[threeseed]

Majority of users are just going to be using web, email and photos.

There is simply no need for more than 8GB for those use cases.

[cmatthias]

Why would you not want an extra 8GB? The point is that it's dirt cheap to add, and Apple's refusal to do so is an insult to its customers.

[qwytw]

Also it makes it much easier for Apple upsell upgrades and increase their margin through market segmentation.

> There is simply no need for more than 8GB

I don't really agree. But let's say that the case. Will it still be the same in 2-4 years? Possibly not? Great Apple can just sell another mac.

[jghn]

my personal machine is an 8GB M1 Air. I don't usually do dev work on it, but always have dozens of Safari tabs, often a bunch of Chrome tabs, a bajillion Slacks, and other apps. And I'll do light dev work on it, mostly for personal things. I even play the occasional game.

In other words, I think I'm well beyond what you're even describing. And while I do wish I had bought the one with more RAM, but usually I don't notice it. The swapping is that good.