Apple makes you build every Mac feature‑by‑feature

• Key Takeaways:
• Apple redesigned its online Mac ordering flow so every Mac must be configured feature‑by‑feature.
• The change applies to MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
• The process now mirrors how Apple sells iPads; the update was spotted by Macworld and Consomac.

What changed

Apple has updated its online store ordering interface so customers can no longer pick from a handful of standard Mac configurations. Instead, buyers must assemble a Mac by selecting individual features one at a time — the same style used for ordering iPads.

Which Macs are affected

The update covers Apple’s full Mac lineup: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Each model now appears to require a custom selection of options at checkout rather than choosing a prebuilt SKU.

Where the change was noticed

The shift in Apple’s web store was reported independently by Macworld and the French site Consomac, which spotted the new feature‑by‑feature workflow as it rolled out on Apple’s online store.

Why it matters

For buyers, this means more control over specs at the point of purchase — you’ll be prompted to choose each feature instead of selecting a standard configuration. That can make it easier to match a Mac exactly to your needs.

For other parts of the Mac ecosystem, the change could affect how people compare models, how resellers handle inventory, and how users think about upgrades at purchase time. Because Apple’s page now emphasizes build‑to‑order choices, customers should double‑check each option before completing an order.

How to approach ordering

If you’re buying a Mac, take extra time to review the available options and their trade‑offs. The new flow is designed for deliberate choices rather than quick picks, so expect to step through CPU, memory, storage and other feature selections in sequence.

Apple hasn’t publicly framed the change as a policy announcement; it appeared quietly on the online store and was noted by third‑party publications. If you rely on a particular standard configuration or need consistent SKUs for business purchasing, watch for any updates from Apple or contact Apple Sales for guidance.