"New Mac Mini" is a 2024 model not 2026

I ordered a New Mac Mini in June 2026 and picked it up today July 20th, 2026. There was a recent price increase from $599 to $799 on the Mac Mini. I thought it was because of the New M4 chip. To my surprise after migrating from my old Mac Mini I notice this "New Mac Mini" is a 2024 model not 2026.


[Edited by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 26.5

Posted on Jul 20, 2026 5:49 PM

Reply
7 replies

Jul 21, 2026 10:33 AM in response to jtortomasi

Nothing new, How about some data?


— The Macbook Pro non-Retina 13-inch was so popular that it remained in production unchanged from its introduction in June 2012 thought its discontinuance in October 2016. Doing "About this Mac..." always showed "Mid-2012" regardless of when it was actually built. My 2012 Macbook Pro 13" was made in April 2013.


— For a while, iMacs were on a two-year cycle. 2015; 2017; 2019. My 2017 iMac was made in October 2018.


— The last Intel-powered Mini, the Mini 2018, was in production unchanged from Oct 2018 though January 2023. The previous model was in the line four years as well, 2014-2018.


As Kurt says, we aren't talking cars here.


Data source: MacTracker database, free in the Mac App Stores. It would have helped you research this.

Jul 21, 2026 10:49 AM in response to jtortomasi

"New Mac Mini" is a 2024 model not 2026

I ordered a New Mac Mini in June 2026 and picked it up today July 20th, 2026. There was a recent price increase from $599 to $799 on the Mac Mini. I thought it was because of the New M4 chip. To my surprise after migrating from my old Mac Mini I notice this "New Mac Mini" is a 2024 model not 2026.

———-


Mac Model and Year Discrepancy:

How are you determine this, BTW? So, who’s the seller? Of not Apple nor an AASP(Apple Authorizes Service Provider), I’d be speculative if is was described to you correctly. No everyone types the correct numbers on ebay or Craigslist(though they ought to).


See what is Provided on Apple’s Domain:


Obtain the Serial Number:

Go Here: Find your Mac Model Name and Serial Number – Apple Support


Then,…


Enter it here: View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty - Apple Support



Jul 20, 2026 5:58 PM in response to jtortomasi

These aren't cars. This is also nothing new.


When Apple announces a new, upgraded model, then it will actually be different. Until then, they keep making the same model as when it was first released.


The only thing that really changes is an M4 mini built in 2026 will only let you install Tahoe or later. An older one will let you install an older version of macOS. Basically, the only thing that changes is the firmware, which limits how old of an OS you can install.

Jul 21, 2026 2:25 AM in response to jtortomasi

jtortomasi wrote:
I feel this is misleading that you are selling an old model at full price.

it's not any of us


these forums are user helping other users like yourself, it's sort of going to a physical apple store and asking other customers their advice


This is a user helping users with tech questions forum, we are not apple and apple do not

read your posts here


You can provide them with feedback using

Product Feedback - Apple


Or reach out to their official support channels

Get Support (apple.com)

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

Or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple



Jul 21, 2026 11:44 PM in response to jtortomasi

Apple now uses M5-series chips in all of their notebooks except for the MacBook Neo. Mac minis are still using M4 and M4 Pro chips, while Mac Studios are still using M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.


The prices of Mac minis did indeed go up, but not because a new model came out.

PBS News (June 26, 2026) – Apple increases prices for Macs and iPads, blaming memory chip shortage fueled by AI


Originally, the price for a M4 Mac mini with 256 GB of storage was $599. Then Apple got rid of the 256 GB model - so the cheapest model was $799, but it had 512 GB of storage, so the price for that configuration hadn't increased. Now the price is $799 but you are getting the same amount of storage as on the old $599 model.


I believe also that some configuration options have disappeared. For instance, Apple no longer offers the option to get 32 GB of RAM on a Mac mini with a plain M4 chip, or 64 GB of RAM on a Mac mini with a M4 Pro chip.

"New Mac Mini" is a 2024 model not 2026

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