VancouverMac, a Canadian company based in Vancouver, has begun offering a repair service that replaces SSDs in MacBooks equipped with Apple’s M-series chips by re-soldering memory components on the motherboard. This development was reported by Tom’s Hardware. Source: Tom’s Hardware.
Replacing an SSD in a MacBook built around Apple Silicon presents a unique challenge because Apple designs typically fuse the memory module directly to the main memory. This integration means that attempting to swap out the SSD risks damaging the motherboard contacts and, in practice, makes a straightforward upgrade impossible. The process is technically demanding because it requires precise hardware work and a compatible software environment. After the replacement, the operating system often needs to be reconfigured so that macOS recognizes the non-factory memory module, a step that many shops are not equipped to perform correctly. As a result, only a small number of specialists have the expertise to undertake this task.
The VancouverMac procedure begins with the careful removal of the motherboard, followed by extraction of the existing memory modules. New memory chips are then soldered into place. The technician uses a second Mac connected via USB to access the repaired machine and adjusts the SSD configuration through the Apple Configurator tool. The final phase involves aligning the processor with the new SSD and reestablishing the encryption settings so that data remains protected. Source: Tom’s Hardware.
Prices for this service are steep, reflecting the complexity and risk involved. For many users, upgrading the existing MacBook’s memory with a larger SSD can still be more economical than purchasing a brand-new machine. For instance, installing a 2 TB SSD in an M1 MacBook with the smallest built-in memory at a Canadian service center can cost around 400 USD. When contrasted with the price of a new MacBook configured with 256 GB of storage plus 2 TB of space, the difference can exceed 600 USD in some scenarios. Put differently, the cost delta for VancouverMac’s memory expansion tends to be roughly 200 USD cheaper than buying a fresh MacBook with more storage. These price points are indicative of a market where component upgrades for Apple Silicon devices remain a premium service, driven by the scarcity of compatible parts and the specialized expertise required. Source: Tom’s Hardware.
Whether this approach will become more commonplace remains to be seen. The idea of non-authorized repair and memory replacement through re-soldering raises questions about warranty coverage, future macOS compatibility, and long-term reliability. Potential buyers should weigh the immediate savings against the risk of voided warranties and uncertain support from Apple in the event of issues arising years after the upgrade. For some users, however, the option to extract more usable life from a device without a full upgrade can be an appealing alternative, especially for those who need high-capacity storage for tasks like media creation, local development, or large-scale data handling. Source: Tom’s Hardware.
In a broader context, the discussion around memory upgrades for Apple Silicon devices mirrors a trend in the industry: once a platform is tightly integrated, the economics of repair and upgrade shift. Consumers increasingly confront a trade-off between the convenience of a factory-new device and the potential cost savings of advanced, specialized services. This balance hinges on individual needs, local availability of skilled technicians, and the evolving landscape of device security features such as device encryption and secure boot measures. Source: Tom’s Hardware.
Earlier reports briefly mentioned an unusual example from Asus involving an alcohol-resistant hospital computer, a note that underscores how varied and sometimes surprising the field of specialized hardware repair can be. Source: Tom’s Hardware.