The new M4 Mac mini’s design marks a notable shift for Apple, as it now includes a removable SSD module, unlike its predecessor, which had its storage soldered directly onto the logic board. This design choice is similar to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, which also feature modular storage, allowing easier repairs by authorized service providers. However, while this modular approach is a step toward more accessible repairs, it doesn’t mean users can simply upgrade the storage themselves.

The removable SSD in the M4 Mac mini includes only the NAND chips, while the SSD controller remains embedded within Apple’s M4 chip. This setup means that simply swapping out the storage module is unlikely to work, as the storage is cryptographically paired with the logic board. Any DIY attempt at an upgrade would be a complex task, requiring advanced micro-soldering skills, and would need Apple’s proprietary software to initialize and recognize new storage modules.

Interestingly, the 256GB base model of the M4 Mac mini uses two 128GB NAND chips instead of a single chip, which should provide faster read/write speeds. This configuration addresses a complaint users had with earlier Mac mini models, where the single-chip setup on base models led to slower performance. With this change, users can expect more consistent speeds even in the entry-level model.

Ultimately, while the new Mac mini’s removable SSD is a promising development, any real DIY storage upgrade remains technically challenging and unsupported. For now, it seems the design is primarily to support authorized repairs rather than encourage user upgrades.