Apple Memory

 

For many years, Apple sourced SSD and HDD components from major manufacturers like Samsung, Toshiba, and SanDisk

. However, modern Macs with Apple Silicon processors (M1, M2, and later) use custom, integrated storage designed by Apple itself. 

Modern SSDs (Macs with Apple Silicon)

In current Apple Silicon Macs, the SSD chips are not a standard, removable component. The NAND flash memory chips are soldered directly onto the logic board and integrate with the Apple Silicon chip. 

• Integrated design: Apple designs its own integrated storage system, which is a key part of the Apple Silicon's architecture.
• Supplier relationships: While Apple designs its own storage architecture, it still relies on third-party memory suppliers for the actual NAND flash chips. Historically, these suppliers have included Samsung, Kioxia (formerly Toshiba), and Western Digital/SanDisk.
• Performance and firmware: This integrated approach allows Apple to manage the entire storage stack, optimizing it for speed and efficiency with custom firmware. 

Legacy storage (Macs with Intel processors)

Before transitioning to Apple Silicon, Apple used more traditional storage methods, including SSDs and HDDs.

• SSDs:
  • Older MacBooks used proprietary SSD modules with non-standard connectors. The flash memory on these modules was often manufactured by Samsung, SanDisk, and Toshiba.
• HDDs (Hard Disk Drives):
  • Hard drives were phased out of most Mac product lines in the late 2000s and 2010s.
  • In the past, hard drives used by Apple were standard SATA drives but often came with proprietary firmware. These components were sourced from various manufacturers, including Seagate and Hitachi (HGST). 

External storage

Apple's own branded external storage, such as that offered through its online store, is supplied by well-known storage manufacturers. For example, some products are made in partnership with LaCie and SanDisk. 

For many years, Apple sourced SSD and HDD components from major manufacturers like Samsung, Toshiba, and SanDisk

. However, modern Macs with Apple Silicon processors (M1, M2, and later) use custom, integrated storage designed by Apple itself. 

Modern SSDs (Macs with Apple Silicon)

In current Apple Silicon Macs, the SSD chips are not a standard, removable component. The NAND flash memory chips are soldered directly onto the logic board and integrate with the Apple Silicon chip. 

• Integrated design: Apple designs its own integrated storage system, which is a key part of the Apple Silicon's architecture.
• Supplier relationships: While Apple designs its own storage architecture, it still relies on third-party memory suppliers for the actual NAND flash chips. Historically, these suppliers have included Samsung, Kioxia (formerly Toshiba), and Western Digital/SanDisk.
• Performance and firmware: This integrated approach allows Apple to manage the entire storage stack, optimizing it for speed and efficiency with custom firmware. 

Legacy storage (Macs with Intel processors)

Before transitioning to Apple Silicon, Apple used more traditional storage methods, including SSDs and HDDs.

• SSDs:
  • Older MacBooks used proprietary SSD modules with non-standard connectors. The flash memory on these modules was often manufactured by Samsung, SanDisk, and Toshiba.
• HDDs (Hard Disk Drives):
  • Hard drives were phased out of most Mac product lines in the late 2000s and 2010s.
  • In the past, hard drives used by Apple were standard SATA drives but often came with proprietary firmware. These components were sourced from various manufacturers, including Seagate and Hitachi (HGST). 

External storage

Apple's own branded external storage, such as that offered through its online store, is supplied by well-known storage manufacturers. For example, some products are made in partnership with LaCie and SanDisk.