The Mac Mini, Apple’s smallest and most affordable computer, is experiencing a surge in demand, fueled by the growing popularity of a locally-run artificial intelligence program called OpenClaw. Wait times for certain configurations have stretched to several weeks, according to Apple’s online store, as tech enthusiasts rush to acquire the hardware needed to power the AI agent.
As of Wednesday afternoon, a Mac Mini with 16 gigabytes of memory is available for pickup or shipping this weekend in Novel York City. However, models with 24 and 32 gigabytes of memory are backordered until March 18, indicating a preference for higher-memory configurations. The demand is so unusual that a Best Buy employee documented the phenomenon in a TikTok video on February 9, questioning whether the sudden interest was “some AI thing.”
OpenClaw, previously known as Clawdbot or Moltbolt, is an open-source, autonomous AI agent capable of managing schedules, monitoring “vibe-coding” sessions, and operating other AI agents. A key feature driving the Mac Mini purchases is OpenClaw’s ability to run locally on a user’s computer, a capability that requires significant processing power and memory. The program’s creator, Peter Steinberger, recently joined OpenAI after reportedly being courted by leading AI companies, including Meta.
The online resale market is already responding to the increased demand. Listings for new and used Mac Minis on eBay are appearing at prices at or above retail, as sellers attempt to capitalize on the current hype.
While the current Mac Mini is proving popular, potential buyers may want to consider waiting. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well-known source of Apple information, reported that new Mac computers, including a new Mac Mini, are expected to be released in 2026.
Security concerns surrounding OpenClaw have been raised, but the program’s local operation offers a degree of control. According to security researchers at Cisco, the power of AI agents like OpenClaw also introduces risk. Running OpenClaw locally means files and commands do not automatically pass through third-party cloud services, but users must carefully manage permissions and be cautious about prompts to avoid unintended consequences.
