The 2024 Apple Mac mini comes with notable hardware upgrades, including the option for the M4 Pro chip, making it the smallest mini PC in Apple’s lineup. However, while the new features are appealing, the storage situation presents challenges for users looking for flexibility. Apple has made the SSD removable, but the storage module is proprietary, which complicates the process of upgrading it.
Though the SSD is not soldered to the board, the Mac mini’s storage upgradeability is not as simple as it may seem. The proprietary SSD module used in the 2024 Mac mini is not compatible with standard third-party M.2 drives, such as the affordable 2TB Samsung 990 EVO. Additionally, the NAND controller, which manages the storage, is likely integrated into Apple’s SoC, further limiting the ability to upgrade the storage without facing significant hurdles.
Teardowns of the 2024 Mac mini have revealed that, despite these challenges, there is some potential for upgrading the storage. Repair shops in China have managed to replace the NAND chips on a 256GB model and upgrade it to 2TB. However, this process requires specialized soldering skills and equipment, making it impractical for most users to attempt on their own.
For users who want to upgrade their Mac mini’s storage, the easiest solution is to purchase an official Apple SSD module. However, these modules tend to be expensive, making them a less ideal option for those seeking a more affordable solution. The proprietary design of the SSD means that even though it’s technically removable, upgrading is still largely limited to Apple’s own offerings.
Interestingly, teardowns also highlight that even the base model of the 2024 Mac mini comes with an SSD module that includes two NAND chips, offering better transfer speeds compared to the previous generation’s single-chip 256GB module. While this upgrade improves performance, the same challenges remain when it comes to storage upgrades, with the proprietary design still limiting user options for expanding storage.
