SSD benchmarks show the 256GB 13" MacBook Pro with M2 has ~50% slower read and ~30% slower write speeds than the previous generation 256GB MacBook Pro with M1
MacRumorsJoe Rossignol
Context & Ripple Effects
The M1-based 13-inch MacBook Pro had established a strong performance-and-battery-life baseline, making the entry-level M2 model’s storage result a notable exception to the generation-over-generation upgrade story. Later coverage identifies the same pattern in other M2 configurations, where fewer NAND chips slowed SSD read and write speeds.
First-order effects
Buyers of the 256GB 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro receive substantially lower benchmarked SSD read and write speeds than buyers of the equivalent M1 model.
Apple’s entry M2 MacBook Pro configuration becomes harder to assess on processor gains alone because storage performance has moved in the opposite direction.
Second-order effects
The later appearance of slower SSDs in an M2 Mac mini and an M2 Pro MacBook Pro turns the result from an isolated 13-inch model comparison into a configuration-level concern for Apple buyers.
Reviewers and buyers have greater reason to compare storage capacity and SSD benchmarks across Apple configurations rather than treating the base model as representative of a chip generation.
Third-order effects
The pattern points to a product-segmentation model in which component choices, including NAND-chip count, can materially differentiate systems carrying the same Apple-silicon family.
Apple’s subsequent M5 Pro and M5 Max refresh, which advertises faster SSDs and 1TB base storage, suggests storage specification is becoming a more explicit competitive part of MacBook Pro positioning.
The trend: Apple silicon generations are increasingly being judged by the full system configuration—not just CPU branding—as storage and memory specifications vary across models.
Not mentioned on Apple's website or in the official reviews for the M2 MacBook Pro: “The $1,299 base model with 256GB of storage has significantly slower SSD read/write speeds compared to the equivalent previous-generation model.” https://www.macrumors.com/... https://twitter.com…
Here it is! Our in-depth M1 vs M2 MacBook Pro comparison video. Took like 4.5+ hours of filming with the various technical issues and preparing tests lol. You'll see why I call this chip the M1.5 chip. Hope some sort of update changes things soon. https://www.youtube.com/... http…
Really surprised #Apple would use inferior parts in its newest models. I wonder if it's to increase the lifespan on these smaller SSDs. Now I want to see the #MacBookAir M1 vs M2 comparisons. https://twitter.com/...
Apart from some changes like adding in more caches, A15 neural engine, 2nd-gen 5nm node, etc.. this pretty much sums it up. “Mostly” a clocked up version of the M1 is very accurate. [Screenshot of YouTube comment: “Seems like the M2 is mostly a clocked up version of the M1"]
None of this was mentioned in many (any?) embargoed reviews of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, as it appears that Apple provided many reviewers with a 1TB configuration for testing 🙂
In my opinion, the embargoed 13-inch MacBook Pro reviews should now be updated to reflect this information. The average consumer probably doesn't care, but it's still important.
As discovered by @VadimYuryev, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro only has a single NAND chip for the 256GB model, so it's obviously 1 x 256. The previous 256GB model had 2 x 128, which led to faster SSD speeds in parallel.
The new 13" MacBook Pro with 256GB of storage has significantly slower SSD speeds — around 50% slower read speeds — compared to the M1 model. 512GB+ models appear unaffected. The big question: will this be the case for the new MacBook Air with 256GB as well? https://twitter.com/.…
Initial reviews not great on M2 vs. M1. Core processor about 12-13% faster, runs hotter, using higher clocks, draws more power. Generational leap minimal. Slower SSD too in MBPro13. Shows perils of press/analysts just regurgitating Apple's event day claims https://www.youtube.com…