While we were busy gasping at the prices of the newest MacBook Pros, Apple was slashing prices on other Mac upgrades—specifically the 512GB and 1TB SSD build-to-order options for the MacBook Air, last year’s MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini. Adding more storage to a base model Mac is now $100-$200 cheaper, so a 512GB upgrade is in the $200-$300 range and 1TB is $600-$700.
MacRumors first noticed the price drops, which make buying an older Mac a slightly more compelling option. Want a MacBook Pro with more storage and don’t care about the Touch Bar? Upgrade the 2015 15-inch Pro to 512GB for $200, down from $300, or to 1TB for $600, down from $800. The 13-inch Pro can be upgraded for $200 (for 256GB), $400 (for 512GB), or $800 (for 1TB).
The high-end 13-inch MacBook Air, which looks like it’s next on the chopping block after Apple killed the 11-inch model, can be upgraded, too. You can get 512GB of storage for $200, down from $300, to beef up the standard 256GB option. You can also snag an iMac with more storage for less money.
A price drop on storage may be too little, too late for potential Mac mini and Mac Pro buyers, which at this point are outdated in just about every way. But now upgrading to 512GB flash storage is $200 on the high-end Mac mini, down from $300, and upgrading to 1TB is $600, down from $800. You can upgrade both Mac Pro models for the same price.
It’s not exactly a bargain, and it certainly won’t satisfy those who are waiting for serious overhauls of the iMac, Mac Pro, or Mac mini. Actually, it feels a little bit like a consolation discount for letting the latter two Macs lapse. But, hey, more storage for less money is never a bad thing.