Apple's latest Mac Mini models, the M6 and M5 Pro editions from 2026, have recently been examined through disassembly analysis. These new versions differ significantly from earlier models, which featured a removable M.2 slot for an SSD (Solid State Drive). This slot allowed users to upgrade their storage by inserting a compatible SSD module. In previous models, such as the Mac Mini M4, the storage controller was built into the M4 chip, not on the SSD itself, which enabled third-party companies to offer upgrade solutions. One such company, Expand Mac Mini, marketed larger capacity SSDs with upgraded NAND chips, allowing users to replace the original SSD and increase their storage space. These upgrades were available for 300 dollars for a 1 terabyte (TB) version and 420 dollars for a 2 TB model. However, disassembly of the 2026 Mac Mini models revealed that the removable SSD slot has been eliminated. Instead, the NAND memory chips are now directly soldered to the motherboard, making them non-upgradable after purchase. Expand Mac Mini has warned consumers that this design change makes it impossible to upgrade the storage component after the device has been bought. As a result, users must now select their preferred storage capacity at the time of purchase. Apple has also adjusted its pricing for storage upgrades, charging 220 euros to upgrade from the base 256 gigabyte (GB) model to 512 GB, 550 euros to reach 1 TB, and 1100 euros for the 2 TB version. This shift reflects Apple's move toward more integrated and less customizable hardware designs.