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SSD for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro: compatibility, year by year
Up to 2017, the SSD in most MacBooks can be replaced. But each generation has its own format: the SSD from a 2012 MacBook Air does not fit a 2015 MacBook Air. Here, model by model, is the SSD that fits and what you can fit instead.
First, find your Mac's model number
The model number (A1466, A1502, A1708…) is engraved on the underside of the case. Together with the year, it tells you exactly which SSD fits. The year alone is not always enough: several generations kept the same number.
MacBook Air
| Model | Years | SSD type | What fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 11" and 13" (A1370, A1369) | Late 2010-2011 | Apple SSD, 2010-2011 format | Original 2010-2011 SSD or M.2 SATA SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Air 11" and 13" (A1465, A1466) | 2012 | Apple SATA SSD, 2012 format | Original 2012 SSD or M.2 NGFF SATA SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Air 11" and 13" (A1465, A1466) | 2013-2017 | Apple PCIe SSD, 2013-2017 format | Original SSD, compatible SSD, or M.2 NVMe SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Air Retina and Apple Silicon (A1932, A2179, A2337 and later) | Since 2018 | Soldered to the logic board | Cannot be replaced: use an external SSD |
MacBook Pro
| Model | Years | SSD type | What fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro Unibody 13", 15", 17" (A1278, A1286, A1297) | 2008-2012 | Standard 2.5-inch SATA drive | Any 2.5-inch SATA SSD |
| MacBook Pro Retina 13" and 15" (A1425, A1398) | Mid-2012 to early 2013 | Apple SATA SSD, 2012-2013 format | Original 2012-2013 SSD or mSATA SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Pro Retina 13" and 15" (A1502, A1398) | Late 2013-2015 | Apple PCIe SSD, 2013-2017 format | The same as the 2013-2017 MacBook Air: original SSD, compatible SSD, or M.2 NVMe SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Pro 13" two ports, no Touch Bar (A1708) | 2016-2017 | Apple PCIe SSD specific to this model | Original A1708 SSD or M.2 NVMe 2242 SSD with adapter |
| MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (A1706, A1707) and all later models | Since 2016 | Soldered to the logic board | Cannot be replaced: use an external SSD |
The 12-inch MacBook (A1534, 2015-2017) also has a soldered SSD.
Original SSD, compatible SSD or NVMe with adapter?
- Original Apple SSD: it fits with no changes and works with every version of macOS the Mac supports. It is the safest choice, especially in 128 or 256 GB.
- Compatible SSD: same format as the original, fitted the same way, and lets you go higher in capacity, up to 2 TB on 2013-2017 models.
- Standard M.2 NVMe SSD with adapter: the cheapest option per gigabyte. It needs macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, installed before you change the SSD on 2013-2015 models (the Mac must have received its firmware update).
What to do when you make the change
- Back up the Mac with Time Machine to an external drive.
- On a 2013-2015 MacBook that will get an NVMe SSD: first install macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later on the old SSD.
- Replace the SSD. On MacBook Air and Retina models: pentalobe P5 screwdriver for the case, Torx T5 for the SSD screw.
- Start up in Internet Recovery mode, format the new SSD as APFS in Disk Utility, then reinstall macOS or restore the backup.
- NVMe SSD in a 2013-2015 MacBook: the firmware that blocks everything
- Full SSD: moving to a bigger drive on a Mac
- Reinstalling macOS over the Internet
- SSD not recognised by your Mac? APFS vs HFS+ explained
- Finding your Mac's model number (A####)
Frequently asked questions
Can you change the SSD in a MacBook Air M1 or M2?
No. Since 2018, MacBook Air storage has been soldered to the logic board. To get more space, you need an external SSD.
Does the SSD from a 2012 MacBook Air fit a 2012 MacBook Pro Retina?
No. The two connectors look alike, but the length and format differ: each range has its own SSD.
My 2015 MacBook Pro does not see its new NVMe SSD. Why?
Most often, the Mac has not received the firmware update that comes with macOS 10.13 High Sierra. Put the old SSD back, install High Sierra or later, then try again.
What is the maximum capacity for a 2013-2017 MacBook Air?
Apple sold them with up to 512 GB. With a compatible SSD or an NVMe on an adapter, you can go up to 2 TB.
