Aftermarket SSDs No Longer Possible on New Mac mini Models

Apple has removed support for aftermarket SSD upgrades in the new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models, reversing the brief period during which the M4 Mac mini offered a removable internal SSD. Teardowns and testing by ExpandMacMini.com confirm that the NAND storage in the latest models is once again soldered directly to the logic board, similar to the M1 and M2 generations. This eliminates the possibility of swapping or expanding internal storage, making third‑party upgrade modules incompatible. ExpandMacMini.com, which sold SSD expansion modules for the M4 series, says support for the new models now appears “unlikely.” The change also highlights the stark price difference between Apple’s official storage upgrades and third‑party modules previously available for the M4. Meanwhile, Apple’s repair documentation still shows that the new Mac Studio retains removable SSD modules, though they are serialized and model‑specific. Teardowns have yet to confirm the exact hardware layout, but the Mac Studio continues to offer at least a theoretical upgrade path. For Mac mini users, external SSD accessories remain the only practical expansion option.

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