MacBook SSD Upgrade: Complete Guide & Costs (2026)

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • 2012-2017 MacBook Pros and Airs have replaceable proprietary SSDs
• • 2018+ MacBooks have storage soldered to the logic board
• • Apple Silicon Macs have storage built into the chip—no upgrade possible
• • Upgrades for compatible models cost £129-£249 including data migration
• • External SSDs are an alternative for non-upgradeable Macs

Can You Upgrade MacBook Storage?

It depends entirely on your model. Apple used three different approaches to storage over the years: removable standard drives, removable proprietary SSDs, and fully soldered storage. Only the first two can be upgraded. If your MacBook is running slow, an SSD upgrade is often the most dramatic improvement you can make.

Models That Support SSD Upgrade

When Storage Is Soldered

The following Macs have storage that cannot be upgraded:

• MacBook Pro 2016-2017: Technically removable but requires proprietary Apple tools and parts that aren't available
• MacBook Pro 2018+: Fully soldered to logic board via T2 chip
• MacBook Air 2018+: Soldered to logic board
• All Apple Silicon Macs: Storage is part of the M-series chip package
• MacBook 12" (2015-2017): Soldered from the start

Warning

T2 and Apple Silicon: These Macs have storage encryption tied to the chip. Even if you could physically replace the storage, it wouldn't work without the original controller.

Types of MacBook SSDs

Apple used several proprietary SSD formats:

• Standard 2.5" SATA: Pre-2012 MacBook Pros. Any SATA SSD works.
• Apple SSD (2012-2013): Proprietary connector, third-party replacements available from OWC, Transcend
• Apple SSD (2013-2015): Different connector, adapters exist for standard NVMe drives
• Apple SSD (2016-2017): Yet another connector, very limited aftermarket options

The Upgrade Process

1. Back up everything - Time Machine or clone with Carbon Copy Cloner (see our data recovery guide if you're having issues)
2. Create bootable installer - Download macOS installer, create USB installer
3. Open the Mac - Pentalobe screwdriver for bottom screws
4. Disconnect battery - Safety first
5. Remove old SSD - Usually one Torx screw
6. Install new SSD - Reverse the process
7. Install macOS - Boot from USB, format drive, install fresh
8. Restore from backup - Migration Assistant or Time Machine

Data Migration Options

When we do SSD upgrades, we offer several migration approaches:

• Clone migration: Exact copy of your old drive—boot up like nothing changed
• Time Machine restore: Restore from your existing backup
• Fresh install + Migration Assistant: Clean macOS install, then migrate apps and data
• Fresh start: New macOS, manual data copy—good for clearing years of cruft

UK Upgrade Costs by Model

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a standard NVMe drive in my MacBook?

For 2013-2015 models, yes—with an adapter. The adapter converts Apple's proprietary connector to standard M.2. Performance is excellent. For 2012 models, you need Apple-specific SSDs or Transcend/OWC replacements.

Will upgrading the SSD void my warranty?

If your Mac is still under AppleCare, technically yes. But most Macs old enough to be upgradeable are well out of warranty anyway.

How long does an SSD upgrade take?

The physical swap takes 15-20 minutes. Data migration adds 1-3 hours depending on how much data you have. We typically complete same-day if dropped off in the morning.

Should I upgrade or buy external storage?

Internal is better for your main drive—faster, always connected, no dongles. External is fine for archives, backups, and media libraries. If your Mac's internal storage can't be upgraded, a fast external SSD (Thunderbolt or USB4) is a good compromise. Read our guide on whether MacBook upgrades are worth it for help deciding.