Mac minis flood eBay at inflated prices amid AI-driven shortage

Amid shortages of the sold-out M4 Mac mini, overpriced listings are flooding eBay. These compact machines have become a go-to choice for running on-device AI models such as OpenClaw.

Reports this week indicate that the $599 M4 Mac mini base model, equipped with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, is sold out on Apple’s retail website with no delivery or in-store pickup options available. The shortages have now extended to other base model configurations regardless of memory selected. Some outlets note this marks the first time the base model has been completely sold out. Meanwhile, models with higher storage (512GB and up) are only available for shipping starting in June.

As a result, eBay has become a secondary market for these in-demand computers. Various M4 Mac mini configurations are listed at higher prices than buying directly from Apple, which is no longer an option.

Apple’s power-efficient Mac minis have grown popular for testing and running at-home on-device AI models, starting with the OpenClaw craze and now expanding to alternatives like ZeroClaw, tools from Anthropic and OpenAI, Perplexity Computer, and other specialized local models. Unlike some PCs, Mac minis run quietly and tend to be more reliable for 24/7 use compared with laptops.

The shortage coincides with an industry-wide memory crunch and plans for a Mac mini refresh, according to Bloomberg. However, product line refreshes haven’t caused such shortages before.

Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment.

This perfect storm of supply chain stress and increased demand for AI-friendly machines has driven up prices for used consumer electronics.

As of Friday morning, M4 base models with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD were selling at markups of $715 to $795 for a new, open-box model, and as high as $979 for an excellent refurbished version. Some lightly used, pre-owned Mac minis with this configuration were selling for around $700 — more than $100 above the price of a new base model.

Image Credits:eBay (screenshot)

A single listing offered a brand-new M4 Mac mini with the same 16GB RAM and 256GB storage for $925, with a warning in bright red text: “Last one.”

Image Credits:eBay (screenshot)

While you might still find a reasonably priced refurbished unit by watching closely or winning an eBay auction with a low starting bid, demand for the device will likely keep prices elevated until Apple’s supply chain is refreshed.

With the Mac mini unavailable, Apple has seen rising demand for the Mac Studio as well. That computer is also now sold out in several configurations.

As Ars Technica notes, you can still order a MacBook Pro with 128GB RAM and larger SSDs within a few weeks, and the new popular MacBook Neo ships within two to three weeks. This suggests the real issue is consumer demand for the Mac mini itself.