MacBook RAM Upgrade: Which Models & How (2026 Guide)

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • Only pre-2012 MacBooks have user-upgradeable RAM
• • All Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/M4) have RAM soldered to the chip
• • 2012-2015 Retina MacBook Pros also have soldered RAM
• • If upgradeable, RAM upgrades cost £49-£149 and take 15-30 minutes
• • For non-upgradeable Macs, your only option is buying a new Mac with more RAM

Can You Upgrade MacBook RAM?

The short answer: probably not, if your MacBook was made after 2012. Apple began soldering RAM directly to the logic board in 2012 with the Retina MacBook Pro, making post-purchase upgrades impossible.

This isn't something a repair shop can work around—the RAM is physically part of the main board. There's no slot to add more memory to.

Which Models Are Upgradeable

Here are the MacBook models where RAM upgrades are still possible:

Apple Silicon: No Upgrade Possible

With M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs, the situation is even more definitive. Apple's custom chips have unified memory built directly into the chip package. The RAM isn't just soldered to the board—it's part of the processor itself.

This design has benefits (faster memory access, better efficiency) but the trade-off is zero upgradeability. When you buy an M-series Mac, the RAM you choose is what you'll have forever.

Warning

Buying an Apple Silicon Mac? Always spec more RAM than you think you need. You cannot upgrade later. 16GB is the minimum for professional work; 24GB or 32GB for heavy workflows.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

RAM requirements depend on what you do:

• 8GB: Web browsing, email, documents, light photo editing
• 16GB: Multiple apps, moderate video editing, development
• 32GB: Professional video editing, 3D work, virtual machines
• 64GB+: Heavy video production, large datasets, music production with many tracks

Apple Silicon Macs use RAM more efficiently than Intel Macs, so 16GB on an M-series feels closer to 24GB on Intel.

The Upgrade Process

For upgradeable models, the process is straightforward:

1. Identify your Mac - Check Apple menu → About This Mac for exact model
2. Find compatible RAM - Use Crucial or OWC compatibility tools
3. Open the Mac - Non-Retina MacBook Pros have a simple bottom panel
4. Remove old RAM - Press side clips to release modules
5. Insert new RAM - Align notch, insert at angle, press down until clips engage
6. Test - Power on, check About This Mac shows new RAM amount. If you experience kernel panics after upgrade, reseat the RAM modules

UK Upgrade Costs

Alternatives to RAM Upgrade

If your Mac has non-upgradeable RAM:

• Close unused apps - Obvious but effective (see our slow Mac fix guide)
• Add an SSD - Faster swap/virtual memory helps when RAM is full
• Browser extensions - Tab suspenders reduce Chrome/Safari memory use
• Trade in and upgrade - Sometimes the best option is a newer Mac with more RAM (see repair vs replace guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any shop upgrade my MacBook Pro RAM?

If it's soldered, no. No shop can add RAM to a Mac where it's integrated into the board. Anyone who claims otherwise is either confused or dishonest. Even board-level repair specialists cannot add RAM to soldered Macs.

Why did Apple solder RAM?

Thinner designs, faster memory interfaces, and arguably planned obsolescence. Soldered RAM allows for thinner machines and faster memory speeds, but it also means you have to buy more upfront or replace the whole Mac later.

Is 8GB enough for an M-series Mac?

For basic use, yes. For professional work, no. M-series Macs handle 8GB better than Intel Macs, but you'll still hit limits with demanding workflows. We recommend 16GB minimum for longevity.