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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Mac mini feature in question is the M4 model’s removable internal NAND storage. That made it possible to replace or expand the storage after purchase, rather than relying only on the capacity selected at checkout. In an October 6, 2026 report, 9to5Mac says newer M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models solder storage to the logic board, removing that option. Apple’s documentation cited here covers the 2024 Mac mini, so it does not independently confirm the newer models’ construction.
What was the M4 Mac mini’s “hidden feature”?
9to5Mac’s phrase refers to the M4 Mac mini’s removable NAND storage module. Because the storage module could be replaced after purchase, owners had a route to increase internal capacity or replace a failed module. Jeff Benjamin, the 9to5Mac author, said his earlier M4 Mac mini SSD-upgrade tutorial had amassed about half a million views; that is his reported figure, not an independently audited view count.
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Apple’s Mac mini (2024) technical specifications list configurable storage capacities, while Apple’s Mac mini (2024) repair manual includes a section titled “SSD Module.” The manual’s coverage establishes that Apple documents the component for repair; it is not an endorsement of third-party upgrades.
What changed in the newer models?
9to5Mac reports that the newer M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models solder the SSD to the logic board. If that construction is accurate, storage cannot be replaced with a third-party NAND module after purchase as it could on the M4. The Apple sources above address the 2024 models and do not independently verify the reported design of the newer generations.
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Apple has not provided a stated rationale in the sources cited here. Suggestions that component pricing or other considerations drove the change are speculation, not a confirmed explanation from Apple.
How much storage can you choose at checkout?
For the 2024 models, Apple lists these capacities:
| 2024 Mac mini | Base SSD capacity | Listed configuration options |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | 256GB | Up to 2TB |
| M4 Pro | 512GB | Up to 8TB |
These figures describe Apple’s listed configurations, not the maximum capacity of external drives. Check Apple’s specifications for the model and region you are buying, since available configurations can vary.
What can owners do if they need more space?
Choose enough internal storage at purchase
For a model whose storage is soldered, the practical time to select internal capacity is when configuring the Mac. That choice avoids relying on a later internal module replacement, but larger build-to-order capacities can cost more.
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Add an external SSD
An external SSD provides additional storage without opening the computer. 9to5Mac names the Samsung T9 as one example; that mention is not a tested recommendation. Apple lists three Thunderbolt 4 ports on the 2024 M4 Mac mini and three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the M4 Pro, which provide the connection context for external storage. An external drive adds capacity, but it does not restore internal upgradeability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are the reported price differences still useful?
9to5Mac’s October 6, 2026 article cited a $599 M4 base price, an $800 price for a 2TB build-to-order option, and $1,900 for a cited newer 2TB configuration. It estimated a difference of roughly $1,000 when comparing its M4 aftermarket-upgrade example with that newer 2TB configuration. These are dated figures from that article, not current verified prices or a like-for-like independent comparison. Prices, configurations, geography, and the exact models being compared can affect the result.
What the change means for buyers
The M4’s removable module offered flexibility after purchase: an owner could pursue an internal capacity upgrade or replace a failed module. The newer models described by 9to5Mac trade away that option if their storage is soldered. Buyers deciding between generations should weigh that post-purchase flexibility against the storage capacity available at checkout and whether an external SSD suits their workflow.
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