Apple has quietly restructured the storage options for its line, eliminating the base storage configuration for the models. The change, first reported by MacRumors, sees all configurations, including the entry-level version, now starting with of solid-state storage. This shift comes alongside adjustments to the pricing of storage upgrades.
Previously, the began with of storage. The removal of this option pushes the starting price of the to $1,699, a $100 increase from its previous starting price of $1,599. However, Apple has simultaneously reduced the cost of upgrading to larger storage capacities.
According to Apple’s updated pricing structure, upgrading to now costs $100 less than before. What previously would have resulted in a $1,799 machine is now available for $1,699. The upgrade has seen a reduction of $200, dropping from $600 to $400. The largest available storage option, , is now $200 cheaper, priced at $1,000 instead of $1,200.
Essentially, Apple has consolidated its base storage offering while making larger storage upgrades more accessible. While the entry price has increased, customers receive a significantly larger SSD for the same investment. This strategy reflects a broader trend within Apple, where pre-configured models are becoming less emphasized, and customization options are less prominently displayed on the purchase page.
Alongside the storage changes, Apple has also updated its stock configurations. The base model now includes of RAM and a SSD, replacing the previous configuration of of RAM and of storage. Additional stock models are available with SSD and of memory for $1,899, and a higher-end model featuring SSD and of RAM for $2,099.
The changes to the line follow a similar adjustment made to the earlier in . MacDailyNews reported that Apple removed the RAM configuration option for the , capping the maximum available memory at . The price for upgrading to of RAM also increased, from $1,600 to $2,000 on the high-end machine.
Apple attributes the memory changes to global DRAM shortages, which have impacted supply and driven up prices. Increased demand for the due to its suitability for running local AI agents may also be contributing to longer shipping times for configurations with of RAM, with estimated delivery dates extending into .
The changes, while not explicitly linked to DRAM shortages in the initial reporting, suggest a broader trend of Apple streamlining its configurations and adjusting pricing in response to component costs and market demand. The company is expected to release and versions of the later in , potentially with a maximum memory capacity of .
The updated models with the new storage tiers are currently available for purchase and are being shipped to customers.
