Can I upgrade my 121 GB Flash Storage SSD?

Solution 1:

The Retina MacBooks use a format of SSD that can be replaced, but Apple does not make it especially easy for simple replacement. Rather than the more familiar 2.5" HD format you might be familar with, the Retina use a newer blade style, somewhat similar to memory modules.

Your best bet it to look over the ifixit guides, to see what is involved:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Early+2013+SSD+Replacement/15477

As far as I know, Apple offers repair and replace service for a Retina laptop, but I have not seen them offer 'upgrade' service. You could always complain about issues, and ask them to replace it with a newer, and larger size, but they would only do that if the part was orginally offered as an option on the Retina.

Good Luck!

Solution 2:

In the past, Apple doesn't upgrade any storage as a rule. This is HDD/SSD across the board. The only exceptions I've known are:

  1. If you have several internal bays and you buy the part (Think Mac Pro with 4 SATA bays or Xserve / Xserve RAID)
  2. You are paying for a service repair and they upgrade you for free to a larger drive. You don't ask for it, but Apple asks if you're OK with a better drive and no one refuses that offer.

You should ask them since it's free to ask and they might say yes one day.

That being said, there are many third party options to upgrade storage - but you need to hire someone else or DIY on that repair.

Everymac has a nice overview of the options and challenges as does OWC.