Isn't this just because they will be refreshed soon, rumours are around June. I'd imagine Apple stops making the old hardware a few months before a refresh and then just sells the old stock. Maybe they had shorter contracted orders and/or demand is higher than expected.
Last week I got my (customised) M5 MacBook Pro that was ordered during launch week, not really any longer than expected when ordering a new model.
There was some article today claiming the updated versions won't launch before October.
Syndicated at MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/the-mystery-of-...
Genuinely surprised MSN still exists
This would be a clever time to introduce a "Mac Neo Mini" (e.g. a cheaper mac mini alternative with a mobile CPU like the A18 Pro in the MacBook Neo). Probably won't happen due to shortages of A18 CPUs but they would sell like hotcakes.
AI-aside the Mac Mini is a great system at an unbeatable price. I can totally see why they're selling like hot cakes.