The base configuration of Macs has been stuck at eight gigabytes of RAM since 2011. This is what a new graph published on the social network Mastodon reveals this week. Whereas previously, the volume in question increased steadily. However, it was precisely this same year that Steve Jobs left his position as CEO at Apple in favor of his director of operations, namely Tim Cook. From there to seeing a correlation, there is only one step, which we will not take but which the author of these statistics does not hesitate to mention. The parallel is daring, and is reminiscent of recent explanations from the Apple firm explaining precisely why we are not entitled to more RAM on its machines.
Still, we can’t help but see these disappointing numbers as a sign of a brighter future for Apple computers. And for good reason: after almost fifteen years of stability, the RAM volume of basic Macs seems to have a good chance of being increased very soon. Let’s remember that today, high-end smartphones come with twelve gigabytes of RAM: it’s time to do better.
What is RAM used for?
As a reminder, RAM is the component which supports the multitaskingsupporting the chip’s performance when many apps are open at the same time.
At Apple, RAM (random-access memory) has been for several years soldered to the rest of the motherboardwith an SoC format (system on chip). The processor and graphics card, as well as the Neural Engine, are also integrated on the same circuit board. All coupled with a proprietary operating system, allowing the publisher to jointly optimize software and hardware. Where an HP or Lenovo laptop running Windows, but also with eight gigabytes of memory, may not be able to compete.
Note, however, that welding the RAM to the chip now prevents us from updating its volume, which was possible with old Macs. Considering the price Apple asks for adding RAM at the time of purchase, it’s a real shame.
New Macs on the way
In all likelihood, Apple is preparing to unveil new Macs. Some models could be presented at the end of the year, perhaps in September during the keynote where the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are also expected.
We do not yet know if the volume of RAM in base configuration Macs will change in 2024, but it would still be surprising to see Apple start at twelve or sixteen gigabytes. Be careful, however, because recently a rather surprising option with twenty-four gigabytes exists on MacBook Pro.
The current iPad Air and iPad Pro are also limited to eight gigabytes of RAM, where the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come with six gigabytes under the hood, compared to two more with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Do you think it’s fair to only benefit from eight gigabytes of RAM, after paying more than a thousand euros for your laptop? At the editorial office, opinions are mixed. There are two of us who work daily on a 15-inch MacBook Air in basic configuration, and sometimes it’s not enough, especially when opening numerous tabs with Safari. For basic office use, however, the computer is generally quite responsive.
- Macs in base configuration have been stuck at eight gigabytes of RAM since 2011
- This is the year Tim Cook became CEO of Apple
- New Macs could be presented at the end of the year, but probably still with eight gigabytes of RAM in base configuration
By: Keleops AG
