Updated September 2026: in 2022 I argued against buying the base M2 MacBook Air, whose 256 GB model used a single storage chip and had slower SSD speeds than the M1 version, suggesting an M1 model or a higher configuration instead. I have rewritten it into advice on choosing Mac storage.
After the M2 MacBook Air launched, reviewers found that the 256 GB base model used a single storage chip instead of two, making its SSD noticeably slower in benchmarks than the M1 model it replaced. Apple said real-world use was unaffected for most people. Based on my own reading, I recommended avoiding the base configuration.
Does a slower SSD matter in practice?
For everyday tasks like browsing and documents, the difference is rarely noticeable. It shows when copying large files and, importantly, when the Mac runs short of memory and uses the SSD as swap space. On an 8 GB machine that swaps often, a slower SSD can make it feel sluggish.
How much storage should you buy?
- 512 GB is a comfortable minimum for most people keeping a Mac several years.
- 256 GB works if you store most files in the cloud and use few large apps.
- 1 TB or more for photo and video work.
Storage cannot be upgraded later, so buying slightly more than you need now is sensible.
What about memory?
It matters more than SSD speed. Apple moved base Macs to 16 GB of memory in late 2024, which reduces swapping. On older models with 8 GB, the base SSD's speed matters more.
Is an older M1 or a discounted model better value?
Often, if it has enough memory and storage. A discounted model with 16 GB and 512 GB can outperform a newer base model in daily use.
How do you check SSD speed and swap on your Mac?
Activity Monitor's Memory tab shows memory pressure and swap used; frequent yellow or red pressure means the Mac is leaning on the SSD. Free disk speed test apps show read and write speeds if you want to compare.
Can external storage help?
Yes, for archives, photo libraries and backups. A fast USB-C SSD is inexpensive. Keep apps and active work on the internal drive.