Apple Mac mini M4: Early Black Friday deal drops 16GB/256GB to $499
Apple’s Mac mini with the M4 chip is on sale ahead of Black Friday: the 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD model has been reduced from $599 to $499 — a $100 saving and near its all‑time low. Other discounted configurations include 16GB/512GB for $690 (was $799) and 24GB/512GB for $890 (was $999).
The Mac mini M4 earned high marks in reviews for packing considerable performance into a compact, quiet desktop. Notable hardware changes include front‑facing USB‑C and headphone ports and a base configuration that starts with 16GB of RAM, making it a stronger out‑of‑the‑box option than prior minis.
Current sale highlights
- 16GB / 256GB: $499 (down from $599)
- 16GB / 512GB: $690 (down from $799)
- 24GB / 512GB: $890 (down from $999)
- Magic Trackpad: $120 (small discount; lowest seen recently)
- AppleCare+: Bundling AppleCare+ can also reduce the total cost by roughly $100 on some configurations during this sale window.
Who should buy
If you need a powerful compact desktop for creative work, coding or general productivity, the M4 Mac mini at $499 is a compelling entry point. If you anticipate heavier multitasking or local media/storage needs, consider the 512GB options or bumping RAM — the current discounts make those upgrades more affordable than usual.
Buying tips
- Check whether you need more storage or RAM; upgrading later can be costlier or impossible depending on the model.
- Compare bundled AppleCare+ pricing if long‑term support matters — the sale often lowers its effective cost when added at purchase.
- If building a full setup, watch for accessory deals (displays, docks, trackpad/keyboard) to save on the overall desktop build.
For the original coverage and pricing context, see the report (opens in a new tab): Engadget — Mac mini M4 deal. To shop current listings, try this affiliate search: Mac mini M4 on Amazon.
Discussion: Will you grab the Mac mini M4 at $499 or wait for deeper Black Friday bundles? What configuration (storage/RAM) would you pick for a new desktop?