Apple recently increased base storage in its M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, leading to higher prices. The MacBook Air now starts at 512GB for $100 more, while the base 14-inch MacBook Pro jumps to 1TB at a $100 premium. This shift means consumers who previously paid extra for higher storage now get it standard, potentially offering better value.

However, the M5 Pro and Max MacBook Pros saw a $200 price hike for the same 1TB base storage, providing less relative benefit. Apple's desktop lineup, including the Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio, is expected to follow similar adjustments with higher base storage tiers and corresponding price increases. While the price hikes might seem steep, they reflect the rising cost of storage capacity and Apple's strategy to standardize higher minimum specs, though the Mac Studio's potential $2199+ price point remains a concern. This trend signals Apple's push towards higher baseline storage across its Mac family, prioritizing user experience over minimal entry costs.