In recent times, Apple has encountered considerable backlash whenever it unveiled Mac devices featuring an entry-level configuration of 8GB of RAM. A multitude of consumers contended that 8GB of memory is merely insufficient for contemporary computing requirements.
For example, upon the launch of last year’s [MacBook Pro models with the M3 chip](https://mashable.com/review/m3-14-inch-macbook-pro), critics were swift to articulate their dissatisfaction that the basic configuration was limited to just 8GB of RAM. One [Reddit user](https://www.reddit.com/r/hardware/comments/17s8lyz/8gb_ram_in_m3_macbook_pro_proves_the_bottleneck/) even stated, “Apple has lost its mind.”
Likewise, when Apple rolled out the [M3 MacBook Air](https://mashable.com/review/m3-macbook-air-15-inch) earlier this year featuring the same 8GB base configuration, it ignited a [fervent discussion on social media](https://x.com/iHateApplee/status/1764667124667089208) regarding whether 8GB of RAM suffices for the computing tasks of today.
### The Conclusion of 8GB RAM Macs
Whether Apple was addressing the increasing requirements of its new [Apple Intelligence](https://mashable.com/article/how-to-use-apple-intelligence?test_uuid=01iI2GpryXngy77uIpA3Y4B&test_variant=a) AI suite, which necessitates greater memory bandwidth, or merely heeding customer input, the company has implemented a notable adjustment. The newly released M4 MacBook Pro models, launched this week, all begin with 16GB of RAM. This also applies to the latest M4 iMac and [M4 Mac mini](https://mashable.com/article/mac-mini-m4-apple-announcement?test_uuid=01iI2GpryXngy77uIpA3Y4B&test_variant=a) models, which likewise come with a base configuration of 16GB of RAM.
Even the MacBook Air series now starts at 16GB of RAM, and the best part? Consumers incur no additional cost for this enhancement.
This signifies the closure of an era for Apple’s 8GB RAM Macs.
### A Change in Apple’s Strategy
Last year, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, [Bob Borchers](https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/8/23952034/actually-yes-a-brand-new-1600-computer-should-come-with-more-than-8gb-of-ram), defended the 8GB setup, asserting that “8GB [of RAM] on an M3 MacBook Pro is likely comparable to 16GB on other machines” thanks to Apple’s sophisticated memory compression and unified memory architecture. However, this rationale failed to resonate with many users.
“There is no way that having 8GB RAM will allow you to achieve the same performance as a machine with 16,” one [Reddit user](https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/17vw9ej/8gbs_on_a_mac_is_analoguous_to_16gbs_on_other/) contended. Another remarked, “8 gigs is a complete joke if you ever think about doing anything more demanding than a few Chrome tabs.”
While it remains uncertain whether Apple’s choice to standardize 16GB of RAM across its latest devices is influenced by the necessities of Apple Intelligence or user feedback, one thing is clear: consumers are pleased to witness this transition.