Apple’s new M4 Mac mini has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike with its striking design and improved internals. Early teardowns and user reports have revealed a significant update: the M4 Mac mini features a removable SSD, a departure from previous models where the storage was permanently soldered to the logic board.
Unpacking the Modular SSD: More Than Meets the Eye
The discovery of the modular SSD was first noted by user KianWee Lim on the iFixit forums, showcasing that, unlike its predecessors, the M4 Mac mini’s SSD isn’t soldered in place. This design mirrors the approach taken with the Mac Studio, suggesting easier access for users to remove the SSD. However, it’s crucial to note that this doesn’t imply upgradeability. Echoing the limitations seen with the Mac Studio, iFixit has clarified in the past that these devices do not support using different SSDs from those they originally shipped with. This means that despite the SSD’s removability, users cannot simply swap it out for a higher capacity one at will.
Speed Enhancements: A Leap Forward in Performance
For those looking for speed, the M4 Mac mini brings promising news. A recent teardown shared by MacRumors highlights an interesting change in the storage configuration—a 256GB model now uses two 128GB modules, a significant shift from the single 256GB module used in the M2 generation. This adjustment is not just a technical nuance; it results in substantially faster read and write speeds, directly addressing one of the main critiques of the previous model. Apple has made similar improvements in speed with other products, including the M3 MacBook Air, earlier this year.
What This Means for Users and Future Upgrades
While the M4 Mac mini’s modular SSD raises hopes for potential upgradability, history suggests caution. Apple has previously flirted with the idea of offering authorized SSD storage upgrades, as seen with the Mac Pro’s SSD Upgrade Kit. However, such options have not materialized for other models like the Mac Studio. Users may speculate about future upgrades from Apple, but for now, the removable SSD primarily benefits Apple’s service providers and not the end consumer.
M4 Mac Mini and Its Siblings
The release of the M4 Mac mini coincides with the launch of other anticipated Apple products, including the new MacBook Pro and iMac, marking a significant refresh in Apple’s desktop and laptop lineups. As these devices hit the shelves, both new and seasoned Apple users have exciting advancements to explore.
This exploration of the M4 Mac mini’s features underscores a continued evolution in Apple’s approach to design and functionality. While the promise of a modular, easily removable SSD is an attractive feature, the actual benefits to the average user remain limited by Apple’s controlled ecosystem. Nonetheless, the improvements in speed and performance are tangible upgrades that ensure the M4 Mac mini is a more capable and powerful device than ever before.
