Apple encrypts storage modules in most devices, but the latest Mac Mini 2024 does not bind a hardware serial number. Currently, merchants and professional maintenance personnel have expanded the capacity by replacing flash memory chips, and replaceable SSD modules may be directly provided in the future.

Apple also uses proprietary storage modules in MacStudio. Although storage modules of the same capacity can be plugged in and out and exchanged between two machines, if a non-Apple storage module is replaced, an error will be reported and the system will not start normally.

对苹果用户来说购买时就必须选择好存储容量，无论是内存还是存储都不能轻易升级，因此在购买时如果考虑预算问题选择较小的版本，则后续使用升级基本没戏。

不过有个好消息是来自法国的Polysoft团队已经成功对MacStudio专有存储模块进行逆向工程，从2025年1月起该团队将为消费者提供名为StudioDrive的存储模块，提供2TB版、4TB版和8TB版。

价格方面自然要比苹果官方的便宜，StudioDrive2TB版售价399欧元、4TB版售价799欧元、8TB版售价1099欧元，消费者购买后需要自行拆机更换存储模块。

为了能够开发出兼容的存储模块，Polysoft找到苹果原始的专有存储模块，然后通过激光逐层烧毁组件(苹果的电路板通常都有几层)，接着观察每层的焊点和线路并测量特性，再使用平板扫描仪对每一层进行扫描。

After completing the preparatory work, Polysoft made its own schematics and designed different circuit boards, and finally used the Kioxia and Hynix TLCNAND flash memories adopted by Apple to ensure compatibility and performance.

After testing, the storage module produced by Polysoft can be used on MacStudio. The team also added overvoltage protection to prevent data loss due to potential voltage problems. This is a problem encountered during daily maintenance, so adding a layer is safer.

It should be noted that even if consumers purchase Polysoft's storage modules, they still need to disassemble and install them. This is still a technical task. MacStudio is not easy to disassemble, and disassembling and replacing the storage modules may void Apple's warranty.

After installing the storage module, the entire system needs to be re-initialized, all data will be cleared, and Apple will completely encrypt the hard drive and then write it to the new system. Theoretically, it will only recommend professionals to purchase such third-party storage modules for installation.

Interested users can view crowdfunding information here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/polysoftservices/studio-drive