Apple solders SSD in M6 Mac mini, killing user upgrades

With the M6 Mac mini and M5 Pro model, Apple soldered the SSD to the logic board, removing the user-replaceable NAND module that made the M4 Mac mini a standout value. The base price rose from $599 to $900, and the 2TB option from $800 to $1000.

• M4 Mac mini allowed swapping in a third-party SSD up to 2TB, saving nearly $500
• M6 Mac mini has the SSD soldered to the logic board, blocking post-purchase upgrades
• Base price rose from $599 to $900; 2TB option from $800 to $1000
• An M6 Mac mini with 2TB costs $1900 versus about $920 for an upgraded M4