GoKawiilApple solders SSD storage in new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini, blocking upgrades
Teardown analysis from Expand Mac mini shows the new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models have their NAND storage soldered directly to the logic board, reversing the removable SSD design found in the previous M4 Mac mini. Expand Mac mini, which sells cheaper aftermarket storage modules for the M4 lineup, says supporting the newer chips now looks unlikely.
The M4 Mac mini's swappable SSD was a rare win for repairability and let users bypass Apple's steep storage upgrade pricing, paying roughly $300 for 1TB versus Apple's $500. Reverting to soldered storage removes that option, forcing buyers into Apple's markup for higher capacities and reducing the machine's long-term upgradeability and repair-friendliness.
- M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini storage is soldered to the logic board, unlike the removable SSD in the M4 model.
- Expand Mac mini says third-party storage upgrade support for the new chips now looks unlikely.
- Apple charges significantly more than aftermarket alternatives did, e.g. $500 vs $300 for a 1TB upgrade.
Apple Mac mini M4 — If you still want the flexibility of aftermarket storage upgrades, the M4 Mac mini remains the last model with a removable SSD module, making it a smart pick before that option disappears entirely. It's a compact, powerful desktop that's especially appealing to tinkerers who like to expand storage down the road rather than paying Apple's premium upfront.
See Apple Mac mini M4 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Chance Miller, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “New Mac mini drops support for aftermarket storage upgrades”
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