It depends on how you look at it. I can give you a list of pros and cons to soldered memory, but so can Apple. I know it sucks to not be able to add memory or swap it out without having to take the product into Apple for servicing.
But here's the flip side that I've experienced first hand, friends of mine experienced and have seen in the field with large numbers of computers.
Memory is a funny thing. Apple has had a long standing stringent requirements for their memory suppliers and they have to pass rigorous testing criteria otherwise, that memory is NOT installed in their computers or sold with the "Apple" name on the box. And for that type of memory, they pay a premium for it. Other companies, typically major computer and other tech mfg like a Cisco or something of that nature typically does the same thing. They want to be assured that the memory they are using in their products are high quality and have passed stringent memory tests to ensure compatibility and reliability. The stuff that doesn't pass with flying colors, but will pass more basic memory tests get sold off to the 3rd party memory suppliers for much less and then it's up to them to perform rigorous tests or not. Some memory companies do have $1 Million test equipment, do perform similar tests as Apple, and other major companies and do sell very reliable memory that's typically compatible, however with some companies it's a crap shoot. Sometimes the memory starts to flake out after a year, sometimes it simply doesn't work right out of the box and sometimes it lasts the life of the rest of the equipment.
I've heard large customers bought 3rd party memory from a company that was selling Apple memory for the same computer, but if you look at the actual memory modules, what they shipped to Apple was significantly different than what they shipped to the customer.
The problem is that we as consumers rarely have all of the technical knowledge and REAL understanding on how to test memory properly and we simply don't have expensive memory test equipment before we install the memory.
Apple, also has their AppleCare and Warranty tech support and they can't support a 3rd party part, so its conceivable that a lot of the problems Apple has with their tech support is directly related to 3rd party memory on these systems and MAYBE they are trying to reduce the number of technical problems and support calls because someone wants to save some money by purchasing 3rd party memory. So, in a way, they are trying to improve the customer experience, it just comes at a cost of the consumer having to buy soldered memory and not be able to upgrade.
I'm sure it's a little cheaper to have the memory soldered directly to the motherboard, because they don't have to pay for memory sockets, but they might be looking at the $$$ in support costs, which they are probably reducing because the memory is installed and tested by robots at the factory.
I know it sucks, but that's how Apple decided to sell the product. If you have a problem with that, then send your suggestions, comments, and complaints directly to Apple.
www.apple.com/feedback
Thunderbolt 3 (for that 4k 60hz screen), even better graphics and quad core back on the table. I shouldn't have to fantasize about an update just when the latest model is announced, though.
