Revive Your Older MacBook with This Specific SSD Upgrade Kit and Enclosure
This OWC kit addresses a specific compatibility gap for 2013-2017 MacBooks that use proprietary Apple SSD connectors. Unlike generic NVMe drives, this solution includes both the correctly keyed internal drive and a high-quality external enclosure for your old drive. Buyers should understand this is a targeted upgrade path, not a universal SSD.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify your exact MacBook model year, as this kit is specifically for MacBook Pro (Late 2013-Mid 2015) and MacBook Air (Mid 2013-Mid 2017) with the 12+16 pin Apple connector.
- The included Envoy Pro enclosure transforms your original Apple SSD into a fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 external drive, adding value beyond the basic storage upgrade.
- Consider the 1TB capacity against your needs; this is a permanent internal upgrade, so choose a size that will last the remaining lifespan of your older Mac.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For this niche category, quality is indicated by a complete kit with the proper tools (like the P5 pentalobe screwdriver for MacBook cases) and clear, model-specific installation guides. The enclosure's build quality—specifically its heat dissipation and USB-C interface—is a key differentiator from cheaper, drive-only options.
Internal Solid State Drives Market Context
Market Overview
The market for legacy MacBook SSD upgrades is specialized, dominated by a few vendors like OWC and Transcend who produce drives with the correct proprietary connectors. These kits are premium-priced due to low-volume, compatible hardware production, unlike the commoditized standard NVMe market.
Common Issues
The most frequent problems are boot issues or drive not recognized errors due to incorrect installation or using a standard M.2 NVMe drive without the proper adapter. Some users also report thermal throttling in slim enclosures when repurposing the old drive.
Quality Indicators
Look for kits that bundle a reputable enclosure (like the aluminum Envoy Pro) and provide proprietary formatting/restoration software. High-quality kits will explicitly list firmware compatibility and include a warranty that covers both the new SSD and the enclosure functionality.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A 'Grade B' with a 10% estimated fake review rate suggests the vast majority of feedback is trustworthy, but shoppers should remain slightly cautious of overly effusive praise. The high 4.78 average rating from 111 reviews is strongly supported by the adjusted 4.50 rating, indicating genuine satisfaction.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on the verified purchase reviews, which all 10 sampled reviews were. Pay particular attention to reviews that detail the installation process or long-term performance over several months, as these are harder to fake and highly relevant for a hardware upgrade.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that mention specific MacBook models (e.g., 'Mid-2014 13" MacBook Pro') and discuss real-world speed comparisons or Time Machine restore processes. Be skeptical of reviews that don't mention the enclosure or that seem to review only the SSD in isolation.
Expert Perspective
The analysis data points to a highly successful product for its narrow use case. The exceptional 4.78 rating, even when adjusted to 4.50, indicates that for users with the compatible MacBooks, this kit delivers on its promises. The bundled Envoy Pro enclosure is a significant value-add, turning a potential hassle (disposing of the old drive) into a useful peripheral. The high rating likely reflects relief at extending the life of a capable but storage-constrained machine.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the cost of this upgrade against the residual value and performance needs of your aging MacBook. If your machine otherwise runs well, this 1TB upgrade is cost-effective. However, if your MacBook has other failing components, investing in a newer computer may be wiser.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare OWC's offering with similar kits from Transcend or direct adapter-plus-standard-NVMe solutions, weighing cost against the convenience and warranty of an all-in-one kit.
