Apple Intelligence models automatically download on macOS 27 Golden Gate and consume 20–30GB of storage on some Macs, far exceeding Apple's stated 8–14GB requirement. Users cannot disable the feature, making the storage allocation mandatory despite inconsistent actual usage across devices.
Apple's new Mac mini models with M6 and M5 Pro chips have soldered, non-upgradeable storage, reversing the removable SSD capability of M4/M4 Pro models. Additionally, 256GB configurations use a single NAND chip resulting in roughly half the SSD speeds of higher-capacity models, though still faster than previous generations.
Apple has agreed to pay Samsung significantly higher prices for RAM and storage chips starting in Q1 2027, with costs rising 30-40% compared to Q3 2026 levels. The price increases reflect a global memory chip shortage driven by AI data center expansion. It remains unclear whether Apple will pass these costs to consumers or absorb them, though the company has already raised prices on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other products since June.