Expensive Mac minis are saturating eBay due to shortages of the out-of-stock devices, which have gained popularity as tools for executing on-device AI models like OpenClaw.

This week, reports surfaced indicating that the $599 M4 Mac mini entry-level model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is currently unavailable on Apple’s retail site, with no delivery or in-store pickup options. The shortages have now extended to other variations of the entry model, irrespective of the memory size chosen. Some sources noted this is the first instance of the base model being sold out. In the meantime, models with greater storage (512GB and above) are only slated to ship starting June.

Consequently, eBay has emerged as a secondary marketplace for these sought-after computers. On the platform, various configurations of the M4 Mac mini are listed at inflated prices compared to purchasing directly from Apple, which is no longer an option.

Apple’s energy-efficient Mac minis have become favored devices for experimenting and operating at-home, on-device AI models, starting with the OpenClaw trend but now branching out to alternatives like ZeroClaw, and other AI solutions from Anthropic and OpenAI, Perplexity Computer, or other unique local models. Unlike some PCs, Mac minis also operate quietly and generally offer better reliability for continuous use, compared to laptop computers.

The scarcity of these devices coincides with an industry-wide memory shortage and anticipated updates for the Mac mini, as reported by Bloomberg. However, previous product line refreshes haven’t usually resulted in shortages.

Apple did not respond immediately to a request for comments.

This combination of supply chain strain and rising demand for AI-compatible machines has driven up the prices of pre-owned consumer electronics.

As of Friday morning, M4 base models with the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD setup were being sold at markups ranging from $715-$795 for a new, “open box” unit, and as much as $979 for an “excellent” refurbished model. Some “lightly used, pre-owned” Mac minis with this configuration were priced around $700 — over $100 more than the cost 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 advertisement cautioned in bright red text: “Last one.”

While it’s still possible to find a reasonably priced refurbished model if you stay vigilant (or win an eBay auction that starts at a lower bid), it appears that demand for the device will keep prices elevated until Apple’s supply chain is refreshed.

With the Mac mini currently unavailable, Apple is also experiencing rising demand for the Mac Studio, which is now sold out in various configurations.

As Ars Technica highlighted, you can still obtain a MacBook Pro with 128GB RAM and larger SSDs within a few weeks, and even the new and trendy MacBook Neo is still shipping in two to three weeks. This indicates that the main issue is consumer demand specifically for the Mac mini.