Mac users are suffering: Although Apple computers cost a small fortune, they can only rarely be repaired or upgraded on their own. With its newer models in particular, the Californian tech giant solders the SSD and RAM firmly onto the mainboard. There is business reasoning behind it. Apple charges hefty surcharges for its computers with larger memory, which are rarely in proportion to the actual added value. The Mac community was all the more astonished to discover that the new Mac Studio manages without built-in SSD storage.
This was found out by the Max Tech YouTube channel, which dismantled Apple’s latest addition in front of the camera. Although the memory modules are buried deep in the system and can only be accessed with great skill, they can be removed. In addition, the Mac Studio has two slots for SSD storage, so that expansion by installing an additional module seems possible. But all the joy about this discovery turned out to be a fallacy.
The best MacBooks from Apple
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Very high work pace
Even when playing fast
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Very high work pace
Also very fast when playing games
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Very high work pace
top display
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Not all software adapted yet
Not upgradeable
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Loud under load
Not upgradeable
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Complete list: The best MacBooks from Apple
Software blocks SSD swap
YouTuber Luke Miani took a closer look at the matter and put it to the test – with sobering results. Although the Mac Studio’s SSD storage can actually be swapped out, it just won’t work afterwards. Not because there would be limitations on the part of the hardware. In fact, Apple specifically blocks the installation of other SSD modules with a software lock. As soon as an SSD hard drive other than the one installed ex works is in the Mac Studio, the computer no longer boots and the status lamp signals an alarm.
Miani even tried an identical SSD module from another Mac Studio, but the result remained the same. So Apple continues to put a stop to any hardware changes, although in the case of the Mac Studio they would theoretically be possible without any problems. A business practice that should annoy many users, after all, Apple is already asking 2,299 euros for its new computer in the smallest version.
Apple sells memory upgrades at crazy prices
This variant only has 512 gigabytes of internal memory on board. To double that, buyers add a whopping 230 euros. Apple even charges an extra 2,760 euros for the maximum increase to 8 terabytes. To put this into context: The corresponding modules can be purchased individually for less than 1,000 euros. After all: Apple expressly points out in the product description of the Mac Studio that the internal memory cannot be upgraded or exchanged.
