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MacRumors
New Mac Mini Has Two Storage Downsides, Including Unremovable SSD
Apple's latest Mac Mini models equipped with M6 and M5 Pro chips feature soldered NAND storage, a significant departure from previous models that allowed for user upgrades. As a result, customers can no longer enhance their storage with aftermarket solutions like those offered by 'Expand Mac mini.' The new 256GB models utilize a single NAND chip, leading to reduced performance compared to configurations with 512GB or more. However, they do outperform previous 256GB models, making it advisable for users to choose at least 512GB for optimal SSD speeds.
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Published 23 Sept 2026, 03:45 UTC2 min read
Lead image — MacRumors
Brief
NewsBite reading:New Mac Mini SSD is soldered, eliminating upgrade options
TL;DR
- New Mac Mini models use soldered NAND storage.
- Aftermarket storage upgrades are no longer possible.
- 256GB configurations use a single NAND chip, reducing speed.
- Models with 512GB or more feature faster dual NAND chips.
- Previous models offered removable storage options.
Interesting facts
- The limitation on upgrades could impact professional users needing custom configurations.
- The new launch marks a shift towards more integrated components in Apple's hardware design.
What changed
The new Mac Mini models now have soldered NAND storage, meaning users cannot upgrade their storage after purchase.