Mac Mini Storage Changes: Soldered SSD and Slower Base Speeds
The latest Mac mini models with M6 and M5 Pro chips have soldered NAND storage, meaning the SSD cannot be removed or upgraded after purchase. This reverses the previous generation's removable storage modules, eliminating third-party upgrade options. Additionally, base configurations reportedly have reduced drive speeds compared to higher-capacity versions.
The M4 generation's removable storage modules were a rare exception in Apple's compact desktop line, as both the M1 and M2/M2 Pro Mac mini models used soldered NAND. The modular design briefly enabled third-party companies to offer cheaper, plug-and-play SSD replacements, allowing buyers to purchase the 256GB base model and expand later at significant savings. With the M6 and M5 Pro reversal, that aftermarket ecosystem has effectively shut down, with at least one vendor already conceding that support now looks unlikely. The base 256GB configuration also reportedly delivers slower drive speeds than higher-capacity versions, compounding the limitation for entry-level buyers.
This change could reshape purchasing decisions for budget-conscious consumers and small businesses who relied on the M4's upgrade path to defer costs. Buyers may now face a forced choice between paying Apple's premium for larger storage upfront or settling for a slower, permanently fixed base configuration. The reversal may also discourage third-party hardware innovation in the Mac ecosystem, potentially reducing competitive pressure on Apple's storage pricing over time.