Apple has increased the starting price of the Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip by $200. This adjustment brings the higher-tier model's price to $1,599 on Apple's online store. Previously, this model launched in October 2024 at a starting price of $1,399. The company cited the rapid expansion of AI data centers as a primary driver for increased demand for memory and storage chips. This surge in demand has impacted component costs across the tech industry. Earlier in May, Apple had already effectively raised the Mac mini's starting price by discontinuing a lower-priced configuration. However, the previously removed 16GB RAM/256GB storage option has now been reinstated. Despite this reinstatement, the entry-level price point remains at $799. Apple stated that they need to begin raising prices due to unprecedented component price increases. The company noted that they have never witnessed such a significant and swift rise in component costs. Following these price increases, Mac computers saw a rise of approximately 15% to 20%, and iPad prices increased by 15% to 25%.