Overpriced Mac mini units are flooding eBay as shortages persist for the sold-out machines, which have become a go-to tool for running on-device AI models like OpenClaw. Recent reports this week revealed that the $599 M4 Mac mini base model—featuring 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage—is completely unavailable on Apple's retail website, with no options for delivery or in-store pickup. These shortages have now spread to other configurations of the base model, regardless of the memory choice selected. Some outlets noted this marks the first time the base model has been sold out. Meanwhile, models with higher storage capacities (512GB and up) are only available for shipping starting in June. As a result, eBay has emerged as a secondary marketplace for these highly sought-after computers. On the platform, various configurations of the M4 Mac mini are listed at prices higher than Apple's direct pricing—which is no longer an option for purchase.

Apple's energy-efficient Mac minis have gained popularity as devices for testing and running at-home, on-device AI models, beginning with the OpenClaw trend but now extending to alternatives like ZeroClaw, other AI tools from Anthropic and OpenAI, Perplexity Computer, or specialized local models. Unlike some PCs, Mac minis operate quietly and tend to be more reliable for 24/7 use compared to laptop computers. The shortage of these devices coincides with an industry-wide memory crunch and plans for a Mac mini refresh, according to Bloomberg. However, previous product line refreshes haven't caused shortages before. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This perfect storm of supply chain strain and rising demand for AI-friendly machines has inflated prices for used consumer electronics.

As of Friday morning, M4 base models with the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD configuration were selling at markups ranging from $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 listed around $700—more than $100 above the price of a new base model.

There was also a single listing for a $925 brand-new M4 Mac mini with the same 16GB RAM and 256GB storage; the listing warned in bright red text: "Last one."

While you might still find a reasonably priced refurbished unit if you keep a close watch—or win an eBay auction where the starting bid is low—it appears that demand for the device will keep prices elevated until Apple's supply chain recovers. Now that the Mac mini is unavailable, Apple has seen increased demand for the Mac Studio as well, which is also sold out across several configurations. As Ars Technica pointed out, you can still get a MacBook Pro with 128GB RAM and larger SSDs within a few weeks, and even the new, popular MacBook Neo is still shipping in 2-3 weeks. This suggests the real bottleneck is consumer demand specifically for the Mac mini itself.