Planning a MacBook upgrade? Before you buy RAM or an SSD, you need to know whether your MacBook’s components are actually replaceable. Apple has progressively soldered more components over the years, and since 2016, virtually every MacBook has non-upgradeable RAM and storage. Here is a complete list of every MacBook model and what’s soldered versus replaceable.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we cover:
- Complete Soldered Component List by MacBook Model
- What is “Unified Memory” and Why Can’t It Be Upgraded?
- Alternatives When You Can’t Upgrade
- Our Top Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Soldered Component List by MacBook Model
| Model | Year | RAM | SSD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 13″ Non-Retina | 2012 | Removable | Removable | Last fully upgradeable MacBook. DDR3 SODIMM + 2.5″ SATA. |
| MacBook Pro 15″ Non-Retina | 2012 | Removable | Removable | Same as 13″ — fully upgradeable. |
| MacBook Pro 13″ Retina | 2012-2015 | Soldered | Proprietary | SSD replaceable but uses Apple proprietary connector. RAM soldered. |
| MacBook Pro 15″ Retina | 2012-2015 | Soldered | Proprietary | Same as 13″ Retina. OWC and Transcend make compatible SSDs. |
| MacBook Air 13″ | 2013-2017 | Soldered | Proprietary | SSD uses Apple proprietary blade connector. Aftermarket options exist. |
| MacBook Pro Touch Bar 13″/15″ | 2016-2019 | Soldered | Soldered | Both RAM and SSD soldered to logic board. No upgrades possible. |
| MacBook Air Retina | 2018-2019 | Soldered | Soldered | Everything soldered. Choose config carefully at purchase. |
| MacBook Air M1 | 2020 | Soldered | Soldered | Unified memory on M1 chip package. No upgrades. |
| MacBook Pro 13″ M1 | 2020 | Soldered | Soldered | Same as Air M1. Unified memory architecture. |
| MacBook Pro 14″/16″ M1 Pro/Max | 2021 | Soldered | Soldered | Up to 64GB unified memory. Not upgradeable. |
| MacBook Air M2 13″/15″ | 2022-2023 | Soldered | Soldered | 8GB base is limiting. Strongly recommend 16GB+ at purchase. |
| MacBook Pro 14″/16″ M2 Pro/Max | 2023 | Soldered | Soldered | Up to 96GB unified memory on Max chip. |
| MacBook Air M3 13″/15″ | 2024 | Soldered | Soldered | 8GB/16GB/24GB options. Cannot change after purchase. |
| MacBook Pro 14″/16″ M3/Pro/Max | 2023-2024 | Soldered | Soldered | Up to 128GB on M3 Max. Choose wisely. |
| MacBook Pro 14″/16″ M4/Pro/Max | 2024-2025 | Soldered | Soldered | Latest generation. All memory and storage soldered. |
What is “Unified Memory” and Why Can’t It Be Upgraded?
Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1 and later) use a technology called unified memory. Unlike traditional computers where RAM sits in separate sticks plugged into slots, unified memory is physically part of the processor package itself.
The RAM chips are mounted directly on the same substrate as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. This gives Apple Silicon incredible memory bandwidth (up to 800GB/s on the M4 Max) and power efficiency, but it means the memory literally cannot be separated from the processor.
This is fundamentally different from older Intel MacBooks where RAM was soldered to the logic board as a cost/design choice — with Apple Silicon, it’s an architectural necessity.
Alternatives When You Can’t Upgrade
External Thunderbolt/USB-C SSD: The fastest and most practical way to expand storage. A Thunderbolt 4 SSD delivers 2,800MB/s read speeds — fast enough for video editing directly from the external drive.
SD card semi-permanent storage: MacBook Pro 14″/16″ models have an SDXC card slot. A flush-fit 1TB SD card like the Samsung PRO Plus adds permanent storage that doesn’t stick out.
iCloud and cloud storage: Offload photos, documents, and old files to iCloud. The “Optimise Mac Storage” feature automatically manages local space.
Sell and rebuy: If you genuinely need more RAM, the only option is to sell your current MacBook and buy a new one with more memory. Apple’s resale values are strong, so the net cost may be less than you think.
Our Top Recommendations
Based on our testing and research, here are our top picks:
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD
Fast, rugged external SSD for expanding MacBook storage. USB-C with 1,050MB/s speeds. Perfect alternative when internal storage is full.
Price: ~£130-160
Check Price on Amazon UKSamsung PRO Plus 512GB SDXC Card
Flush-fit SD card for MacBook Pro 14″/16″ models. Add semi-permanent storage without any bulk. UHS-I V30 rated.
Price: ~£45-55
Check Price on Amazon UKOWC Aura Pro X2 1TB SSD (2013-2017 MacBook)
Aftermarket SSD for older MacBook Air/Pro Retina models with Apple proprietary connectors. Up to 3,200MB/s.
Price: ~£120-150
Check Price on Amazon UKFrequently Asked Questions
Is the SSD soldered on MacBook Air M3?
Yes. The MacBook Air M3 has its SSD storage soldered directly to the logic board. It cannot be upgraded, replaced, or expanded internally. Use an external USB-C SSD for additional storage.
Can I upgrade MacBook Pro M4 RAM from 16GB to 32GB?
No. The MacBook Pro M4 uses unified memory that is part of the processor package. RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase. You must select 16GB, 24GB, 32GB, or higher at the time of buying.
Which is the last MacBook with upgradeable RAM?
The mid-2012 MacBook Pro 13″ and 15″ Non-Retina models (A1278 and A1286) are the last MacBooks with standard SODIMM RAM slots. They can be upgraded to 16GB using standard DDR3L modules.
Can a repair shop upgrade soldered MacBook RAM?
In theory, microsoldering specialists can sometimes replace soldered NAND chips, but this is extremely risky, voids any warranty, and is not recommended. For Apple Silicon Macs with unified memory, it is physically impossible as the RAM is inside the chip package.
Should I buy 8GB or 16GB MacBook Air?
We strongly recommend 16GB for any MacBook purchased in 2024 or later. 8GB will feel constraining within 1-2 years, especially as macOS and apps become more memory-hungry. Since you cannot upgrade later, spending the extra £200 upfront is worthwhile.
Related Apple Upgrade Guides
- Can You Upgrade a MacBook? RAM, SSD & Storage Options by Model
- MacBook External Monitor Compatibility
- Apple MacBook Pro 15″ (2013)
- Apple Mac mini (2014)
- Apple MacBook Air 13″ (2017)
- Apple Upgrade Guide
Not sure what fits? Use our free Compatibility Checker covering 3,195+ models.
Helpful Guides
Final Thoughts
The era of upgradeable MacBooks is over. Every MacBook made since 2016 has soldered RAM and SSD that cannot be changed after purchase. The key lesson: buy more RAM and storage than you think you need today, because you’re stuck with it for the life of the machine. Use external storage for expansion and our compatibility checker to find the right accessories.
Find Your Perfect Upgrade
Use our free compatibility checker to find exactly the right RAM and SSD for your device.
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