Apple Mac mini to return to soldered SSD storage in 2026 models

Apple is reportedly moving away from the modular storage design seen in the M4 Mac mini for its upcoming 2026 models. Reports indicate that the M5 Pro and M6 chip versions of the Mac mini will feature NAND flash memory soldered directly onto the logic board, preventing users from performing non-destructive SSD upgrades.

This shift contrasts with the Mac Studio, where official service manuals still include procedures for replacing SSD modules. However, even in the Mac Studio, the storage is not a standard consumer-replaceable part; the SSD controller is integrated into the Apple Silicon chip, and modules must be strictly matched to the motherboard via serial numbers.

For Mac mini users, this means the storage capacity selected at the time of purchase will be permanent, as the hardware integration eliminates the possibility of later expansion through standard or third-party modular components.