The M2-equipped Basic MacBook Pro 13 from Apple exhibits significantly slower storage speeds compared to its predecessor.
At this year's WWDC 2022, Apple proudly showcased the prowess of their new M2 chip. However, they missed mentioning a potential downside in their updated MacBook Pro 13 model. Recent findings by tech YouTubers, such as Max Tech and Created Tech, revealed that the base variant with 256GB storage is facing some performance issues.
Intriguingly, these issues are related to the storage speeds, which have taken a noticeable hit. The read and write speeds have dropped by about 50% and 30%, respectively, compared to the previous M1 MacBook Pro. This decrease in performance was demonstrated using Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test app.
Max Tech recorded a write speed of 1,463 MB/s on the M2 MacBook 13, a significant drop from the M1 version's 2,215 MB/s. For a more vivid comparison, here's a side-by-side breakdown:
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1/256GB) Read Speed: 2,900 MB/s
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2/256GB) Read Speed: 1,446 MB/s
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1/256GB) Write Speed: 2,215 MB/s
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2/256GB) Write Speed: 1,463 MB/s
Initially, some might've suspected faulty testing software, but the results are conclusive. Upon dismantling the new Pro 13, Vadim Yuryev from Max Tech discovered that the 256GB model only has one NAND flash storage chip. Conversely, the previous model sported two 128GB chips, which can operate in parallel, thereby ensuring faster speeds.
Despite receiving a 1TB unit for review, we haven't had the chance to cross-verify these results with the base model. When we finally obtain one, we'll conduct further testing and update this article accordingly. For now, it seems that those opting for the $1,299 base model with 256GB storage might have to compromise on storage speeds.
It remains unclear why Apple chose to include just a single NAND chip in the base MacBook Pro 13. Cost-cutting measures or lingering supply chain issues are potential culprits. Apple has yet to comment on this matter, and we'll update this article as soon as they respond.
Slower storage speeds could potentially impact performance, especially when transferring large files to external drives. Let's hope Apple didn't skimp on any components in the new MacBook Air. Despite the potential pitfalls of the Pro 13, it remains an appealing option for many—which option should you pick? That's a different story altogether.
The use of a single NAND flash storage chip in the base MacBook Pro 13 might be contributing to the observed drop in read and write speeds, potentially due to cost-cutting measures or supply chain issues. The drop in performance has been substantiated by benchmark tests conducted by tech YouTubers such as Max Tech, which showed a decrease in write speed from 2,215 MB/s to 1,463 MB/s, representing a 30% decline. The future impact of these slower storage speeds on the user experience, especially when transferring large files, remains to be seen.
