According to Apple, the Mac Studio is “not user accessible.” But that’s not true, as a first teardown of the computer shows. Apple could have made the Mac Studio more flexible than initially thought when it came to SSD storage in particular. Maybe a simple memory upgrade is possible.
Mac Studio: Teardown shows flexible SSD storage
Earlier professional Macs were quite easy to open, but according to Apple, this is no longer the case with the Mac Studio just presented. But the truth is different, as a first teardown of the small computer shows. The Mac Studio can not only easier to open than Apple claims – four screws and a ring made of silicone are in the way – but also offers a plugged-in SSD storage. This raises hopes for an easy upgrade option.
Apple could actually offer more capacity SSD storage for the Mac Studio in the future. The teardown shows that at least practically nothing stands in the way of upgradeable memory. The Mac Studio’s SSD storage is housed in two slots and can arguably relatively easily removed or replaced because it is not firmly soldered. The individual SSDs can be exchanged between the two slots and are modular (source: Max Tech on YouTube).
Apple claims on its website that the Mac Studio “not freely accessible” may be. Instead, interested customers are advised to select a model with more storage capacity directly when purchasing.
This is what the Mac Studio does:
Apple: Cheapest Mac Studio with 512GB of storage
In the cheapest version, Apple charges 2,299 euros for the new computer. In this case, there is an M1 Max processor, as well as 512 GB of SSD storage. Alternatively, the Expand capacity up to 8TBbut here 5,519 euros are incurred.
Even more expensive is the Mac Studio with M1 Ultra Processor. Together with 8 TB of storage, Apple would like to have at least 8,279 euros – some electric cars are even cheaper.