Upgrading Storage on the MacBook Air M3 (2024-2025): Ultimate Guide
Upgrading storage for the MacBook Air M3 has been among the most frequently asked questions by Apple users in 2024 and 2025. Given the phenomenal performance of the M3 chip, complemented by scorching-fast SSDs, most creatives and professionals require additional storage space as their workflows grow-particularly those handling large design files, 4K/8K video projects, or heavy coding setups.
But here’s the question that really matters:
Is it actually possible to upgrade the storage on a MacBook Air M3?
In this complete guide, we will look at all the options, including:
Adding extra storage using external SSDs
Cloning your M3 MacBook Air or Pro SSD for backup or transfer
Why Apple’s soldered SSD restriction exists
Looking at OWC MacBook Pro SSD upgrades for some older Intel-based models
Important precautions and test steps to make sure everything is working correctly
Let’s get started.
Add Additional External Storage Capacity and Duplicate M3 MacBook Air or Pro SSDs
The easiest and most secure method to expand your MacBook Air M3 storage is with external SSDs. In contrast to the soldered internal drives, external SSDs provide you with flexibility, portability, and velocity.
Best External SSDs for MacBook Air M3
A few top-of-the-line ones that operate flawlessly with macOS are:
Samsung T7 & T7 Shield – Miniature, smooth, and with speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s.
Crucial X9 & X10 Pro – Good value for money with good performance.
SanDisk Extreme Pro – Durable, extremely fast, and ideal for professional use.
They’re all plug-and-play via Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4, providing data transfer speeds that match (or closely compare to) Apple’s internal SSDs.
Cloning Your M3 SSD for Backup or Migration
If you’re replacing a new machine or want a complete system backup, you can clone your M3 MacBook’s SSD to an external drive. This comes in handy when:
Making a bootable backup
Transferring your system to another Mac
Protecting projects against drive failure
Applications such as Carbon Copy Cloner and SuperDuper! facilitate this task with ease. Using these, you can copy your internal SSD to an external one with minimal effort.
For creative professionals working on time-sensitive projects, external SSDs are not just an upgrade-they’re a lifesaver. They offer a cost-effective way to expand your storage without opening up your Mac.
Upgrading M3 MacBook Air SSD Manually: Is It Possible?
Here’s where things get complicated. Beginning with the M1 chip and rolling through M2 and M3, Apple soldered the SSDs to the motherboard. It enhances speed, thermal efficiency, and security-but eradicates traditional DIY storage upgrades entirely.
Why Internal SSD Upgrades Aren’t Possible
Soldered NAND chips: You can’t simply “unscrew” the SSD like on earlier Intel MacBooks.
No standard connectors: Apple employs a custom architecture that isn’t modular.
Dangerous desoldering: There are some third-party labs that theoretically can desolder and swap NAND chips, but that requires special equipment, lots of money, and a genuine risk of bricking your Mac.
Unless you’re dealing with a certified micro-soldering lab with Apple-specific experience, DIY SSD upgrades on the M3 MacBook Air are not advised.
Verdict: For M3 MacBooks, external storage is still the most
Trustworthy “manual” upgrade.
M3 MacBook Air Features an SSD Upgrade That Most Don’t Even Know
Although post-buy internal upgrades aren’t available, Apple does permit you to set up larger SSD capacities during purchase.
Base model typically begins at 256GB or 512GB
You can set up up to 2TB SSD prior to checkout
This is actually an “upgrade,” but it has to be done when you buy. The SSD setup once you’ve purchased the MacBook Air M3 is set.
Pro Tip
If you need to use storage heavily for your job, it’s better to pay for the upgrade when you buy the thing than to have to fight space later. Apple charges a lot for SSD upgrades, but these are the only way to get additional internal space from the company.
Prolong Your MacBook’s Battery Life When Using External Drives
Utilizing external SSDs may intermittently boost battery usage, particularly when making heavy file transfers. To maximize battery life when expanding storage externally, apply the following 7 tried and tested tips:
Dim screen light – Colossal power saver.
Utilize Safari over Chrome – Chrome exhausts battery life faster.
Turn off background programs – Release RAM and power.
Disable Bluetooth when not actively using it.
Activate battery optimization within macOS Settings.
Close unneeded browser windows to decrease CPU load.
Keep your macos up to date for better energy management.
These little tweaks can make a significant difference, particularly if you’re working on the move with external drives connected.
Can You Upgrade the SSD on a MacBook Air M3?
Here’s the million-dollar question answered simply:
No, you cannot upgrade the internal SSD on M1, M2, or M3 MacBook Air models once purchased.
Apple solder the SSD onto the motherboard, rendering it non-upgradeable and non-replaceable.
But you can still unlock the best out of your MacBook Air M3 using the appropriate external SSDs.
Unlock the Best Out of Your MacBook Air Using an External SSD Upgrade
If you’re purchasing a new MacBook, the best course of action is to set up the storage beforehand. But if you already have one, Thunderbolt 4 external SSDs are your savior.
Advantage of External SSD Upgrades
Comparable speeds to Apple’s internal SSDs (up to 2,800 MB/s)
Convenience of plug and play
Portability across several Macs
Lower cost per GB compared to Apple’s internal upgrade costs
As a video editor, photographer, developer, or student, external SSDs provide storage scalability without sacrificing anything.
Testing Your New SSD: How to Verify It’s Working Correctly
After connecting a new SSD, complete the following steps to ensure it is recognized and working as expected:
Open Disk Utility (Finder – Applications – Utilities).
Look under Internal/External drives to determine if it shows up.
Run First Aid to check the health of the drive and file system.
Utilize Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to quantify real-world transfer speeds.
This guarantees your SSD is properly formatted, properly mounted, and working as expected.
Precautions to Take During the Procedure
Upgrading or storage addition entails sensitive data. Always adhere to these precautions:
Back up your data prior to cloning or migrating.
Employ high-quality certified SSDs from reputable brands.
Prevent overheating by providing adequate airflow to external drives.
Purchase solely from reputable retailers to ensure authenticity of products.
Keep your macOS up-to-date for optimal compatibility with new drives.
OWC SSD Upgrades: Ideal for Older MacBook Pro Models
If you have an Intel-based MacBook Pro (pre-2016), you’re in business. OWC (Other World Computing) provides Aura Pro X2 SSD upgrades where you can upgrade internal storage greatly.
Why Opt for an OWC Upgrade?
Affordable rather than purchasing a new Mac
Keeps your current MacBook alive longer
Improves performance with speedy storage
Crucial Step: Determine Your Mac Model
Before buying an OWC SSD, verify your exact MacBook Pro model. Compatibility varies between years, so matching the correct SSD is crucial.
OWC SSD Features
High-speed performance designed for macOS
Includes installation kits for DIY upgrades
Up to 2TB or more capacity
Note: OWC SSD upgrades do not work with M1, M2, or M3 models. These are strictly for older Intel-based Macs.
Why You Can’t Upgrade MacBook Air or Pro SSD on New Models
Internal SSD upgrade is not possible for 2016 and later MacBooks, including Apple Silicon MacBooks, because of:
Soldered architecture
Unified design for performance and security
Apple’s closed ecosystem approach
While it restricts flexibility, it also helps create the spectacular speed and efficiency Apple Silicon devices enjoy.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023) Review: A Quick Look
For those wanting additional storage choices, Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3) is one of the top laptops in its segment.
If you require power + expandable storage choices, this model is great – but note that you need to set storage up initially.
FAQs – MacBook Air M3 Storage Upgrade
Q1. Is it possible to upgrade the MacBook Air M3 SSD after buying it?
No. SSDs are soldered. External SSDs are your only choice.
Q2. What’s the best external SSD for MacBook Air M3?
Samsung T7 Shield and SanDisk Extreme Pro are good choices for speed and reliability.
Q3. Is an OWC SSD upgrade available on the MacBook Air M3?
No. OWC SSDs support only older Intel-based models.
Q4. Should I purchase additional storage upfront?
Yes. If you’re based on big files, opt for 1TB or 2TB when you buy.
Q5. Is it possible for external SSDs to keep up with Apple’s internal SSD speed?
Yes Thunderbolt 4 SSDs can go up to 2,800 MB/s, nearly the same as internal.