Apple recently launched a series of 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.
Updates to MacBook Air and Pro
The M5 MacBook Air now ships with 512GB of base storage, up from 256GB, for a $100 price increase. Previously, upgrading to 512GB cost an extra $200, making this a better value for users needing more space.
The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 also gains 1TB of standard storage, reflecting a $100 rise. For those opting for 1TB before, the new configuration offers improved affordability.
M5 Pro and M5 Max variants in the MacBook Pro lineup default to 1TB storage but carry a $200 premium. This adjustment aligns the cost directly with the added storage without extra benefits.
Anticipated Changes for Desktops
Current M4 desktop models maintain their original pricing, but upcoming M5 versions of the Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio will likely mirror these storage and price adjustments. In 2026, 256GB base storage falls short for many users, often leading to performance issues from full drives or reliance on swap memory.
For Mac mini and iMac, starting at 512GB justifies the slight increase, providing better out-of-the-box performance and longevity. The Mac Studio presents a different scenario: with M5 Max MacBook Pros now including 2TB base storage, the next Mac Studio could exceed $2,199 to match.
Other Pricing Notes
Apple has not altered unified memory pricing amid ongoing RAM supply challenges, keeping that aspect stable for now. These developments signal a broader strategy to deliver more capable base configurations across the Mac lineup.
