Apple Increases Base Storage on Macs, But at a Cost

Apple has begun rolling out increased base storage options across its Mac lineup, accompanied by modest price increases. This shift impacts both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, signaling a broader trend for the company’s desktop computers as well.

MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Updates

The most recent updates, announced earlier this month, see the base storage for the M5 MacBook Air doubled from 256GB to 512GB, with a corresponding $100 price increase. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 now includes 1TB of storage, also with a $100 price bump. For customers who previously opted for these higher storage tiers, the new standard configurations represent a better value.

However, the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models received a different treatment. Even as also receiving a standard 1TB of storage, these models experienced a $200 price increase, effectively meaning customers are paying directly for the additional storage without any added value compared to the previous generation.

What’s Next for Apple’s Desktop Lineup?

Apple’s desktop lineup – including the Mac mini, iMac and Mac Studio – has yet to receive similar updates, but adjustments are anticipated. Speculation suggests the following price and storage shifts:

• iMac: $1299 to $1399 with 512GB as the new standard
• Mac mini: $599 to $699 with 512GB as the new standard
• Mac Studio: $1999 to at least $2199 with 1TB as the new standard

For the Mac mini and iMac, the price adjustment is seen as a positive step, as 256GB of storage is increasingly insufficient for modern computing needs. Increasing the base storage to 512GB avoids the performance issues associated with full storage and reliance on swap memory, or the need for immediate upgrades.

The Mac Studio’s potential price increase is more complex. With the M5 Max MacBook Pro now including 2TB of storage by default, the Mac Studio may see an even higher price increase than initially anticipated, potentially exceeding $2199.

Wrap Up

While these adjustments are currently speculative for the desktop lineup, Apple’s recent changes to the MacBook Air and Pro models suggest a likely trend. As of now, Apple has not adjusted unified memory pricing. The move towards increased base storage, even with a price increase, could benefit users in the long run by providing a more usable and performant experience from the outset.

How do you feel about Apple charging more for its computers and including more base storage? Were you someone who always stuck to the base storage regardless?