Do you want to turn your older Mac OS X into a new high-performing, versatile macOS device that runs optimally? Are you excited to run the latest apps like Fusion and Handoff on your new device? If yes, you are in the right place. Apple has slimmed down its MacBook lineup, due to which the accessibility and repairability suffered.
Even if you own a newer MacBook, but are disappointed with the fewer upgrade features, then here’s the list of things that you can do to upgrade your Mac. Before you begin the upgrade process, you need to determine if your system is upgradable or not since there are quite a few different options.
- You can upgrade the RAM, screen, battery, trackpad, hard drive, speakers, and fans of the older plastic models with a white body.
- MacBook 2017 and newer versions can be upgraded in terms of the fan, speakers, and battery.
If you are upgrading the MacBook Air :
- 2018 and later models do not allow upgrades
- 2017 model allows upgrades to solid-state drives (SSDs)
- 2010 to 2015 models allow upgrades to fans, battery, SSDs, speakers, and trackpads
If you are upgrading the MacBook Pro:
- The models between 2012 and 2019 can be upgraded with RAM, battery, hard drive, fan, and speakers.
- MacBook Pro Retina model 2012 till 2015 allows upgrading the batteries, SSDs, speakers, and fan.
- 15″ MacBook Pro 2016 till 2019 allows upgrade to the battery, trackpads, and displays
- 13-inch 2016 models can be upgraded with display, battery, and trackpad
- 13-inch 2017 Macbook Pro can be upgraded with a new display
- 2018 MacBook Pro 13-inch model is not upgradable
If you wish to upgrade iMac desktops, models between 2015 and 2017 with 21.5 and 27-inch displays can be upgraded with RAM, display, fans, and speakers.
Mac Minis 2010 to 2014 models can be upgraded with RAM, SSD, and fans, while 2018 models allow upgrading fans and RAM only.
If you are upgrading Mac Pro, you can upgrade almost every single component in 2013 and previous models, including RAM and SSD.
Having multiple upgrade options doesn’t mean that you can start disassembling your device right off. If you do so, you must understand that any sort of tampering may result in voiding Apple’s warranty.
It is recommended not to attempt any upgrades while your device is under warranty as you won’t be able to claim anything if something goes wrong. To check out if your MacBook is under warranty period, you may try the following steps.
- Click on the Apple menu and then tap About This Mac
- Copy the Serial Number and visit checkcoverage.apple.com
- Paste the Serial Number, enter Captcha and click Continue
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How to Upgrade MacBook Pro RAM?
Sometimes you need to upgrade SSD and RAM to make your system eligible for updating to the latest macOS. Knowing more about the topic will help you upgrade your system appropriately.
A RAM upgrade is something that every second Mac user wants to execute, no matter if the MacBook Pro is an older or the latest one. RAM tends to fill up faster than you might have thought during the purchase.
Users find it easier to upgrade RAM than any other Mac components, and hence they prefer doing it on their own without any professional help. Here’s an overview of the procedure to upgrade RAM in MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air.
- Buy sufficient RAM and the right RAM type such as DDR3 1600 MHz for your Mac device
- Shut down and switch off your laptop
- Unscrew the back panel and remove it
- Locate the RAM and release the small tabs that keep the RAM in place using both hands
- Next, take out the old RAM and place the upgraded RAM correctly
For upgrading RAM in iMac, follow the given procedure
- Press the RAM slot release button carefully
- Remove the RAM slot cover gently
- Next, release tiny tabs that hold down the RAM modules
- Replace the older RAM with the new one
For Mac Pro, RAM upgrade is simple and takes no time. Follow the given process to execute the upgrade.
- Turn off the tower case and use the lever for removing the side panel
- Search for the RAM module and take it out
- Next, release the small tabs to replace the older RAM and then return the module to the actual place
Mac mini users might find it difficult to upgrade RAM as they will need a screwdriver, a blade, and concentration to complete the procedure.
- Adjust the blade between the top and bottom cases and try to separate them across all four sides
- Lift the top cover and then remove the AirPort as well as two Bluetooth antennas
- Using a screwdriver, remove the tiny screws of the internal frame
- Locate the RAM slot and slightly push the tabs to release the modules
- Replace the older RAM with the newer one
- Last, reverse the process to reassemble your device properly
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.
