To replace it with a brand new 16-inch MacBook Pro means spending at least $2,399 and it’ll be even pricier once I customize it with more storage space. I also don’t like to discard things that are still useful if I can make them work better. If you’re like me, you’re interested in maximizing your hardware investment as much as possible. I thought I was planning ahead when I got this computer to order it with 512GB of spac.e But I’ve simply outgrown it, and trying to pare it down from here is more trouble than it’s worth. I’m using an array of virtual machines whose host apps have their own prodigious storage needs. I’m running much bigger app installations than I used to. The only problem is that my software needs have changed. It’s been my faithful daily driver for years, still performing well and running modern software. Of all the Mac laptops I’ve owned over the years, the one that approached my platonic ideal was the mid-2015 Retina MacBook Pro. These instructions are not applicable for MacBook Pros not listed here. MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015).MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014).

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013).

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013).

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012).

The same basic procedure applies to many MacBook Pro models. Our specific donor model for this is a Mid 2015 Retina MacBook Pro (The model ID is MacBookPro11,5). But the Retina MacBook Pro series is different, because Apple opted for a series of mSATA-based blade-style SSDs, but ones that use Apple’s own connection. Older MacBook Pros can be disassembled and Serial ATA (SATA)-based SSDs designed to replace laptop hard drives are a dime a dozen these days. Troubleshooting Which 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros are upgradable? Which 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro can you upgrade If you’re a do it yourselfer and you have the time and patience, it’s possible to upgrade the SSD on these models, provided you have the right tools, the right space to work, and whatever amount of time you need. Over time data sets multiply, applications bloat, and the goalposts change. Both 15 and 13-inch models sported dramatically higher resolution displays and a slimmer design that eschewed both a Superdrive and a spinning hard drives, instead providing a Solid State Drive (SSD) for internal storage. In 2012 Apple made a fundamental shift in the MacBook Pro line, introducing for the first time the Retina MacBook Pro series. This tutorial will walk you through the Retina MacBook Pro SSD upgrade process.

Running out of space on your Retina MacBook Pro? Depending on the model, it’s possible to upgrade your internal storage with a larger SSD.

Ssd hard drive for macbook pro 2012