on-device AI models. Tools like OpenClaw, ZeroClaw, and other AI applications from companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Perplexity are being tested and utilized on these compact desktops. The Mac mini's quiet operation and reliability for continuous use make it an attractive alternative to laptops for these AI tasks.

Market Impact

  • Sold Out Status: The $599 M4 Mac mini base model is completely sold out, with no delivery or in-store pickup options available. Other configurations are also experiencing extended shipping times.
  • eBay Markups: On eBay, the M4 Mac mini is being listed at inflated prices. New, "open box" models are selling for $715-$795, while "excellent" refurbished versions can reach $979. Even "lightly used" models are going for around $700, a substantial increase over the original retail price.
  • Increased Demand for Mac Studio: The shortage of Mac minis has also led to increased demand for the more powerful Mac Studio, which is also experiencing stock issues and long delivery times for several configurations.

Contributing Factors

  • AI Workload: The primary driver is the growing use of Mac minis for local AI model execution.
  • Industry-Wide Memory Crunch: A broader shortage in the memory market is also contributing to supply chain pressures.
  • Potential Product Refresh: While not confirmed as the sole cause, upcoming product refreshes could also be a factor.

This situation highlights a growing trend of specialized hardware demand driven by the rapid advancement and adoption of AI technologies, pushing even consumer-grade devices into a secondary market with inflated pricing due to scarcity.