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
Following the launch of Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip, it has been discovered that the $1,299 base model …
MacRumorsJoe Rossignol
Context & Ripple Effects
The base M2 MacBook Pro's storage result is an early sign that a new processor generation does not guarantee faster performance across every subsystem. Related coverage later tied slower storage in other M2 configurations to fewer NAND chips, extending the issue beyond one notebook.
That distinction matters because Apple positioned higher-end M2 Pro and M2 Max systems around increased transistor counts and bandwidth; buyers must separate chip-level gains from configuration-level storage performance.
First-order effects
Buyers of the $1,299 256GB M2 MacBook Pro receive materially slower measured SSD reads and writes than owners of the prior 256GB M1 model.
Apple's entry MacBook Pro configuration faces a benchmark-driven value comparison in which its M2 processor upgrade is offset by weaker storage results.
Second-order effects
Reviewers and buyers gain reason to compare storage capacity and component layout, rather than treating the M2 label as a uniform performance upgrade across configurations.
If component-count tradeoffs persist across generations, Mac performance comparisons will increasingly be defined by exact storage and memory configurations rather than processor family names alone.
Apple's later M5 Pro and M5 Max refresh, which advertised faster SSDs and 1TB base storage, shows storage specifications becoming a more explicit competitive feature.
The trend: Mac upgrades are becoming less legible through chip branding alone as storage configuration increasingly determines real-world system performance.
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…
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…
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 🙂
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"]
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.
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.