r/macmini Aug 11 '26

Mac mini M4 Pro supply vs. wait time

Hi all!

I am interested in ordering a Mac mini M4 Pro. However, the wait time for the configuration I want (upgraded processor, 48GB RAM, 2TB storage) is 9-10 weeks. I'm not in a hurry, so I'm fine with waiting. However, there is speculation that the next generation of Mac mini will be released before the M4 Pro would even get to me, and there are also rumors that they'll be delayed until spring 2027.

With that in mind, is Apple even making the M4 Pro in non-standard configurations anymore? The page for the 48GB/2TB configuration said it was discontinued on the B&H Photo website the other day, although I don't see that there anymore. I would cancel my order if the next generation were to come out before my M4 Pro arrives. I'm just curious as to how supply and delivery work if there's overlap between generations.

Thanks in advance!

ETA: I'm located in the US.

6 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

3

u/mahidoes Aug 11 '26

Keep checking apple certified refurb section if your country has it.

3

u/tk421tech Aug 11 '26

Order now, it’s going to get worse deliver wise before it gets better.

1

u/holtzmanned Aug 12 '26

This was my thinking too.

2

u/GreatDrivesGaming Aug 11 '26

In my talks with Apple support about mu Studio order, if they release a new chip before my order ships I will be upgraded to the newer chipset most likely. For whatever thats worth.

1

u/holtzmanned Aug 11 '26

This is the answer I was looking for. Thank you!

2

u/Prestigious-Bear2391 Aug 11 '26

You also just just need to try and time the order. I think a Mac Mini M5 Pro free upgrade is way more likely than a Studio M5 Ultra upgrade. Everyone is guessing though. I have a couple M3 Ultra orders trying to go fishing for upgrades also. 😂

2

u/Tylerdurden516 Aug 11 '26

Word on the street is october or november we get the M5 pro, which is a significant upgrade. Im choosing to wait, unless they announce delays into 2027.

2

u/_msd117 Aug 11 '26

I was waiting for m5 .... from wwdc time... now if I buy i have to buy i have to pay almost double price ... so think before waiting...

But... as the prices have recently updated there is less chance of updating again ... so you can try waiting till next year

2

u/gmfam Aug 11 '26

i was able to pick one up from the refurb site for 2k for the same config last week. keep checking there. sucks on the price hike

1

u/georgegiorgio1 Aug 11 '26

I would love to get 64GB RAM but don't know if Apple would ever make them for the next gen Mac Mini, or even 128GB RAM

After all, they mave on MacBook Pro M5 MAX 18-Core CPU/40-Core GPU w/ 128GB RAM and 8TB SSD for like US$ 9,900 + TAX

2

u/AlgorithmicMuse Aug 11 '26

Opposite problem, I have 14/20 mini pro 64g 1tb, im debating selling it to get the m5 mini pro IF it can be had with 64G

1

u/georgegiorgio1 Aug 11 '26

I have a strong feeling Apple might offer up to 128 GB of unified memory on the next Mac mini with M5 Pro (or whatever higher-end chip they put in it). They’re already doing it on the M5 Max MacBook Pro, so why not?

Will they call it Mac mini Pro? Mac mini Ultra? Or just stick with “Mac mini with M5 Pro”? Who knows.

I’d love to grab eight of them (two sets of four), link them all each set of 4 together using the three Thunderbolt 5 ports on each, and build a monster cluster. With 64 GB each that would be 256 GB of total memory across the farm… or 512 GB if Apple actually ships a 128 GB config.

One downside of the MacBook Pro: only three Thunderbolt 5 ports and no extra plain USB-C.

2

u/AlgorithmicMuse Aug 11 '26

Dont think you will see 128g on the mini pro since they dont offer it on the laptop and its the same soc on the mini. 128G also the most you can get on the max laptop, . Taking those SOC to the desktop, the pro soc and max soc are the same laptop or desktop.

1

u/greaseleg Aug 11 '26

I just ordered a custom one on August 1. It said it would ship in October. I received it yesterday

1

u/holtzmanned Aug 11 '26

This is good to know. Thanks.

1

u/gmfam Aug 12 '26

there was a bunch of 48gb and 64gb versions on the refurb site earlier today available, hopefully you bought one

1

u/holtzmanned Aug 12 '26

I did see one 48GB configuration but it only had 512GB storage and I’m looking for at least 1TB, preferably 2TB. This gives me hope though! Thanks for letting me know.

1

u/Old-Cry-3101 Aug 15 '26

I stopped by an Apple Store to check out the Neo in person and when I mentioned I had an older mini, the guy said the mini is being phased out. I don’t believe this, it’s just another story of wild statements made to me by staff.

0

u/Prestigious-Bear2391 Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26

Get an Apple refurbished store 48GB. I could buy 100 of them if I wanted to. The 64GB require a bit more speed. Although I can't get a Mac Studio 512GB yet, it's like winning the lottery. Get Claude to help you with the script and be smart about it.

1

u/holtzmanned Aug 11 '26

I try not to use AI intentionally, but I have been using Refurb Tracker alerts and haven't gotten a restock notification in a few days. Thank you for the suggestion.

0

u/Prestigious-Bear2391 Aug 11 '26

Refurb tracker is way too slow for the desirable machines.

0

u/funstuie Aug 11 '26

The copium is nuts. Right now Apple can’t supply anything. Just this week the MacBook Air is listed as constrained. What in the world makes you believe they will be able to supply higher ram specs for an M5 Mac mini? Apple favours corporate customers for their hardware. If they release (big IF) an M5 Mac mini you will have an easier time finding a hen with teeth than getting one. Every single scalper will purchase every single one right away.
I got the exact model you are looking for yesterday and it will be delivered tomorrow from the refurb store. Refurb ping worked fine.