Apple's Upcoming M5 Mac Desktops Expected to Cost More as Storage Upgrade Pattern Emerges
MacBook Air and Pro already shipped with more base storage at higher prices, and desktops are likely next
This week's M5 laptop launches revealed Apple's new strategy of bumping base storage configurations while nudging prices upward. The move effectively eliminates the cheapest entry points in each product line while giving customers more storage out of the box.
The M4 versions of the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac currently remain at their existing price points, but analysts expect the M5 transition to bring the same storage-for-price trade-off. For most users, the additional storage represents genuine value, but it also means Apple's "starting at" prices will tick up across the board.
The pricing shift comes as Apple faces increasing competition from sub-$500 Windows laptops that have narrowed the gap in build quality and performance.
Analysis
Why This Matters
Apple has historically used storage tiers as a key profit lever. By raising the floor on storage while increasing prices, Apple gets to market "more value" while effectively implementing a price increase. It's clever positioning, but it does squeeze budget-conscious buyers.
What to Watch
Whether the Mac mini — Apple's most affordable desktop — sees a significant price jump, and whether the $500 Windows laptop competition forces Apple to keep at least one low entry point.