Apple’s newest Mac mini, equipped with either the M6 or M5 Pro processor, now has its NAND flash memory permanently attached to the logic board. The change eliminates the possibility of upgrading the internal storage after purchase, a capability that existed in the prior generation featuring M4 and M4 Pro chips.
Storage Architecture Changes
According to the specialist site “Expand Mac mini,” earlier Mac mini models that used M4‑class chips offered removable storage modules. Users could buy the base 256 GB configuration from Apple, then install a higher‑capacity third‑party SSD module that was functionally identical to Apple’s proprietary part but cost considerably less. The new M6 and M5 Pro models, however, have their NAND chips soldered directly onto the motherboard, making post‑purchase upgrades infeasible.
“We will keep looking for an opening, but support for the M6 and M5 Pro now looks unlikely,” the “Expand Mac mini” blog stated, indicating that the aftermarket market may be forced to adapt.
Apple has not provided a comment on the reversal. The shift is notable because the company’s earlier M1 and M2/M2 Pro models also featured soldered storage, meaning the removable‑storage design of the M4/M4 Pro line was a brief exception rather than a new standard.
Performance Impact of the Base Model
In addition to the soldered design, the base 256 GB configuration of the new Mac mini uses a single NAND chip, whereas models with 512 GB or more employ a pair of 128 GB chips. Testing by AAPL Ch. with Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test benchmark revealed that the single‑chip 256 GB models achieve roughly half the sequential read and write speeds of the dual‑chip 512 GB variants.
While the reduced speed may go unnoticed by most everyday users, power users and professionals who rely on fast local storage are likely to feel the limitation. The data suggests that opting for at least 512 GB of storage is advisable for those who need the maximum SSD performance.
Despite the slower performance relative to higher‑capacity models, the new 256 GB Mac mini still records a meaningful speed improvement over the previous generation’s 256 GB version. This indicates that Apple’s underlying SSD controller and architecture have advanced, even if the single‑chip layout imposes a ceiling on raw throughput.
Implications for Buyers
Potential buyers should weigh two distinct considerations. First, the inability to replace or augment the internal SSD after purchase means that the storage capacity selected at checkout becomes permanent. Second, the base model’s slower SSD speeds could affect workflows that involve large file transfers, video editing, or other I/O‑intensive tasks.
For customers who previously relied on third‑party SSD modules to keep costs down, the new design eliminates that savings avenue. The “Expand Mac mini” site, which previously sold plug‑and‑play SSD upgrades at a lower price than Apple’s official parts, now faces an uncertain future as its product line may no longer be compatible with the latest hardware.
Overall, the latest Mac mini delivers a performance boost in many areas but introduces two notable drawbacks: soldered storage that precludes aftermarket upgrades and a comparatively slower SSD in the entry‑level 256 GB configuration. Buyers who prioritize upgradability or need the fastest possible local storage should consider configuring the machine with at least 512 GB of internal flash.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
