The M4 Mac mini has detachable, modular storage – and an vital SSD improve

The M4 Mac mini has detachable storage, it has been revealed
It additionally makes use of two SSDs for every configuration
The modifications may allow customized upgrades for the Mac

In our Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) review we described it as doubtlessly the most effective Mac ever – and positively the smallest up to now – and as customers begin to pull aside the dinky pc, we’re discovering much more to love about it.

First up, from an iFixit post (by way of @MudkipOnYT) we now know the inner SSD storage is modular and may be eliminated, relatively than being soldered to the motherboard. Meaning there’s the potential for customized storage upgrades.

Earlier than we get forward of ourselves, it is value declaring that the Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) has an analogous storage setup, however customized upgrades are difficult to do: the pc makes use of Apple‘s personal bespoke SSDs, you’ll be able to’t simply slot in any off-the-shelf substitute.

We’ll have to attend and see whether or not upgrades on the M4 Mac mini are as difficult, however Apple followers have already been in a position to identify the SSD in query and upgrade the Mac mini to 2TB of storage (you’ll be able to truly get it with as a lot as 8TB straight from Apple).

Two for one

Partial teardown of M4 Mac Mini /w 16GB RAM & 256GB SSD. Fascinating revealation: Wifi chip & antenna on the again of backside air consumption. SSD on a daughter board. And even the bottom 256GB model is available in two chips. No compromise in velocity. Theoretically additionally finish person upgradable. pic.twitter.com/vA2vQwkl7JNovember 8, 2024

Whereas questions stay about simply how viable it may be to start out swapping SSDs out and in – doubtlessly at a decrease price than shopping for the equal configuration from Apple – it is a promising step ahead for Mac mini repairability and customization.

The opposite improve over the earlier Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023), as noticed by @ohgkg (by way of MacRumors), is that even the bottom 256GB model makes use of two SSD modules – permitting for quicker learn and write speeds, in contrast with a single chip.

As a consequence, there should not be any distinction in SSD speeds between the 256GB storage configuration and another, which is reassuring for these eager about shopping for the most cost effective M4 Mac mini choice direct from Apple.

Once more, it is a welcome change, one which we have additionally seen occur on the 13-inch MacBook Air (M3, 2023). The Apple M4 Mac mini is in the stores now from Apple, with pricing beginning at $599 / £599 / AU$999 for the bottom mannequin.