Full Breakdown
Apple Soldered Storage in New M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini Models
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Change: Storage Now Soldered
Apple’s latest Mac mini revisions—the M6 and the M5 Pro—feature NAND flash that is soldered directly to the logic board. The design eliminates the removable SSD module that existed on earlier Mac mini generations, meaning owners cannot replace or upgrade the internal drive after purchase.
Background: Earlier Models Allowed Upgrades
When Apple introduced the M4 Mac mini two years ago, teardown analyses showed the SSD was a separate, replaceable component. This configuration enabled third-party vendors such as Expand Mac mini to sell upgrade kits, and guides were published showing how users could install larger drives themselves.
Cost Implications
Expand Mac mini’s 1 TB upgrade module for the M4 model retails for $300, while Apple’s official upgrade price for the M6 Mac mini from 256 GB to 1 TB is $500. For a 2 TB capacity, the third-party module costs $420, whereas Apple charges $1,000 for the same increase. The price gap highlights the financial impact of the shift to soldered storage.
Official and Industry Responses
Expand Mac mini announced that support for the M6 and M5 Pro models “looks unlikely,” citing the lack of a removable slot and limited internal space. Apple has not issued a public comment on the design change. By contrast, Apple’s repair documentation for the Mac Studio still depicts removable SSDs, suggesting the soldered approach is not universal across the current Mac lineup.
Impact on Users and Workarounds
The removal of an internal upgrade path restricts owners of the M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini to the storage capacity selected at purchase. Users seeking additional space must rely on external solutions; for example, Satechi offers an accessory that combines an external SSD enclosure with extra ports, providing a practical, though not internal, alternative.