The new 13-inch Macbook Pro featuring Apple's M2 chip is currently available in the market. You can finally get your hands on this new Apple gadget.
M2 is expected to bring performance improvement to Macbook, but it appears that there is an unexpected effect on the storage speed.
Speed test reveals that the 13-inch Macbook Pro with M2 Chip having 256GB storage has significantly slower SSD read and write speeds compare to the previous generation, M1 chip.
What's the Reason Behind the Slower SSD speed?
Using Blackmagic's Disk Speed Test app (the benchmark app that allows users to test the performance and measure the transfer speed of any internal or external storage on a Mac), YouTube channels such as Max Tech and Created Tech tested the 256GB model, as per MacRumors report.
It was found out that in terms of read speed, M2 Macbook Pro got 1,446 Mbps speed, which is around 50% slower reading than the M1 Macbook Pro's 2,900 Mbps.
In terms of writing speed, M2 Macbook Pro got 1,463 Mbps speed, which 30% slower than M1 Macbook Pro's 2,215 Mbps.
To find out the reason behind the slower reading, Vadim Yuryev of Max Tech disassembled the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. Upon opening of the unit, he discovered that the 256GB model is equipped with only a single NAND flash storage chip. On the other hand, the M1 model has two NAND chips that are likely 128GB each.
As multiple NAND chips allows for faster speeds in parallel, the difference in storage chip of the Macbooks is likely the reason why the new model has a slower SSD speed.
According to 9to5Mac, the reason why Apple changed the SSD in the entry-level M2 MacBook Pro model is unclear yet. By using a single NAND chip instead of two, the company is possibly trying to reduce costs.
There are M1 MacBook Pro users who are considering upgrading to the M2 model with 256GB. Unfortunately, despite of the CPU and GPU improvements in the new model, they might end up losing on SSD performance.
Read Also: Apple's M2 Chip to Feature in New MacBook Air, MacBook Pro
Slow SSD Speed Does Not Affect M2 Macbook Pro with 512GB Model
According to MacRumors, it seems that only the 256GB model of 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 chip has a slower SSD.
Aaron Zollo noted in the MacRumors forums that he ran a Disk Speed Test app on the 512GB model. It was revealed that the SSD's read and write speeds were similar to all M1 models
The reason behind the similar SSD reading is the 512GB model remains equipped with two 256GB flash storage chips.
"Slower SSD speeds can impact common tasks such as transferring files to an external drive, and overall performance can also take a slight hit since Macs temporarily use SSD space as virtual memory when physical RAM is fully used," as per MacRumors report.
Thus, if you are getting a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, consider ordering a model with at least 512GB of storage if faster SSD speeds are important to you.
It is yet to be seen whether the new MacBook Air with the M2 chip and 256GB storage will also have slower SSD speeds.
Related Article: Apple M2 vs. M1 Chip Benchmark Leak: Is the New MacBook Pro Faster?
