MacBook Pro 2015 Retina Upgrade — SSD Compatibility & Charger Guide

The Apple MacBook Pro 2015 Retina (13″ and 15″) marks a transitional generation: it features a proprietary (but upgradeable) SSD and soldered RAM that cannot be replaced. This guide covers SSD upgrade options, compatible solid-state drives, charger specifications, and modern compatibility considerations for this final MacBook Pro with any user-serviceable storage component.

Unified Memory (RAM) — Fixed, Non-Upgradeable

The MacBook Pro 2015 Retina uses soldered DDR3L 1866MHz memory — the first generation of MBP to solder RAM directly to the logic board. Memory cannot be replaced or upgraded after purchase.

Available configurations at purchase:

• 13″ Retina (non-Touch Bar): 8GB or 16GB DDR3L
• 15″ Retina: 16GB DDR3L (base); 16GB or 32GB available

If your 2015 Retina MacBook Pro shipped with 8GB, that is the permanent limit. There is no upgrade path for RAM — memory choices were final at purchase. For users requiring more than 8GB (video editing, large datasets), the 15″ with 32GB remains a viable 2015 option.

Proprietary SSD — User-Upgradeable Last Time

The MacBook Pro 2015 Retina is the last MacBook Pro with an upgradeable SSD. Apple used a proprietary 12+16 pin connector (not standard M.2 NVMe) — meaning you cannot use generic SSDs. However, two companies manufacture compatible drives: OWC and Transcend.

SSD specifications:

• Connector: Apple proprietary 12+16 pin (not M.2, not NVMe)
• Form factor: Thin M.2-style module (fits in same bay as original)
• Factory configurations: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (original equipment)
• Upgrade options: OWC Aura Pro X2 up to 2TB; Transcend JetDrive up to 1TB

The 2015 Retina is a significant departure from 2012 non-Retina — that earlier model used standard SATA, which is far cheaper and more widely available. 2015 Retina SSD upgrades are pricier due to proprietary design.

Compatible SSD upgrades:

• OWC Aura Pro X2 — Up to 2TB; fastest option for 2015 Retina; optimized for Mac; good reliability
• Transcend JetDrive 825 or 826 — Up to 1TB; competitive speeds; slightly lower cost than OWC

Avoid generic M.2 NVMe drives — they will not fit the 2015 connector and require adapter modules that often cause thermal issues.

SSD Upgrade Process & Installation

Unlike the 2012 non-Retina, the 2015 Retina requires partial disassembly:

• Time required: 30–45 minutes with some care
• Tools needed: P5 Pentalobe screwdriver (Apple’s proprietary screw), #00 Phillips, spudger
• Difficulty: Intermediate — not as straightforward as 2012 but very doable for technically inclined users

Key steps:

1. Power off and unplug; allow to cool
2. Remove bottom case (10 Pentalobe screws + a few Phillips screws in hidden locations)
3. Locate SSD module (small rectangular drive near battery)
4. Gently pull the SSD at a 45-degree angle to unseat it from the connector
5. Insert new OWC or Transcend SSD at same angle until it clicks into place
6. Reinstall bottom case, ensuring all screws are properly seated

Before installation, back up your entire drive using Time Machine or a cloning tool (SuperDuper!, Carbon Copy Cloner). You can then clone your old SSD to the new drive, or do a clean OS install.

Charger & Power Specifications

The MacBook Pro 2015 Retina uses MagSafe 2 charging — Apple’s second-generation MagSafe connector.

Charger options:

• 13″ MacBook Pro 2015: 60W MagSafe 2 adapter
• 15″ MacBook Pro 2015: 85W MagSafe 2 adapter

MagSafe 2 chargers are more common on second-hand markets than MagSafe 1 (from 2012), but still increasingly hard to find new. If your original charger is damaged, used genuine Apple MagSafe 2 adapters are available on eBay and specialist resellers. Third-party MagSafe 2 chargers exist but vary in quality — verify watts before purchasing (60W for 13″, 85W for 15″).

Note: MagSafe 2 is NOT compatible with MagSafe 1 (2012), and both are superseded by MagSafe 3 (2021+) and modern USB-C charging. Plan to keep or source a MagSafe 2 charger if keeping a 2015 Retina long-term.

Modern Compatibility & macOS Limits

The MacBook Pro 2015 Retina maxes out at macOS Big Sur (11.x). It cannot run Monterey (12), Ventura, or Sonoma.

Practical lifespan:

• Big Sur is the highest supported macOS for 2015 Retina
• Big Sur is adequate for web browsing, document editing, and light creative work
• Modern Adobe Creative Cloud requires Monterey or later — not compatible
• Modern DaVinci Resolve requires Monterey — not compatible
• For retro development (older Python/Node versions, legacy Rails), Big Sur is practical

An SSD upgrade extends the useful life but does not unlock newer OS support. Plan a 2015 Retina for light contemporary work or legacy/retro computing.

Hardware Specifications Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I upgrade the RAM in 2015 Retina?

Apple soldered RAM to the logic board starting with 2015 Retina. This reduced weight, improved cooling, and increased durability — but eliminated user upgrades. It’s a design trade-off that has persisted in all Macs since.

What’s the difference between OWC Aura and Transcend JetDrive SSD?

Both are compatible with 2015 Retina. OWC Aura Pro X2 goes up to 2TB; Transcend maxes at 1TB. OWC has better Mac integration (includes tooling, firmware tools); Transcend is slightly cheaper. Performance is similar for real-world use.

Can I use a generic M.2 NVMe SSD with an adapter?

Not recommended. The 2015 Retina uses a proprietary 12+16 pin connector — while adapters exist, they often cause thermal throttling and drive compatibility issues. Stick to OWC or Transcend for reliability.

How do I back up my drive before upgrading the SSD?

Use Time Machine (built-in) or third-party cloning software (SuperDuper!, Carbon Copy Cloner). Time Machine backs to an external USB drive; cloning creates a bootable copy of your entire drive. Both approaches preserve your setup.

Is the 2015 Retina still viable in 2024?

For light work (writing, browsing, office apps): yes. For modern creative software (Adobe, DaVinci, etc.): no — Big Sur (maximum OS) doesn’t support current releases. Consider it for retro computing, legacy development, or budget second machines.

What’s the difference between 2012 Non-Retina and 2015 Retina?

2012 has user-replaceable RAM (huge advantage) and standard SATA SSD (cheap upgrades), but low-res display. 2015 has beautiful Retina display, soldered RAM (permanent), and proprietary SSD (pricey upgrades). 2012 is more upgradeable overall; 2015 is better-looking and faster CPU for its time.

Where can I buy OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD?

Amazon UK stocks OWC Aura Pro X2 SSDs up to 2TB. Verify the model number matches your 2015 Retina (should be marked for 2013–2015 MacBook Pro 13″/15″). OWC’s US site (owcdigital.com) also sells internationally.

Recommended Products

These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.

Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Guides

• Apple Macbook Upgrades
• Apple Macbook Pro Upgrade Guide
• Ram Compatibility
• Ssd Compatibility
• Charger Compatibility