What to know: 

  • The 2024 Mac mini teardown reveals a non-user-upgradeable design despite having a removable SSD.
  • Apple uses proprietary connectors and custom controllers, making standard M.2 SSD upgrades impossible.
  • The device features an innovative internal design with integrated antenna and efficient cooling system, but sacrifices repairability.

Apple’s latest Mac mini has undergone its first teardown by YouTube creator Brandon Geekabit, who meticulously disassembled the base 16/256GB M4 model. The teardown, performed and shared on Youtube, provides an in-depth look at Apple’s smallest Mac ever.

The process began with carefully prying open the bottom plastic panel using a spudger tool, as there are no visible screws on the exterior. This revealed an aesthetically pleasing metal bracket that serves dual purposes as a ventilation system and wireless antenna.

The teardown exposed a sophisticated cooling system featuring a centrifugal fan paired with an arced heatsink and heat pipe. A single speaker occupies one corner, while the M.2 2230-style SSD, though removable, incorporates a proprietary connector and custom controller that prevents standard upgrades.

While some tech enthusiasts have managed to modify storage capacity through desoldering and replacing memory modules, external SSDs remain the most practical expansion option.

The internal power supply, positioned beneath the motherboard, likely uses the aluminum chassis for heat dissipation. The M4 chip’s heatsink, though modest in size, effectively maintains sustained performance, unlike the fanless MacBook Air models.

Despite its elegant internal design and modular components, the 2024 Mac mini continues Apple’s trend away from user-upgradeable parts. While previous generations allowed memory and storage upgrades, current buyers must carefully consider their configuration at purchase, as future internal upgrades are effectively impossible.