Dec 11, 2020 If having the option to upgrade the internal storage after purchase is very important to you, you might prefer to purchase an earlier 13-Inch or 15-Inch 'Retina Display' MacBook Pro because they all have upgradable storage and are available at much lower prices on the used market. Aug 29, 2018 Macbook Pro Macintosh Storage tutorial No matter how much space your Mac comes with, you’re probably going to want more. Be it pictures, movies, songs, documents or games, you can’t just delete them all.
- Can You Upgrade Macbook Pro Storage 15 Retina
- Can You Upgrade Macbook Pro Storage
- Can You Upgrade Macbook Pro Storage Clean Up
- Upgrade Macbook Pro Retina Ssd
Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A
Can You Upgrade Macbook Pro Storage 15 Retina
Update Published January 28, 2021
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How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it the same storage and process as the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible?
By default, 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models are configured with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of SSD storage. Via custom configuration, some models also can, or could, be equipped with as much as 768 GB or 1 TB of SSD storage at the time of purchase.
Officially, it is not possible for an end user to upgrade the storage after purchase. However, as firstreportedby site sponsor Other World Computing, the SSD is installed as a removable module in all of these systems and is fairly straightforward to upgrade.
![Macbook Macbook](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iLxw740iYvY/maxresdefault.jpg)
However, different lines use different proprietary SSD modules and it is important to identify both the MacBook Pro and the SSD module correctly.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro)
Identification Help
If you're not sure whether or not you have a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro or another model, notebooks with different SSDs share the A1425 and A1502Model Numbers.
Gnu cad software. As a result, the easiest way to identify them uniquely enough for the purpose of determining the correct SSD type is either by external EMC Number or by the Model Identifier in software.
As always, EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented these details for your convenience:
MacBook Pro | Subfamily | EMC | Model Identifier |
13-Inch (Late 2012) | Late 2012 | ||
13-Inch (Early 2013) | Early 2013 | ||
13-Inch (Late 2013) | Late 2013 | ||
13-Inch (Mid-2014) | Mid-2014 | ||
13-Inch (Early 2015) | Early 2015 |
Finally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- additionally can uniquely identify all of the Retina Display MacBook Pro models by their serial numbers and other identifiers.
Upgrade Obstacles & Compatible SSD Details
Apple does not intend for end users to upgrade the SSD in these models themselves, the company even has used uncommon 'pentalobe' screws -- also called five-point Torx screws -- to discourage access. However, access is straightforward with the correct screwdriver, the SSD is simple to access, and upgrades are not blocked in firmware, either. There are two significantly different SSD designs for these models, though.
There is one 6 Gb/s SATA-based SSD for the 'Late 2012' and 'Early 2013' 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro models. Google 3d drawing software. Unlike the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the SSD in the 'Late 2012' and 'Early 2013' models is mounted in a small 'drive caddy' that can hold a 5 mm or 7 mm tall SSD (or hard drive), in lieu of the small proprietary SSD module that Apple uses.
The proprietary PCIe 2.0-based SSD in the 'Late 2013' and subsequent models is limited to a smaller 'blade' option, though. By default, the 'Late 2013' and 'Mid-2014' models negotiate a x2 PCIe connection, but in testing, OWC discovered that when a 'blade' SSD from a Cylinder Mac Pro was installed in a 'Late 2013' or 'Mid-2014' model, it 'negotiates a x4 PCIe connection versus the stock cards, which negotiate a x2 PCIe connection,' which means that this newly transplanted SSD was substantially faster than the stock one. The 'Early 2015' models support a x4 PCIe connection by default.
Upgrade Instructions
The bottom panel of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro is attached with ten screws of differing lengths. After removing the bottom of the notebook, the battery removal process is fairly involved -- with four more screws to unscrew before disconnecting the battery -- but the drive caddy itself is easy to remove.
OWC provides excellent videos to walk one through the entire procedure for all of the 13-Inch 'Retina Display' MacBook Pro models:
'Late 2012' and 'Early 2013' 13-Inch MacBook Pro
'Late 2013', 'Mid-2014' & 'Mid-2015' 13-Inch MacBook Pro
How to Repurpose Original SSD in External Housing
This video explains how to install the original SSD from your 13-Inch MacBook Pro in OWC's convenient 'Envoy Pro' case to repurpose it as an external drive:
By watching these videos, you should be able to determine if you feel comfortable performing this upgrade yourself or if you would instead prefer to hire a professional.
SSD Purchase Options
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computer sells SSDs compatible with the 'Late 2012' and 'Early 2013' 13' Retina MacBook Pro models as well as 'Late 2013' and subsequent models.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells 13' Retina Display MacBook Pro compatible SSDs with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells 13' Retina Display MacBook Pro compatible SSDs with guaranteed compatibility, fast shipping, and no customs.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell 13' Retina Display MacBook Pro compatible SSDs with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells 13' Retina Display MacBook Pro SSDs with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published December 11, 2020
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What custom processor options are available for the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models? Do they have a processor that can be upgraded?
The processor in all MacBook Pro models -- including the 'Touch Bar' lineup sold in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 -- is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
However, at the time of purchase, some models can -- or could -- be upgraded with a faster processor than the stock models.
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro processors could be upgraded accordingly:
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro | Standard Processor | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
2.0 GHz Core i5 (I5-6360U) | 2.4 GHz Core i7 (I7-6660U) | US$300 | |
2.9 GHz Core i5 (I5-6267U) | 3.1 GHz Core i5 (I5-6287U) 3.3 GHz Core i7 (I7-6567U) | US$100 US$300 | |
2.6 GHz Core i7 (I7-6700HQ) | 2.9 GHz Core i7 (I7-6920HQ) | US$300 | |
2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-6820HQ) | 2.9 GHz Core i7 (I7-6920HQ) | US$200 |
The 'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro processors could be upgraded, too:
'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro | Standard Processor | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
2.3 GHz Core i5 (I5-7360U) | 2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-7660U) | US$300 | |
3.1 GHz Core i5 (I5-7267U) | 3.3 GHz Core i5 (I5-7287U) 3.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-7567U) | US$100 US$300 | |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-7700HQ) | 3.1 GHz Core i7 (I7-7920HQ) | US$200 | |
2.9 GHz Core i7 (I7-7820HQ) | 3.1 GHz Core i7 (I7-7920HQ) | US$200 |
The 'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro models -- all of which have Touch Bar-capability -- also had processor upgrade options:
'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro | Standard Processor | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
2.3 GHz Core i5 (I5-8259U) | 2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-8559U) | US$300 | |
2.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-8750H) | 2.9 GHz Core i9 (I9-8950HK) | US$400 | |
2.6 GHz Core i7 (I7-8850H) | 2.9 GHz Core i9 (I9-8950HK) | US$300 |
The '2019' MacBook Pro models, all Touch Bar-equipped, also have processor upgrade options. Note that the 16' models are current whereas the 13' and 15' models have been discontinued:
'2019' MacBook Pro | Standard Processor | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
2.4 GHz Core i5 (I5-8279U) | 2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-8569U) | US$300 | |
1.4 GHz Core i5 (I5-8257U) | 1.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-8557U) | US$300 | |
2.6 GHz Core i7 (I7-9750H) | 2.4 GHz Core i9 (I9-9980HK) | US$300 | |
2.3 GHz Core i9 (I9-9880H) | 2.4 GHz Core i9 (I9-9980HK) | US$200 | |
2.6 GHz Core i7 (I7-9750H) | 2.4 GHz Core i9 (I9-9980HK) | US$300 | |
2.3 GHz Core i9 (I9-9880H) | 2.4 GHz Core i9 (I9-9980HK) | US$200 |
The '2020' MacBook Pro models, all with 13' displays and Touch Bar-equipped, also had processor upgrade options:
'2020' MacBook Pro | Standard Processor | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
1.4 GHz Core i5 (I5-8257U) | 1.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-8557U) | US$300 | |
2.0 GHz Core i5 (I5-1038NG7) | 2.3 GHz Core i7 (I7-1068NG7) | US$200 |
For those who have not been following the Mac market for more than two decades like EveryMac.com, the PowerBook G3 line is the last Apple notebook line to have upgradable processors. The PowerBook G3 series has processors mounted on a removable card and EveryMac.com still provides a list of upgrade cards compatible with these now vintage Macs.
What type of RAM do the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models use? Which RAM upgrade options are available for the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible to upgrade the RAM?
All 'Late 2016' and 'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro as well as the 13-Inch 'Mid-2018' and '2019' MacBook Pro models -- as well as the entry-level 13-Inch '2020' MacBook Pro models (A2289) -- use LPDDR3 SDRAM whereas the 15-Inch 'Mid-2018' and '2019' MacBook Pro models use faster DDR4 SDRAM. The higher-end 13-Inch '2020' MacBook Pro models (A2251) use even faster LPDDR4X SDRAM.
The RAM in all of these models is soldered and cannot be upgraded after purchase. However, some models could be upgraded at the time of purchase:
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Options
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro | LPDDR3 | Std. RAM | Upgrade |
13-Inch | 1866 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 16 GB | None |
'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Options
'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro | LPDDR3 | Std. RAM | Upgrade |
13-Inch | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 16 GB | None |
'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Options
'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro | RAM Speed Other world mac os. | Std. RAM | Upgrade |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2400 MHz (DDR4) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
'2019' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Options
'2019' MacBook Pro | RAM Speed | Std. RAM | Upgrade |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 2 TB 3) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2400 MHz (DDR4) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
16-Inch (Touch Bar) | 2666 MHz (DDR4) | 16 GB | 64 GB |
'2020' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Options
'2020' MacBook Pro | RAM Speed | Sell slot machine. Std. RAM | Upgrade |
13-Inch (2 TB 3) | 2133 MHz | 8 GB | 16 GB |
13-Inch (4 TB 3) | 3733 MHz (LPDDR4X) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
The addition of higher capacity RAM options for later MacBook Pro models is a significant improvement to the line. Early models could not be upgraded beyond their default RAM.
What SSD storage options are available for the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible to upgrade the storage?
Officially, Apple notes that the storage is 'onboard' in all 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models, regardless of size, which would bode poorly for the possibility of future upgrades.
As documented by site sponsor OWC, regardless of generation, all 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 16-Inch models with the 'Touch Bar' functionality do, in fact, have the SSD soldered in place which makes them impossible to upgrade after purchase.
However, in an unexpected surprise that is contrary to Apple's official documentation, the entry-level 13-Inch 'Late 2016' and 'Mid-2017' models without the Touch Bar actually do have the SSD mounted on a small proprietary module, so future upgrades theoretically are possible.
Photo Credit: Site Sponsor OWC (13' non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro SSD Module)
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade Options
'Late 2016' MacBook Pro | Standard Storage | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
13-Inch | 256 GB | 512 GB 1 TB | US$200 US$600 |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 1 TB | US$400 |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 1 TB 2 TB | US$200 US$600 US$1400 US$400 US$1200 |
'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade Options
'Mid-2017' MacBook Pro | Standard Storage | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
13-Inch | 128 GB 256 GB | 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 512 GB 1 TB | US$200 US$400 US$800 US$200 US$600 |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 1 TB | US$200 US$600 US$400 |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 1 TB 2 TB | US$200 US$600 US$1400 US$400 US$1200 |
Can You Upgrade Macbook Pro Storage
'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade Options
'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro | Standard Storage | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 1 TB 2 GB | US$200 US$600 US$1400 US$400 US$1200 |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB | US$200 US$600 US$1400 US$3400 US$400 US$1200 US$3200 |
'2019' MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade Options
'2019' MacBook Pro | Standard Storage | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
13-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 1 TB 2 GB | US$200 US$600 US$1200 US$400 US$1000 |
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 2 TB 3) | 128 GB 256 GB | 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 512 GB 1 TB 2 GB | US$200 US$400 US$600 US$1000 US$200 US$400 US$800 |
15-Inch (Touch Bar) | 256 GB 512 GB | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB | US$200 US$600 US$1200 US$3000 US$400 US$1000 US$2800 |
16-Inch | 512 GB 1 TB | 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB | US$200 US$600 US$1200 US$2400 US$400 US$1000 US$2200 |
'2020' MacBook Pro SSD Upgrade Options
'2020' MacBook Pro | Standard Storage | Upgrade Options | Upgrade Price |
13-Inch (2 TB 3) | 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 1 TB 2 GB | US$200 US$400 US$800 US$200 US$600 | |
13-Inch (4 TB 3) | 512 GB 1 TB | 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 2 TB 4 GB | US$200 US$600 US$1200 US$400 US$1000 |
If having the option to upgrade the internal storage after purchase is very important to you, you might prefer to purchase an earlier 13-Inch or 15-Inch 'Retina Display' MacBook Pro because they all have upgradable storage and are available at much lower prices on the used market. Of course, external storage upgrades are available for the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro lineup, as well.
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EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.