Upgrading an M1 MacBook Air to 2TB! - SSD Storage Upgrade

Mail-In Service now available! vancouvermac.ca/mail-in-macbo...
Vancouver Mac Service Centre demonstrates an upgrade for a client's MacBook Air to 2TB! The process is very similar for both MacBook Air A2337 and MacBook Pro A2338. For newer MacBook models, including M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 and M3, the process follows similar steps.
While SSD upgrades are not simple on modern MacBook models, they have become slightly easier on the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro due ability for the NAND configuration to be reprogrammed through DFU mode.
For more information about the procedure, view the blog post at vancouvermac.ca/repair/macboo...
Vancouver Mac Service Centre (vancouvermac.ca) specializes in fixing MacBook laptops, providing affordable, professional and quick service to the Greater Vancouver Area. We offer free diagnostics and flat rate pricing for a wide range of computer repair services, from logic board repair to LCD replacement.

[@DogBlessGeesus]

Difficulty Level = Brain Surgeon Meanwhile I just upgraded my PS5 to 2TB by unscrewing one screw and plugging it in.

[@sirrcharles1869]

😂😅

[@drdj69]

meanwhile i plugged it in usb

[@MrDomonin]

Back in my day, I was called a computer genius for doing that.

[@Tatar_Piano]

Nah, this one is fairly easy, reballing last gen iphone soc is way harder

[@samiulislamsharan]

far easier than working on an iPhone lol

[@untitled3923]

the amount of bravery this required the first time im sure was unreal

[@rodster44]

Apple solders SSD storage, and it's 100% about profit margin. To do this on a laptop is a terrible idea, but to do it with desktop Macs is unforgivable. Shame on you Apple.

[@ruhri0411]

100%? More like 800%! Take the Surface from Microsoft as a comparison, where the owner can replace the SSD himself. A 2230 SSD with 256 GB costs about $ 40, a fast 2TB 2230 NVME SSD about $ 200. These are normal consumer prices, Apple certainly only pays half for the Nand SSDs they install in their Macs. They charge an outrageous $800 for an upgrade that doesn't even cost them $100! The only hope for all Apple users is that with Windows on Arm (Snapdragon X Elite) laptops come onto the market where the user can swap the SSD themselves, then Apple's madness could fail. If they charged $100 for each step of the upgrade, they would still make incredible amounts of money. Buyers would still take more upgrades to have better devices and Apple would sell more Macs. This greed is unbelievable!

[@LoneRiderz]

Makes it difficult to gain corporate sales. My organisation requires the storage to be removable.

[@xuxon24]

Seeing this video is huge propaganda in favor of right to repair. You shouldn't need to do brain surgery to change the storage on a laptop.

[@freezy2755]

Welll the desktop macs are based on the same soc architecture so it’s not going to be any different, it would be a waste of money for Apple to make new logic boards when they can use the same laptop ones

[@hassambinhassan4446]

Simply don't buy, they will get a lesson. People are buying and they are in profit so they don't care

[@PeterisSudakovs]

Looks too complicated for the average apple genius bar worker 😂

[@brianfeuerman1732]

It’s a bit complicated for anyone without a degree in computer or electrical engineering… Maybe not that far, but you need some serious technical knowledge to pull this off considering it’s all soldered.

[@AkramSays]

Bro Apple worker were not able to answer when we asked what's the difference between the iPhone 15 and the 15 Pro They just said Pro has three cameras, they're absolutely clueless

[@falkenvir]

​@brianfeuerman1732 no need for degree, it takes skill, experience, and steady hands.

[@Mr.Mzungu]

​@@AkramSaysbro, one is Pro other isn't.

[@MrSkfk]

😂😂😂

[@tguh]

The way you put happy tunes as a backsound really makes it like something that can I do for 20 minutes on Saturday evening 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@phreshnphunky]

I’m actually glad I saw this. Y’all being local means I can have my m1 air serviced by y’all when it needs it! Thanks for posting this!

[@vancouvermac]

Thank you for the support :)

[@lookmanseedat]

How much did it cost?

[@dante192B]

Did you get it done? We need updates. Who is it. Did you go with the 1TB or 2

[@7hx89]

Even the dosdude guy did this. Hope this upgrade is getting more popular.

[@huuhoangmanh685]

i have to be honest that i really love mac computers thanks to its popularity,  silicon advantages, maintaining high value better than windows laptops, and so on, so don't iphone and ipad i have been using them for yearbut soldering RAM and SSD keeps me keep going for windows laptop for much longer, i think not just about soldering SSD on mac mainboard but  charges you lots of money (you have to spend 200 bucks for 512gb from 256gb' just for SSD and RAM upgrades, whereas buying m.2 nvme SSDs for windows computers storage upgrade (or replacement/building PCs) are significantly inexpensive while you have larger storage, faster read/write speed (for example, just one NAND SSD such as WD PC SN740 (all models even 2TB max option) but it gets 5000/4000 MB/s as opposed to 1500/1300 (or lower) baseline m2 macbook air also one NAND, and finally  listened to customers by reusing 2 128gb NANDs like m1 macbook air so it is at least faster but not as fast as SN740)), and extended endurance. i don't think  SSDs no matter what storage options, may have long endurance enough, because seeing many macbook SSD fails too quickly i'm speechless 😕. even mac studio has removable SSD but because of their stupid parts pairing it prevents you from swapping to larger one, mac pro does have upgradeable SSDs but they are proprietary, and they even charge you even more massive than from macbooks. that's why  stock has been going down for recent months, letting microsoft and nvidia and other big tech companies surpass  🐧. personally even storing documents and files on cloud i don't have confidence as if their data centers get some issues, aren't datas affected too, or other options such as storing files to external drive, but i'm not always bringing it for work nor long period use as it feels unconvenient unless for emergency

[@HabitusHealthTO]

Never thought it was possible til now!!

[@omarcortes5754]

I had one of those macbooks with swappable parts (2013, 2015 not sure). Miss those times for apple computers.

[@meetankush]

The last user upgradable RAM Macbook was 2012, and upgradable SSD Macbook was 2017. In 2016, they switched to even more unconventional PCIe connector. So, you are right because technically, last readily available SSDs for Macbooks were 2015.

[@rapidlapse]

Apple marketing department is crying in the corner after seeing that you only ever buy the base 128GB model and DIY it to 2TB 😂😂😂

[@adampanak9782]

it might be more expensive than buying new logic board, lol. (amount of labour used)

[@ItsShaggy3]

Until there's a new software upgrade that bricks the Laptop if you do that.

[@Dan-pr5fd]

looking forward to see more similar content bro. awesome!

[@abelmartins3024]

A new subscriber earned, congrats. Looking forward to more videos like this one. Best of luck

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

This is really impressive to see. I am surprised by how much heat the semi conductors can withstand. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryanlawrence3690]

You, my sir, are a very brave man..

[@alenobyl7127]

Most important question: "Where to get the NAND Chips?"

[@That1GGuy]

That’s what I was thinking. Maybe from a busted MacBook?

[@jamesbrendan5170]

thank you for the video! you make the upgrade look easy! I hope to be able to learn your arts one day! do you have any good resources to start with!

[@shibafinsoup]

5:15 so satisfying... 🥺

[@vanakornsirijongprasert1726]

love the music 🤗

[@Tony-xc5sk]

It's no Rossmann rant video but it gets a thumbs up.

[@onlyvik]

Excellent work!

[@akasthurirangan]

Inspiring craft . kudos. keep doing. sharing.

[@mhmmddffnsyh]

A new hope!

[@janm.4496]

oh damn thats so much effort.

[@usercurious]

The endeavor is impressive , BTW I liked the music any links plz

[@Neganur]

I will never understand why people use desoldering braid right out of the roll. All the flux disappears a good portion up on the roll due to the heat conducting. Should pre-cut strips with a side cutter instead, can hold it with tweezers while soldering.

[@_MJ07_]

I couldnt agree more, although for little jobs I still do it because I can't be bothered haha.

[@GadgetMonkeys]

That’s amazing talent. Wow 🤩

[@Chivoyage]

Surface pro 9 - pushed open the magnetic SSD lid, unscrewed and pulled out the old SSD and vice-versa with the new. 5 minutes total including adding some thermal paste.

[@IhorPushkar]

What temperature do you use for heat gun to remove the nands solder them back ?

[@imamsyahputra6280]

Jago kali ah!!!! Manyala abangkuhhhh....

[@user-dh8bg9fc8v]

appreciated thank you

[@xaratemplate]

Can this be done for the macbook pro m1? Also how about upgrading ram?

[@stellino83]

Good morning, what temperature is the air speed did you use to remove?

[@ernieg]

prob adds up to the same price after you pay for this service. but great job. can you do it on a macbookpro ? what about RAM ?

[@jerryx2000]

Is this a good beginner tutorial?

[@user-dh8bg9fc8v]

How expensive is the equipment for this operation?

[@rismawanYT]

Is it possible to upgrade the RAM module? I see some people show the location on the m1 processor slot but none show how to change it

[@wprivera]

Very Nice!

[@cavlo8029]

Didn’t realize you could format the NAND in the computer like that!

[@herrwarmduscher5204]

Can this be done with RAM as well? Can you upgrade and Air to 32GB or 64GB?

[@Ashkevron]

Cool, just so cool 😎

[@userre85]

Where do you source these ssd modules from. Other dead macs?

[@Cancelebii]

Did you plug the nand into the macbook without programming it?

[@mediterrenean]

why your ssd upgrade service is only available for M1 MacBook Air?

[@doctorwilly]

what are the model# & specs of the new NAND?

[@Heythisismychannel]

could you do this to my m2 air, also is it possible to upgrade the ram?

[@choilive]

Can you guys do this for an M1 Mac mini?

[@floridahummer]

hi from the UK, fantastic jobmine is 1 TB but 2TB would be ideal

[@rohitramr2628]

Can we do the same with Mac mini ?

[@andreykachur3827]

Отличная работа! Интересно сколько стоит такая замена?

[@joshuaahn8262]

Can you upgrade the Macbook m1 ram?

[@mohitagar1]

Is it possible to upgrade RAM similarly?

[@cachidril]

how do you know the exact position of the new nands?

[@Edu_987]

Steve jobs must Be so proud and happy 😂

[@yordanmilchev8706]

Learning that we have Apple Configurator that can do that is great

[@osamanashwan]

Is it reliable in the long term? Does it crash or break?

[@friends788]

well as an 10 years old technician i could say that this looks simple for me but i understand what kind of hardship he endured to reach this level. bravo

[@alku3842]

Is this also possible for M2 Air?

[@torbenmayer]

It's actually funny that in the MacBook the NAND isn't tied to the mainboard (in contrast to the studio where it is just plugged into a slot), since Apple didn't think someone would actually perform this. The better question now is, if this actually is viable (aka cheaper) than the price Apple takes. Probably when you upgrade from the base line NAND to the highest possible it will be. I guess for one step that apple charges at 200 or so dollar, the labour here would be more expensive. Maybe this can now be paired with some dead MacBooks. If you find a dead one with a working NAND and high capacity, it might even be viable to re-use these instead of getting new ones - however I don't know what the prices are there.

[@_MJ07_]

Way cheaper. I have found a 4TB Nand for £189. This would be £1200 through apple.

[@suli687]

@@_MJ07_ 189 for a 4tb nand chip? where is it??

[@LuisHinojosa]

what is the aprox cost for this upgrade?

[@thespencerowen]

Wow what a great video. Whats your video setup? You were able to get great angles.

[@vancouvermac]

Thank you! I use a BMPCC 6k Pro (purchased for video production jobs, not this 😆) and a tripod with a 90° column for overhead shots

[@devildees7861]

How much you charge for it and is its service available in India

[@trainyourbrain4420]

I own a small shop and this types of upgrades were first done on iphone boards. Now apple decided its a good idea to solder ssd instead of make it removable. More biz for us 🎉

[@TheGoodGuy890]

Is it easy?

[@trainyourbrain4420]

@TheGoodGuy890 i have done it on iphones (which are harder compared to macs). Once you practice it comes easy, but I've broken many iphones on order to learn 😅

[@TheGoodGuy890]

@@trainyourbrain4420 oh shoot, I really wanna upgrade my MacBook 😭😭

[@vishalnp26]

What, I thought this channel would have least 100k subs

[@beaudanner]

Are the chips as fast? 🤔

[@KyleKlabunde]

Looks like something I need to have done once my Macbook leaves warranty.

[@ekkirizkiramadhan3553]

How about upgrading the ram?

[@fademan]

I wish to have service like this in UK

[@peterellis8207]

They would be one migrant many MacBook owners would like to see settle in this country👍🏼🇬🇧

[@feliwein_cc]

my toxic trait is thinking i could do this myself lmao, this chips have to match capacity? both have to be replaced? my m1's disk health is at 44% so i think i will have to try regardless whats the music btw? couldnt shazam it

[@Quraishy]

Why do you keep applying and removing the solder?

[@nubcake7637]

Wow I just checked out your site. When you replace screens do you also restore true tone?

[@vancouvermac]

Yes, the preferred method is LCD-only replacement because it allows for the light sensor to be re-used which preserves True Tone.

[@M_R_H_Rokib]

Is it possible to upgrade RAM?

[@benjaminhur3701]

wow unbelievable

[@hoangobito5128]

you are very good

[@R1D3R_]

From where can I buy the ssd ?

[@chilanhac]

Hello, I'm from Vietnam, but I want to upgrade my Macbook Air from 256GB to 1TB SSD. How can I shipping my laptop for you? Thankyou!

[@carlosvaras7976]

Genius

[@el_tate]

the new SSD write and read speeds are the SAME? doubt

[@wlcrutch]

Will this void my warranty??

[@flargosa]

how much is this service vs buying a mac with 2tb ssd?

[@8bviews91]

Can you tell what would be the cost ????

[@arihkm]

does it work with the m2 air?

[@racecarjonny8460]

I wish someone could come up with a way to upgrade the Ram as well.

[@portfoliocollection8072]

so how much it costs ?

[@guille3330]

How much cost the upgrade? , can I send the laptop to you?

[@tronewsky2]

This is incredible! How much does it cost to upgrade RAM and SSD?

[@vancouvermac]

Please contact for pricing! Currently, I cannot perform the RAM upgrade but SSD upgrades can definitely be done :)

[@everythingpony]

You can't or no one can do ram upgrade?​@@vancouvermac

[@matzepeng9202]

@@everythingpony No one can - the RAM is in the M1-Chip.

[@vancouvermac]

@@everythingpony I think some people can experimentally. The RAM is on top of the M1 chip. It is just risky so it will probably never be economical. Also, the maximum RAM limit is not very high at 16GB

[@chhabramohit]

That looks fun to watch and impossible to do

[@stitchbiatch3715]

Magic!

[@pascalmusabyimana8245]

How much do you guys ask ?

[@wassimmehanna4402]

i got a macbook pro m1 14". i was wondering if you are able to do the same thing for rams. My understanding is that ram is soldered into the cpu chip. so is that feasible ?

[@vancouvermac]

Yes, unfortunately the RAM is soldered directly onto the CPU which makes the soldering job risky. More crucially it is very difficult to get replacement RAM.

[@wassimmehanna4402]

@@vancouvermac what about doing cpu replacement ? iv'e seen gpu reballing technics videos, I'm unsure if that also works. thank you!

[@MooreAJr2012]

🔥🔥🔥

[@1xXNimrodXx1]

Wow thats so innovative and easy like all apple products.

[@vk-fb4ox]

Cool

[@BSingh-on4qr]

Respect that they charge CA$400 for 1TB, CA$500 for 2tb. Pretty reasonable for this job and specific storage type compared to apple's prices

[@ngoclongo2472]

I'm 1000 , Congratulations

[@vancouvermac]

Thank you!!

[@OmPuter]

looks scary I will never be able to do it

[@rudranshupratik1655]

Can you please upgrade mine? My mac is 5 months old

[@NERO-ez1mn]

what hot air station did you use?

[@JaredFL]

will this work with a frying pan and scissors

[@0thanh010]

Apple🍎: No... It's illegal...

[@akhil6095]

It's like watching engineering p*rn😂 Btw why do you apply solder and then remove it again? Is it some kind of cleaning process?