How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models? Is it even possible?

By default, the 11-Inch "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models originally are configured with either 64 GB or 128 GB of flash storage. Likewise, the 13-Inch "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models originally are configured with either 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, again, at the time of purchase.

At the time of purchase, the higher-end MD224LL/A 11-Inch configuration also can be equipped with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage and the higher-end MD232LL/A 13-Inch configuration also can be equipped with 512 GB of storage.

Officially, it is not possible for an end user to upgrade the storage in these models after purchase. However, as first discovered by site sponsor Other World Computing, it has a removable SSD module like earlier MacBook Air models, but it uses a different connector.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - 11" MacBook Air, Right - 13" MacBook Air)

Identification Help

If you're not sure if you have a "Mid-2012" MacBook Air, EveryMac.com has hand documented that the 11-Inch and 13-Inch models have unique model numbers -- specifically A1465 for the 11-Inch and A1466 for the 13-Inch (which is visible on the bottom in tiny text toward the hinge).

These models also can be pinpointed by model identifier in software, and use MacBookAir5,1 for the 11-Inch model and MacBookAir5,2 for the 13-Inch model.

EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature additionally can identify these MacBook Air models by the last four characters of their serial numbers.

Upgrade Obstacles & SSD Details

Apple does not intend for end users to upgrade the SSD in these models themselves and the company has used uncommon "pentalobe" screws -- sometimes called five-point Torx screws -- to make access more difficult.

However, access is quite possible -- and even fairly simple -- with the right screwdriver. The SSD is a removable module and Apple has not blocked upgrades in firmware, either.

Consequently, third-parties, like site sponsor OWC have developed replacement SSDs that have a compatible connector. OWC offers the Mercury Aura Pro line of SSDs for the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air with capacities that range from 120 GB to 480 GB and even provides the needed screwdriver along with the replacement SSD modules.

Upgrade Instructions

The bottom plate of each "Mid-2012" MacBook Air is held in place by ten screws, but when then plate is removed, access to the SSD simply requires the removal of one more screw.

OWC provides these easy-to-follow upgrade videos, too:

"Mid-2012" 11-Inch MacBook Air

"Mid-2012" 13-Inch MacBook Air

By watching the video for your specific MacBook Air above, you should be able to determine if you feel comfortable performing this upgrade yourself or if you would instead prefer to hire a professional.

In addition to the Mercury Aura Pro upgrade kit, OWC sells a variety of other upgrades for Mac notebooks. Mission Repair offers an affordable Mac notebook upgrade service by mail with a 24 hour turnaround.

Also see:

• How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the "Late 2010" and "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models? Is it even possible?
• How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the original, "Late 2008" and "Mid-2009" MacBook Air models? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD?