Tests Reveal M4 Mac Mini's WiFi Chip Is Unencrypted, Allowing for Interchangeable Wireless Cards

Apple's latest M4 Mac Mini has been making waves as one of the hottest gadgets recently. Typically, Apple employs chip encryption or binds hardware components with serial numbers to prevent replacements - a practice seen with methods used for expanding the solid-state drives (SSDs).

By swapping out the flash memory chips, the 256GB Mac Mini can be upgraded to 2TB, significantly reducing costs compared to purchasing the 2TB version directly from Apple.

During testing, tech repair expert @EZFIX discovered that the WiFi chip in the new Mac Mini is not encrypted, thus allowing WiFi cards from different devices to be swapped and used interchangeably.

The WiFi card in the new Mac Mini is designed as a separate, pluggable module, making it possible to easily replace the card with a spare part in case of failure, thereby restoring functionality.