MacBook storage and SSD upgrades
Storage on modern MacBooks is often soldered to the logic board, so upgrading it means board-level microsoldering rather than a simple drive swap. We confirm support for your exact MacBook, then perform the upgrade under microscope. Walk-in service in Revelstoke, BC, with mail-in service across Canada.
- 90-dayWarranty on every repair
- 1–4 weeksBoard-level & water-damage turnaround
- No fix, no feeon board-level work
Why MacBook storage upgrades are different
A MacBook storage upgrade isn't the same job as upgrading a desktop SSD, or even an older MacBook with a removable drive. Modern MacBooks store data on chips soldered into the logic board, and Apple Silicon Macs go a step further by pairing storage closely with the chip. The conversation has to start with your specific model.
Modern MacBooks aren't a simple SSD swap
Many newer MacBooks store data on chips soldered to the logic board — there's no caddy to open and no drive to slide out.
Some models need board-level NAND work
When storage is soldered or paired with the chip, upgrading means microsoldering: removing the original chips and installing higher-capacity replacements.
Not every MacBook can be upgraded
Support depends on the exact model, year and chip. We confirm your device first, then quote.
Apple Silicon is its own conversation
Apple Silicon Macs (M1–M4) tie storage closely to the chip. Upgrades here are advanced and confirmed case by case.
MacBook and Apple computer storage support
Storage upgrade support depends on the exact model, year and chip. These categories cover what we evaluate — none are a guarantee for your specific machine.
MacBook Air
Support varies by year, chip and board revision. Contact RevyTech to confirm your exact model.
MacBook Pro
From older Intel MacBook Pros with soldered SSDs to newer Apple Silicon models — support is model-specific.
Select Intel MacBooks
Intel-era MacBooks with soldered SSDs are common candidates for board-level storage upgrades on supported revisions.
Select Apple Silicon Macs
M1, M2, M3 and M4 MacBooks can be upgraded at the storage level on a case-by-case basis.
Mac mini
Some Mac mini generations can be discussed for board-level storage work — contact us to confirm your exact model.
iMac
Storage architecture varies significantly by year and chip — contact us to confirm your exact model.
When a MacBook storage upgrade pays off
More internal storage
Replace a soldered lower-capacity drive with a higher-capacity chip on supported models — actual on-device storage, not external.
Keep your current Mac longer
If the rest of the MacBook is healthy, a storage upgrade can extend its useful life by another year or several.
Avoid external drive dependence
Stop juggling external SSDs in your bag — files live on the boot drive instead of behind a USB-C cable.
Useful for creative work
Photo libraries and video projects grow fast — internal storage is the cleanest place to keep them.
Useful for development and large files
Container images, virtual machines and large datasets benefit from a larger internal SSD.
Cost-effective vs. replacing the Mac
On supported models, a storage upgrade is often a fraction of the cost of buying a new MacBook with a higher base configuration.
Our MacBook storage upgrade process
Diagnostic-first, model-specific and predictable from intake to return.
- Step 1
Confirm model, year & chip
We confirm the MacBook's exact identity so support is checked against the right board revision.
- Step 2
Discuss target capacity
We discuss your target capacity — for example, 256GB to 1TB — and what's realistic for your specific MacBook.
- Step 3
Backup & data preparation
A Time Machine or verified clone backup before any storage work begins. The upgrade may require a restore that erases data.
- Step 4
Board-level storage work
On soldered or onboard storage, the work happens under microscope — desolder, install higher-capacity chips, reflow.
- Step 5
Restore & configuration
macOS is reinstalled onto the new storage and your data restored from backup. Board-level configuration follows where required.
- Step 6
Testing & verification
We verify the MacBook boots, recognizes the new capacity, runs functional tests, and operates as expected before return.
Back up before any storage upgrade
Some procedures require an erase and restore
Data on the MacBook should be backed up before any storage upgrade. Depending on the procedure, the upgrade may require erasing the device and restoring from backup once the new storage is in place. We don't promise data preservation on a MacBook storage upgrade.
If the MacBook is already failing and you can't back up, that's a different service — see our board-level data recovery page.
What to know before you book
Storage upgrades on modern MacBooks are advanced board-level work.
Realistic limits
- Advanced board-level procedure — soldered or onboard storage is not a routine part swap.
- Not available on every MacBook model; support is confirmed per device.
- Storage speed and configuration may vary by model and chip generation.
- Prior liquid damage or board damage can affect eligibility for a storage upgrade.
- Manufacturer water resistance is not guaranteed after a device has been opened.
- Apple doesn't endorse third-party storage upgrades; future Apple service on the modified board isn't guaranteed.
Pricing, turnaround and warranty
No fix, no fee
Board-level work is no repair, no fee: if we can't fix it, you pay nothing. On mail-in repairs, shipping costs still apply. A simple repair quote by phone or email costs nothing. You always see the quote before we start any repair work.
Turnaround
Board-level work, water damage and severe damage take 1–4 weeks, depending on severity and parts availability. We will tell you where your repair sits in that range once the board has been diagnosed.
Warranty
90-day warranty on every repair — longer on screens and batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about this repair.
Can MacBook storage be upgraded?
On supported models, yes. Older MacBooks with removable SSD modules can have storage swapped through a regular replacement — SSD upgrades typically take 1–2 days once the parts arrive. Many newer MacBooks have soldered or onboard storage that requires board-level work to upgrade instead, which follows the board-level turnaround. Whether your MacBook can be upgraded depends on the exact model, year and chip — contact RevyTech with your details before you book.
Can Apple Silicon MacBook storage be upgraded?
Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1–M4) handle storage differently than Intel MacBooks — the SSD is closely paired with the chip and the system identifies its storage at a low level. Apple Silicon storage upgrades are advanced and support is model-dependent. We don't claim every Apple Silicon Mac can be upgraded — contact RevyTech to confirm yours first.
Is this the same as replacing a normal SSD?
No. On older Macs with removable SSD modules, storage replacement is a routine part swap — SSD upgrades typically take 1–2 days once the parts arrive. On modern MacBooks with soldered or onboard SSD, storage is part of the logic board itself, and upgrading it requires microsoldering and board-level configuration, which follows the board-level turnaround instead.
Will my MacBook data be erased?
It can be. A storage upgrade replaces the storage hardware, and depending on the procedure, the upgrade may require an erase and restore. We recommend a verified Time Machine or clone backup before any upgrade work, and we don't promise data preservation.
What MacBook models are supported?
Support depends on the exact model, year, EMC number and chip generation. We don't publish a static supported-models list because storage architecture and board layouts change between revisions. Send us your MacBook's model and year — or its EMC number from "About This Mac" — and we'll confirm whether an upgrade is supported.
Can I upgrade an M1, M2, M3 or M4 MacBook?
Sometimes. Apple Silicon MacBooks can be upgraded at the storage level on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific model, board revision and what NAND chips are available for that footprint. Contact RevyTech with your exact model and target capacity and we'll confirm what's realistic.
Do you offer mail-in MacBook storage upgrades?
Yes, from anywhere in Canada. Contact us first so we can confirm support for your model, then start a mail-in request — approved requests get a prepaid Canada Post shipping label. See our mail-in microsoldering page for full guidance.
Tell us what your device is doing.
Send us the model and the symptoms, and we'll follow up with next steps. No repair, no fee on board-level work.