Apple’s M3 family of Mac chips will debut with 12GB RAM as the starting capacity

Since Apple introduced its first self-developed chip, the M1, in 2020, the majority of Mac models have begun with 8GB of unified memory, and an upgrade to 16GB requires a substantial additional expenditure. With the general prevalence of larger memory in PCs over the past two years, combined with the gradual decline in memory prices, the issue of Mac memory configuration has become more conspicuous. Many users have humorously remarked that Apple’s memory is “more expensive than gold,” including SSD storage, with prices entirely divergent from market trends.

Recent Twitter user @VadimYuryev reveals that one significant change in Apple’s forthcoming M3 series chip will be in memory configuration. Currently, tested MacBook Pro models have two capacities of 36GB and 48GB, indicating the provision of new options. The M3 will debut with 12GB as the starting capacity, and future Mac models will gradually phase out 8GB of unified memory.

For many potential Mac purchasers, this is undoubtedly welcome news. Unlike numerous Windows laptops, current Mac models cannot have memory added, and the capacity must be chosen at the time of purchase. If there is a need for greater memory capacity later, a large sum of money must be paid.

Moreover, rumors suggest that Apple is considering increasing the starting capacity of SSD storage from 256GB to 512GB, allowing Mac models to bid farewell to the multi-year tradition of the 8+256 classic combination. 256GB is utterly inadequate for today’s applications, even for ordinary users who can install only a few programs. If Apple can commence new Mac models with a 12+512 configuration, it is believed that more buyers will be attracted, and if the pricing remains unchanged, this would signify a savings of three thousand yuan.