Apple is one of the best-known companies in the world. On top of that, it is also the world’s second most valuable company, which is no easy feat to achieve. They specialize primarily in their iPhone line and Mac computers, though they make many more things than just those.
Speaking of the Mac computers, as of the first quarter of 2022, Apple’s computers took 8.9 percent of the global market. Compared to the other players, this doesn’t put them at the top. Still, the difference is that Apple operates with premium products and only a few models each year. Considering that, their market share is quite impressive, I’d say.
Looking at their MacBook, people wonder about one thing when comparing them to laptops that run Windows. Whether they can be upgraded – their storage in particular? If you’re looking for how to add more storage to MacBook Pro, this article will answer all the questions that you have. So let’s get into it.
Do you have a particular question about adding more storage to Macbook Pro? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Can you upgrade storage on MacBook Pro?
Whether you can add storage to MacBook Pro depends on the exact model you have and the year that it was released in.
Some MacBooks use regular SSDs like most newer computers on the market do. Because of this, it is very easy for you to replace or upgrade Mac storage without much of a headache.
However, some MacBooks, particularly the newer ones, use flash storage, similar to what a smartphone uses. As a result, you can’t upgrade them by yourself.
Suppose you have the MacBook Pro Retina model made in 2015 or earlier. In that case, you won’t have any issues when you try to increase MacBook Pro storage. The same applies if you have a non-Retina MacBook Pro made in 2016 or earlier.
Can you add external storage to MacBook?
You’ll be glad to know that regardless of which MacBook Pro model you have, as long as it has a regular USB or USB-C port, nothing is stopping you from buying more storage for MacBook Pro by using external storage.
Of course, external drives are not as convenient as having them baked right into your computer, as it means you have to carry an extra thing around with you.
However, this option is available, and the good thing is its versatility. This will give you a great and fast way to transfer some of your files from one computer to another. In addition, you can get external drives as large as 10 terabytes, which provides you with a lot of options.
MacBook Pro Storage Options
If you have a MacBook Pro, you have quite a few options to consider if you’re looking for ways to get more storage for MacBook Pro. Especially if it is one of the models that aren’t compatible with a storage upgrade.
I’ve put some of the options into the sections below so that you can take a look at which one is best for you.
Internal Storage Upgrade
For the compatible models mentioned earlier, which are MacBook Pros including or earlier than the 2015 Retina model and the 2016 non-Retina model, you will have no problem cracking them open and doing a MacBook storage upgrade with a shiny and bigger new drive.
External Storage Drives
External drives are an excellent option for their compatibility with any kind of device, as long as they have a compatible port. For example, if you buy an external drive to increase Mac storage. You will be able to use it on other devices, whether a Windows PC or even your game consoles.
Plus, you have a wider selection of storage sizes with external drives.
Cloud Storage
Many of us are very familiar with cloud storage, and it needs to be mentioned as one of the best options for you if you have a MacBook Pro add storage. One of the things that makes cloud storage great is that it is accessible from anywhere. You won’t have issues accessing it even if your MacBook stops working.
The downside to this is that accessing cloud storage is dependent on your internet connection. In a place with no service, you simply can’t get to it!
Network Storage
Network storage isn’t one of the first methods that come to people’s minds when looking for a way to expand the memory on MacBook Pro.
This is usually achieved by setting up another computer and connecting to it over a wired network connection. This will provide you with another way to store files that is quite convenient once you go through the trouble of setting it up.
The only thing is that you can only use network storage when you’re on the same network. So the moment you go outside, you won’t be able to access those files anymore.
How to increase storage on MacBook Pro?
I will tell you things as specific as possible if you’re looking for exactly how to add more storage to MacBook Pro.
Using an External Drive
Buying more storage for MacBook Pro doesn’t get easier than when you choose to use an external drive. You really need to buy the drive of your choice, which you can easily do online, and then plug it in once it comes. You may need to initialize it the first time, but your OS will guide you through that if it’s needed.
Using an SD Card
The MacBook Pro models from 2011 to 2015, as well as those from 2021 up until now, have SD card slots at their right side. This is another straightforward way to expand your storage, especially considering they now come in sizes of up to 1TB, which is not shabby by any standard. This gives you a highly portable means to add storage to MacBook Pro without too much stress.
Using Cloud Storage
Using Apple’s very own iCloud service is the cleanest and most convenient way to use cloud storage on your MacBook, especially as this can carry over to your other Apple devices.
iCloud has plans of up to 2TB of storage, which gives you a pretty great way to get more storage for MacBook Pro that can be accessed from pretty much anywhere. Just make sure that you have a solid internet connection.
What storage should I get for MacBook Pro?
If you’re looking to upgrade Mac storage, but you don’t know which kind to get, there’s no absolute winner among the options. It really depends on exactly what your needs are. However, I will try my best to point you to the best choice for you and your MacBook storage upgrade.
If you have a compatible MacBook, I will always suggest upgrading the internal storage with a larger drive. This is always the cleanest option because it aligns perfectly with the intended use of the laptop.
External drives are great options if you need a lot of space, maybe for large pictures and videos, and you would rather not have it run out anytime soon. Again, I’d recommend drives over SD cards, though the low profile of an SD card is great if you can’t afford to carry an extra thing around.
Cloud storage, particularly iCloud, is fantastic if you’re well into the Apple ecosystem and move around a lot. This will let you access your files no matter where you are.
If you happen to be a computer person and have old drives or systems lying around, you can attempt to set up a rig for network storage. This is an excellent choice if you have the expertise, work from home, and want to expand MacBook Pro memory.
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
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