During our test of the Mac Studio, we found that the SSD storage module could be removed rather easily. In addition, the Apple computer has a second storage location. We therefore wondered about the possible possibility of changing or increasing the available storage, while keeping in mind that Apple often locks this kind of practice for security issues, in particular.
Youtuber Luke Miani embarked on this adventure and – let’s not make the suspense last – failed. He tried to remove the SSD module from a Mac Studio and install it as a second module in another Mac Studio. You can see the operation at 6:35 in the video below.
The computer can then no longer start and a diode on the front starts flashing, with an amber color. The blinking corresponds to the SOS morse code. Luke Miani’s second attempt is to take the main SSD module and insert it into the second slot (see at 8 min). The status LED then begins to flash white, indicating that the SSD is not recognized, or even that it is not possible to start the Mac Studio from the second location.
The final attempt is to swap the SSD modules between the two Mac Studios (see at 9 min), as primary storage. But again, the machine does not start, which demonstrates that the SSD module is blocked by a software lock linked to the machine on which it was installed the first time.
Apple also warns the user when purchasing the Mac Studio and choosing the storage capacity: it is not accessible and it is necessary to provide a configuration accordingly.
Admittedly, the manufacturer uses proprietary modules, but it is unbearable that the user cannot replace them, knowing that they are easily accessible.
However, nothing is lost yet and the specialists at iFixit are on the job. They could figure out what software operations are needed to get the module to work.
We got two base model Mac Studio units to accept each other’s drives, so storage swaps are possible! Both drives in one unit isn’t working just yet…wish us luck. pic.twitter.com/i2wcbppluf
—iFixit (@iFixit) March 22, 2022
This is not the first time that the manufacturer locks its machines. For example, the arrival of the T2 safety circuit in the 2018 iMac Pro and MacBook Pro prevented certain components from being replaced by an unofficial repairer. At the end of 2021, the manufacturer imposed restrictions on repairing the iPhone 13 screen, then backtracked.
Also see video:
But Apple could provide users with the means to repair their Mac Studio. Indeed, the manufacturer has launched the Self Service Repair program to give individuals the opportunity to access documentation and buy spare parts to repair their iPhone 12 or 13, then their Mac M1. Hopefully the Mac Studio will then be part of the program.
Source : The Verge