A few years ago, I was accused of FUD because I suggested Apple might start using the infamous QLC NAND on their devices to cut costs and maximize their benefits per device sold.
Now, a recent rumor points towards some 1TB & 2TB iPhone 18 Pro are randomly getting this type of NAND cell that has a poorer performance and, more importantly, a much shorter lifespan.
While this remains to be seen, given how closed iOS is, it may be difficult to check (well, maybe using the diagnostics trick used to check display manufacturers). But what about macOS?
See, I placed an order for a 1TB/32GB MacBook Air before the price rise, and given the supply constraints I’m not going to receive it until August. When I receive it, I would like to check if my NAND is TLC or QLC. I know it is unlikely to happen, but given the delay and the cost increase, maybe they just started using cheaper QLC NAND in some units.
I know a lower random write/read speed is a good indicator of having a QLC based drive but, is there a more accurate way to determine it that doesn’t imply opening the back of the MacBook and peeling off the graphite sticker that covers the NAND modules?
Would looking at the device info menu reveal the NAND model and serial number, thus, revealing the type of NAND?
I’d refuse to keep an expensive machine like this knowing that it uses a lower quality NAND that is not only slower, but also with a shorter lifespan.
Thank you.
Now, a recent rumor points towards some 1TB & 2TB iPhone 18 Pro are randomly getting this type of NAND cell that has a poorer performance and, more importantly, a much shorter lifespan.
While this remains to be seen, given how closed iOS is, it may be difficult to check (well, maybe using the diagnostics trick used to check display manufacturers). But what about macOS?
See, I placed an order for a 1TB/32GB MacBook Air before the price rise, and given the supply constraints I’m not going to receive it until August. When I receive it, I would like to check if my NAND is TLC or QLC. I know it is unlikely to happen, but given the delay and the cost increase, maybe they just started using cheaper QLC NAND in some units.
I know a lower random write/read speed is a good indicator of having a QLC based drive but, is there a more accurate way to determine it that doesn’t imply opening the back of the MacBook and peeling off the graphite sticker that covers the NAND modules?
Would looking at the device info menu reveal the NAND model and serial number, thus, revealing the type of NAND?
I’d refuse to keep an expensive machine like this knowing that it uses a lower quality NAND that is not only slower, but also with a shorter lifespan.
Thank you.
