What happens if you try to UPGRADE a $5,000 Mac Studio? 

The amount of time needed to open and close these machines at least 5 times, dedication. Great job luke.

The SSDs are most likely encrypted with per-machine keys. I've seen M1 MBA being upgraded by resoldering the SSD chips - and it worked, but required Apple Configurator and DFU mode. The "SOS" blinking pattern is precisely Apple's way of asking for a DFU recovery.

Thank you Luke; this is exactly what I wanted to know. I have the Mac Pro (Late 2013) that I got in 2015 and have since upgraded it myself from 1T SSD to 2T SSD and from 32GB DRAM to 64GB DRAM. When I first purchased it, I thought, "I'll never, ever need more than 1T of storage and 32GB of DRAM." But of course, I did. My current Logic sessions, when mature, use over 40GB of DRAM. Knowing if the M1 Studio is upgradable was a key decider for me, and you solved it. BTW, on another note: the SSD upgrade I did was from a Mac parts 3rd party, completely approved, and when updating to Monterey, the upgrade would not complete, because Apple said the SSD was not compatible. I had to get the original SSD, upgrade it to Monterey, so it would update the Firmware, and then put my 3rd party SSD back in and upgrade it to Monterey.

Was contemplating one of these machines but I like to upgrade my systems from time to time. Thanks for putting the time _and_ money into this.

Plus if apple is really honest with their environmental concerns, they must respect the right to repair!

This may be a situation like the 2019 Mac Pro SSD upgrade. It requires special steps but it does work. Luke, please look into how the Mac Pro is upgraded and see if you are missing software level steps to enable this.

Hats off to you for great work.

So timely, and informative. Great job! I'm in the market for a new video editing/music production desktop and the Mac Studio has caught my attention, however, it seems Apple has become the very thing the Mac was designed to free us from in 1984. I've been a mac person since 1984, but these closed architecture solutions are beyond my level of tolerance. Too much money for zero upgrade path doesn't sound like a good investment to me.

Intriguing. You might wanna try booting the Mac Studio into DFU mode. Then, on another Mac, install Apple Configurator so you can reflash the firmware, so the SSD can be properly accessed, much like the same procedure on a 2019 Mac Pro. No guarantees, but it might be worth a shot!

you need to do a DFU restore using Apple Configurator 2.

it's to do with the way that the modules interface with the processor and the way that arm architecture works means that the controller is on the m1processor for the SSD making it a little bit more difficult to swap the memory modules because these actually don't have a controller on the actual board itself, meaning that you may actually need a piece of software to reset the controller inside the m1 chip since arm architecture is very tightly integrated with itself this becomes a very difficult subject around right to repair but it's all depending on if Apple allows people to get access to the necessary tools to reset the controller in order for people to be able to change the memory modules, if you actually look at the memory modules themselves you'll notice that they don't actually have a controller unlike an nvme or mSATA SSD usually arm architecture is a very tightly integrated with itself generally controllers and memory modules have to work in tandem and the controller has to have a reference of the addresses available on the NAND chips. I'm in no way defending this product and I support right to repair but having the understanding of how this machine actually works compared to x86 based machines is necessary.

When ordering the Mac Studio, any of configuration details will be written onto the firmware which any of consumers can't doing such modifications after receiving the unit. Secondly, the storage inside SSD are encrypted uniquely on each machine, so swapping with one another is not possible. However, there is one thing that you might want to try - cloning the entire SSD storage bit by bit and transfer into 3rd party SSD, see if Apple is trying to locking SSDs only to one particular model instead of using any kind of 3rd party, even the storage had been cloned.

Well I think that the Secure Enclave on the chip is restricting it (same as the 2019 Mac Pro, where you had the T2 chip, you also can’t just swap out the drives) for security reasons. People were able to get it working through Apple Configurator 2, try using that after swapping, you basically authorize the new drive and it might work.

You need to try using AppleConfigurator 2 to "resync" the drives. You have to do that with mac Pro 7,1 too

You did a great job of articulating exactly what I’ve been feeling for the past few years with apple! Thank you!

Great video! Thanks for your test and evaluation!

I think you miss a step, because with all Macs With A T2 Chip you have to restore the firmware for it to notice new/different storage modules. I know this to be true with the Mac Pro 2019 Models. I think if you did that then we could truly know if they did something more to blocked just being able to replace the drive.

Sigh

Great work, a lot of time open and close, trying to upgrade. Keep it up😄

What a Great Video, you touched on a many great points. Thank You so much!

I have access to internal documents and Mac Studio repairs have a similar process to replacing a screen on iPhone 12/13. The Mac puts itself in DFU mode to be restored by System Configuration which (by my assumption) flashes the security chip to allow it to boot.

With the Mac Pro, you have to restore firmware to the T2 chip using Apple Configurator when upgrading the storage modules. Maybe this is or will be a similar process?

11:59 Not to undermine anything else that you said. But I didn't see anything in what you showed to suggest that that slot is non-functional. * I wouldn't be at all surprised of it's only possible to boot from the first slot. * It worked well enough that the device recognised the foreign SSD and locked you out. That aside, I'm with you on evening else. This is the machine that has brought me the closest to actually buying a Mac. And then things like this are an excellent example of why I never will on their current trajectory. We have to get better at repairability.

Just wondering but could some of the drive's logic be on the motherboard and those cards only have NAND flash chips on them. If the drive controller is on the board then I could see it needing to be with its specific drive, and needing a new firmware flashed to the controller for a different drive. Just a wild guess, haven't taken a close look at these at all, but those chips seem very small to be anything greater than 1 TB, which made me wonder all of this

UPDATE: Part 2 is out now with Configurator 2 experiment and a ton of additional information! I spoke with several Genius Bar employees anonymously to shed some light on the situation: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-O7wrf2D-j5g.html Also, check out Morning Brew for free here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xEwS_VGD2yY.html They helped make this extremely risky video possible lol

I'm sure there will be a way from the aftermarket to flash the boot loader to allow for 3rd party SSD upgrades.

That's a lot of hard work to get to the bottom of answering if the Mac Studio's SSD is upgradable. Thank you! I suspect it will be upgradable at some point in the future via Apple or via some clever 3rd party solutions.

Did you put the original chips back in each original Mac Studio, and did they both boot up? Or are both machines disabled?

I expect the 2 slots are for 4 or 8TB in raid array. You may need to reformat and boot from an external SSD

theory: the second ssd slot recognizes a very specific type of ssd, one that only adds additional storage modules and has no independent controllers. as for the inability to recognize the known good ssd, I assume that the configuration of the ssd is tied to the serial, if you can boot into recovery or maybe even just refresh the nvram? I know they still have nvram even if it doesnt work the same as it used to.

Very instructive video ! Thanks

In a PC, you would probably have the same problems if the SSDs are configured with secure boot and in RAID configuration when you have two units. My guess is both things are set in the BIOS/firmeware in the Mac: they probably have a type of secure boot enabled, which causes an error on boot if you swap SSDs between computers. And, it probably also expects some kind of RAID setup when more than one SSD is detected. The difference with a PC is that you can simply go into the BIOS and clear secure boot keys and configure hardware controlled RAID yourself - not the case with the Macs. But yes, they may be going even further than that to make it even more difficult for users to upgrade the hardware on their own. After all, they charge you 3 times the cost of components when you configure your Mac in their website (e.g. If you select 4TB for your SSD, it costs 3 times what a 4TB SSD costs for a PC - same with RAM).

Out of curiosity, has anyone checked to see if a MS purchased with maxed out storage has the second slot populated? Or is it still empty. Not sure if this matters but it might offer explanation that this is done on a firmware level from the factory based on what o is purchased.

The HDDs are signed in a manner that enables (non-)repudiation. EG: The police suspect you of a crime, seize your computer, do not find any offending files but want to save face, so they plant some. The manner in which Apple handles its storage prevents this.

Luke, you’re killing me! 😱 Did you brick both machines in the end, or were you able to get them back up and running with their original SSDs in place? 🤔 Inquiring minds want to know!

Are you getting a 4 or 8 TB version to see if they actually contain something in the empty slot? And if so is the second SSD different in any way?

Is there a possibility that the SSD you got from the other Mac Studio was still encrypted? In that case it would make sense that the other one can’t do anything with it

That's what I was afraid of when Apple introduced ARM64 based full fledged computers, it would give them an even greater excuse to just further lock down their hardware to the same level they've already been doing to their mobile devices.

I think it could be as simple as 2nd ssd formatted to Apple friendly format. Using both encrypted bootable discks , both with system could confuse a device.

Kudos on you! Very good presentation and I fully agree with you!

Thanks for going the extra mile to check if the SSD works in the other slot. Let's hope OWC will have an upgrade in the future for this unit. There maybe information on how to do this that isn't published yet. If the SSD went bad, Apple tech must have a way to allow the system to accept a replacement device. I think It's too early for this info to be out but I suspect it eventually will make its way to the public.

I doubt it’s lack of controller. Second slot probably disabled by firmware, so only Apple can use it to offer higher storage options in the future, or compensate for module shortages (ie ship 2x 2TB modules if 4TB are too expensive or not available)

Thank you for performing these trials.

Is it something to do with the speed of the drives? Does a specific ssd have to be matched that board, in order to achieve those speeds?

Luke, can you re-authorise the SSD in the Mac Studio from another Mac with Apple Configurator and re-do the same test again? Thanks!

Have you tried using Apple Configurator 2 to try to redo the bridgeOS thing?

Are the ssd data readable if you hook up external? I keep every hdd of every computer I have ever had, partly there maybe data I want in the future or use as external drive or backup.

I love this channel. Great video!

I know they started down this road with the current Mac Pro. It's upgradable, but Apple let everyone know that you should only use premium priced Apple provided hardware. I think in the end at least some third party parts worked, but there was always the threat that next update from Apple could brick your computer. It is indeed a disgusting practice, and clear dishonesty that Tim Cook had the audacity to promise support for RTR, when he knew they ready to launch new versions of all their products that could not be serviced, let along repaired by a third party.

What happens if you remove the SSD entirely? Can you still boot from a thunderbolt drive or will the system be completely dead once the storage module fails?

That's crazy. Great video!

The disk is encrypted to the mac ID of the machine. If you made a bootable installer and booted the Mac Studio from there, you can use Disk Utility. It will see the drive but you will have to reformat the drive first before you can install a new Mac OS

Question: Don't current Macs use the T2 chip for encryption? Is it possible that changing drives around breaks the encryption. You might have needed to decrypt the drive first (if that's even possible.) I know that's the case if I pull out a BitLocker'ed drive on a Windows machine. It's been especially annoying on new Windows 11 laptops (assuming they have removable drives.) Good luck.

Interesting. You may need to boot into recovery menu, disable all safeties and encryption, and only then exchange or add storage.

Great work and video! Agree with you a 100%!

Given it's Apple, "Is the Mac Studio upgradeable?" question can be answered without risking hardware - no, it is not.

This is so sad. Hopefully we can make apple to change their minds and enable customer to upgrade their own mac!

Haven’t read through all the comments and I 1000% agree with you. One thing.. T2 Security and the way the drives/content/serial are paired. Did you try turning off T2 security on the machine then swap? Just to see if that helps?

Also, I do not expect the AS Mac Pro to be even remotely as upgradable as the current Intel Tower. I do not expect internal expansion slots, and I have my doubts about PCIe support even via Thunderbolt. All configuration upgrades at time of purchase, and I also do NOT expect the price to shift much.

There's a MacRumors thread showing how to upgrade the storage on the Mac Studio in the Studio forum. It tells you the software that you have to run to get the Studio to recognize the SSDs. You can still only use Apple storage cards though.

I'm just curious, if you opt for the 8TB of storage, at the time of purchase, do they actually populate those slots?

Sad to see another useless Device if there is any damage on the SSD there is no way to replace it. The only option do you have is to boot from external Drives but that is not a solution for Device that cost 2K. But as always a Great Video !

Thanks for sharing and great video, agree 100 disappointing that they are locking down with firmware so that you can’t upgrade. Also makes me wonder why make the additional slot if can’t be used.

Thank you very much for this video ❤️

Maybe I missed it. Do they both work with the original SSDs but back into the correct units?

11:33 the benefit is that (1) Apple doesn't need to manufacture different motherboard for different storage models, and (2) separate ports for hard-drive means faster read time. Not trying to defend apple's decision here, just laying out their rationale for this choice (my guess). Edit: one more thing, their hard drive is encrypted, so a third party one is probably not allowed. Again, not trying to defend them.

I could have told you before - we already know this from the 2019 macpro - the bootROM is stored on the SSDs and the T2 chip (part) checks if the boardID matches. with a working second computer and the apple configurator should work.

Can you take that first SSD and copy all the bytes to the second ssd? You can use tools like "dd" on linux for this. If there is a software-key on the first disk then you could copy it to your other disk.

Hopes were raised, hopes were dashed. The first part (trying to add a 2nd ssd) doesn't surprise as much as the second part... (swapping in a functioning mac ssd from a different Studio)

I really hope Apple changes course on this, and they push a firmware update. It's completely a dick move, even if it is for 'security' - not many people are going to risk messing with an exposed power supply to steal data or to scam someone

Thanks for this illuminating vid!

Is it the ssd hardware itself like serial number or something that is preventing boot or the contents of the ssd that is preventing boot which in that case you could try cloning the contents from that ssd to the new one?

While I am a user and love the Mac/iOS experience --Good luck with Apple changing their business model. Only massive customer outcry or Congressional Signed Law will ever make this happen. And you are right, the "right to repair" is only receiving lip service from Apple.

Thanks for doing this - when I saw the first teardown I thought the exact question you have answered. In my opinion, the baseline SSD at 512GB on the Max machine is way too small and so likely anyone buying that will want to upgrade at some point. My view is that given the physical slot is soldered in, that the necessary driver chips will be on the PCB (if only to give some flexibility for manufacturing options). Perhaps it is too early to just plug and play here and that at some point there will be some software steps as others have suggested. Certainly when I first encountered an M1 Mac Mini and tried to erase and setup the drive it was a major pain. I do live in hope ! Again, thanks for doing this at this stage..

This rant is amazing, go Luke!

I would like to see what the Mac Studio does when you take out its SSD and put it in the second slot and the erased one to the first slot. You may have to populate the first slot in order to get the second working.

I appreciate the risk you've taken by disassembling both Mac Studios and I do appreciate your video. But man I wish if you'd just reached this a bit prior? The M1 chip just like the T2 before needs to establish a one time security handshake to set it up for the internal usage.. Have you considered putting the Mac Studio into DFU and restore it? This way 100% it'll merge both SSD in RAID 0 and appear as one.. I'm not defending Apple, Apple do not care a single bit for Right to Repair but I wish if you'd made a quick research before going into this. Thanks again

My head spins looking at all the tear downs and reassembling you did. That must have been a CRAZY day for you. THANK YOU for doing this for us!!

Hey Luke, I completely agree with you. Waiting for the 2nd part ...

What about the disks are just encrypted to the specific controller? so if you clean it up before and then insert it, it might work?

Have you tried restoring it with Apple Configurator?

I like the ability to replace the ssd….those thing don’t last forever, so having the ability to replace a wear part is good. Having the controller integrated into the SOC, isn’t necessarily bad, but not allowing the user to correct the problem without something as simple as a preboot environment or bootable media is shitty.

My guess is that they are running in a RAID configuration and the drives need to be configured as so. I would try plugging in both drives and booting a mac usb install drive to format both drives and run RAID assistant. Also, that 2nd slot is probably only for RAID configuration. Since it's coming from factory, it might be the default and only option. Also, swapping the drives, did you try a clean install or recovery mode? Doesn't the T2 chip come into play because of encrypted storage and secure boot?

I just successfully "swapped" a SSD drive between two Mac studios(4TB vs 8TB). I struggled on the same issue but funny thing it turns out that I just need to change the original disk location and then it works out well(both units restore successfully after the swap). In stead of slot A to A swap, try slot A to Slot B swap.

Actually having an exposed power supply is good for right to repair because it means components on the PSU can be replaced easily unlike with the power bricks of like the M1 iMac that are glued shut and even though it’s easier to buy a new one, the PSUs for the Mac Studio are much beefier than for M1 machines so having the ability to easily fix things like bad capacitors is really nice as long as you wear insulating gloves or only hold from the edges of the unit.

Apple became a 3 Trillion Dollar company in Jan of this year. Greed is their business model. It is unlikely that Apple will ever become an honest company.

I love this guy!!! thanks for standing up for us!!!!!!💪🏻💪🏻

Is it possible to put that mac ssd in another PC and get the files out? Like if your machine died and you had no backup? Or does apple force you to pay for you data recovery?

The Intel Mac Pro also doesn’t allow SSD exchanges. It’s permissions related for security as apple suggests. The may be a way to experiment with permissions to fix this

I'd been somewhat interested in trying the Mac again after switching back to PC in 2009 following 3 years of a MacBook Pro. The M series intrigued me, all the more after seeing that the Mac Studio appeared to have room for upgrades. Together with the renewed focus on Right to Repair, I held out hope that Apple had finally started to make some reasonable concessions. It's now clearer than ever that Apple views even a $6000 pro workstation as a consumable device only because it has the ability to do so. Thank you, Luke, for getting this out in the open and for exposing Apple's pointless greed. If their products were moderately upgradable, more people would use them, for longer, offsetting much of whatever monetary losses Apple would incur from not pushing planned obsolescence on its users. But Apple chooses not to acknowledge that simple fact. It's probably going to take either hordes of angry customers, the rule of law, or both to convince Apple to change their ways. Until and unless they do, I'm definitely not using Apple hardware again.

Great work, thanks!!!

VERY informative, great movie .. I still wounder how apple upgrade your machine if you pay them to ..?

That's typical of Apple, but I doubt they'll reverse this decision. People who want Apple products will buy Apple products, regardless of the limitations, and Apple knows this only too well.

12:45 hard disagree, I want my SDD to be locked to the Secure Enclave (SEP), if it was able to be easily swapped then it’s easier for a hacker to brute force into. On Windows 10 Home you didn’t get encryption or storage locking so anyone with physical access could access your data. While that’s good for data recovery it is not good for privacy or security. To me privacy and security trump recoverability because you should be backing up (which I know most people don’t do unfortunately). As others mentioned the SSD can likely be paired to the Mac using Apple Configurator to enable the secure pair with the SEP so it’s not even as bad as it seems, just a more annoying especially since not everyone has another Mac (I sure don’t).

When i have a question about mac's Luke is the place to go get my answers. Great video again

Great video... I always wondered about doing the same thing... You also said (loosely) that the marring of the firmware SSD to the Mac was a security feature (or something similar)… if you want to disprove this couldn't you find a way to connect the SSD to a USB dongle or external case and read the data on the SSD, wouldn't that prove that marring the firmware is pointless in terms of security... to obtain the data from it...

Also, check into Asahi Linux. The development of Asahi has uncovered some background information regarding how macOS boots on these machines (basically, having a "stub" macOS installation which boots a "containerised" macOS you interact with) and how the SSD behaves (including some issues with flushing it making the SSD super slow).

I like that you so clearly demand the #RightToRepair here! In times of resource scarcity and climate change is a no go to behave like Apple did here! Keep it up! Thank you very much! With sunny greetings from Germany

I agree its just mean that Apple includes a 2nd slot but no way to use it. I do wonder if you get the 4 or 8Tb SSD option do they have the controller chips on the other side, anyone gonna test this?

You should've tested that formatted SSD in a. Windows PC. It would even reveal that if it doesn't have any memory controller in it and\or if it is software locked to run only in Mac.