SSD Upgrades for Apple Silicon Macs
Can I upgrade the SSD in my Apple Silicon Mac?
Apple Silicon Macs does not officially supports internal SSD upgrades. Apple either solders the storage chips to the logic board or uses proprietary modules, making upgrades difficult. Still, third-party repair shops and tech enthusiasts have discovered workarounds for some models. Recent developments in 2024–2025 have improved options for advanced users willing to explore unofficial methods.
Which Apple Silicon Mac models are upgradeable via third-party SSD solutions?
MacBook Air / MacBook Pro (M1/M2/M3)
These laptops have soldered SSD chips, so internal upgrades are essentially impossible for most users. Some expert-level repair shops—mainly in China—have demonstrated NAND chip replacements via microsoldering, but this method is extremely risky and not recommended for typical users. High-speed external SSDs over Thunderbolt are the best alternative.
Mac mini
The M1 and M2 Mac mini models also had soldered storage. However, the 2024 Mac mini (with M3 or M4 chips) introduced a removable SSD module. While the modules are proprietary, users can replace them using Apple Configurator to reinitialize the Mac after the swap. This makes the 2024 Mac mini the first modern Apple desktop to allow semi-official SSD swaps—if compatible modules can be sourced.
Mac Studio
All Mac Studio models (M1/M2 Max/Ultra) have removable proprietary SSD modules. They’re hard to access and initially had firmware blocks, but third-party users discovered that DFU restore using Apple Configurator lets the system recognize new drives. By 2025, a company named Polysoft began producing Studio-compatible SSD modules, providing a real third-party upgrade path.
Mac Pro (2023 Apple Silicon)
This is the only model where Apple offers official SSD kits. The SSDs are modular but encrypted, so generic replacements won’t work. However, the Mac Pro supports internal expansion via SATA and PCIe, so users can add large volumes of third-party storage—just not replace the boot SSD with non-Apple hardware.
What recent changes or tools have made these upgrades more feasible?
Apple Configurator is key: it allows DFU restores that “pair” new SSD modules with the Secure Enclave. This software trick enabled storage upgrades in the Mac mini and Mac Studio. Hardware breakthroughs—like Polysoft’s aftermarket SSD boards—have also made SSD swaps realistic for power users, offering modules at lower prices than Apple’s original parts.
What are the limitations or risks involved?
- Complexity: Upgrading requires disassembly and sometimes microsoldering.
- Data Loss: All upgrades require a DFU restore, which wipes the machine.
- Compatibility: SSD modules must be Apple-made or engineered to match Apple specs.
- Cost: While cheaper than Apple’s upgrade fees, third-party modules still cost hundreds.
Should I just use an external SSD?
Yes, for most users. Thunderbolt external SSDs are fast, widely available, and risk-free. They’re ideal for storage expansion without the technical complexity or risk of internal SSD swaps. The newest M4 models offer Thunderbolt 5 which is at least 2x the speed of Thunderbolt 4. However these enclosures currently have a premium.