Apple recently launched several new Macs powered by M5 chips, introducing a notable shift: increased base storage capacities accompanied by modest price hikes. This change first appeared in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, with desktop lines like the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac expected to follow suit soon.
Price and Storage Updates on Laptops
The M5 MacBook Air now features 512GB of base storage, up from 256GB, with a $100 price increase. Consumers who previously upgraded to 512GB effectively pay less for the same configuration.
The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 also upgrades to 1TB of storage standard, reflecting a $100 rise. This adjustment benefits users opting for higher storage from the start.
M5 Pro and M5 Max variants in the MacBook Pro lineup default to 1TB storage but carry a $200 price premium, aligning costs directly with the added storage.
Anticipated Changes for Desktops
Current M4-based Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac maintain their original pricing, but M5 versions will likely mirror laptop trends. In 2026, 256GB base storage proves insufficient for many users, making upgrades to 512GB a common choice.
Analysis indicates that boosted base storage on Mac mini and iMac models delivers better value, avoiding performance issues from full drives or reliance on swap memory.
The Mac Studio presents a different scenario. With M5 Max MacBook Pro now starting at 2TB storage, the next Mac Studio could exceed $2,199, reflecting similar enhancements.
Apple has not altered unified memory pricing amid ongoing RAM constraints, focusing adjustments solely on storage. These developments signal a broader strategy to align base configurations with modern demands.
