The End of 8GB RAM in Apple Macs

This week, Apple made a significant change to its Mac lineup by eliminating all configurations with 8GB of RAM. This change affects popular models such as the MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac, and the new M4 MacBook Pros.

Apple's decision to remove 8GB options from its new devices was unexpected and marks a bold move in the computing industry. 8GB of RAM has been a standard configuration for Macs and many PCs for nearly a decade. The last MacBook model to offer a base of 4GB was the 2015 MacBook Air, and even on the MacBook Pro, one had to look back to 2013 to find 4GB available as an option. In other words, offering 8GB as a standard has simply outlived its usefulness.

Interestingly, Apple isn't the first company to take this step. In recent months, Microsoft has started urging higher memory standards across its devices, requiring 16GB of RAM for its new Copilot+ PCs. For example, the recently launched Surface Laptop 7th Edition comes standard with 16GB of RAM, priced from $999.

This shift necessitated Microsoft to absorb the costs associated with more memory, similar to what Apple is undertaking now. It’s predicted that more Intel and AMD laptops in the future will also begin shipping with 16GB as a standard to meet the growing demands of modern software and applications.

Interestingly, Microsoft has cited the need for higher memory as a factor in their push for improved local AI processing capabilities. Having sufficient memory plays a crucial role in running multiple AI models simultaneously, which highlights the trend towards more demanding performances in personal computing.

While Apple has offered little public rationale for its leap to 16GB, the change may be a reaction to feedback received about continuing to offer 8GB configurations. The previous controversies regarding the 8GB version of the M3 MacBook Pro likely influenced this decision. With Apple increasingly focusing on AI features, there may also be similar motivations behind their transition to 16GB configurations.

The message is clear: whether due to enhanced AI capabilities or simply to meet modern software requirements, the move to 16GB of RAM is a positive step for consumers, especially when they aren't being charged extra for it.

Apple, RAM, Technology