Apple removes user-replaceable SSD slot in new Mac mini models

Apple's newly announced M6 Mac mini and the higher-spec M5 Pro version no longer include the removable NAND module that allowed owners to replace the internal SSD. The change means the storage is now soldered to the logic board, preventing post-purchase upgrades with third-party drives.

The earlier M4 Mac mini, launched at $599 (or $499 for students), featured 16 GB of unified memory, multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, front-facing USB-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet and a user-accessible SSD slot. At the time, Apple offered a 2 TB SSD upgrade for $800, while third-party SSDs could be installed for roughly $320, saving buyers about $500.

With the new models, the base price has risen to $900 and a 2 TB configuration now costs $1,900, according to the company's build-to-order pricing. The shift eliminates the cost-saving option of self-installing a third-party SSD and contributes to a price increase of roughly 106 % compared with the previous generation's aftermarket upgrade route.

Apple has not provided a specific rationale for the design change, though industry observers note that rising component costs and a focus on AI-related performance may have influenced the decision. Users can still add external storage via Thunderbolt or USB, with products such as the Samsung T9 portable SSD offering a viable alternative.

"All of Apple’s Mac mini models come with Thunderbolt connectivity, so you can easily add high-bandwidth external storage via a USB or Thunderbolt SSD," a spokesperson noted.

The removal of the upgradeable SSD slot has sparked discussion among Mac enthusiasts about the impact on value and repairability.