Whether you're gunning for a 14-inch MacBook Pro or a new Mac Pro desktop with Apple silicon, exciting Macs are rumored to be in the offing. Here's everything you can look forward to. Apple updated MacBook Pro with faster 8th- and 9th-generation Intel Core processors, bringing eight cores to MacBook Pro for the first time. MacBook Pro now delivers two times faster performance than a quad-core MacBook Pro and 40 percent more performance than a 6-core MacBook Pro, making it the fastest Mac notebook ever. 1 These new processors, combined with powerful graphics, the brilliant. MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro (17-inch), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy) 3 GB: MacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch Core 2 Duo) Note: These models will support only 3 GB total memory. If you want to maximize the amount of SDRAM in your computer, install a 2 GB SO-DIMM in one slot and a 1GB SO-DIMM in the other.
To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.
Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.
13-inch | MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) |
15-inch | MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012) |
17-inch | MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier |
The 16-inch MacBook Pro brings a whole new class of performance to the notebook. Thanks to a more advanced thermal design, the Intel Core i9 processor with up to 8 cores and 16 threads of processing power sustains higher performance for longer periods of time — and delivers up to 2.1 times the performance of a quad-core MacBook Pro.
The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:
Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, mid 2012) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format -30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:
Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. |
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:
Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 2 GB |
Maximum memory | 4 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 1 GB or 2 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot. |
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.
Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.
To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position. Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.
With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.
The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:
Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot. |
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009), and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 4 GB |
Maximum memory | 8 GB |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM |
Additional notes | You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot. |
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:
Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier | |
Number of memory slots | 2 |
Base memory | 512 MB (configure to order) |
Maximum memory | Refer to the table below |
Memory card specifications | - Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format - 30mm (1.18 inch) - 200-pin - PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM |
Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory that can be recognized by these notebook computers:
2 GB | MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro (17-inch), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy) |
3 GB | MacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch Core 2 Duo) Note: These models will support only 3 GB total memory. If you want to maximize the amount of SDRAM in your computer, install a 2 GB SO-DIMM in one slot and a 1GB SO-DIMM in the other. |
4 GB | MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2 GHz), MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4 GHz), MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008), MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008) |
You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memory and reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following procedure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
If you need to remove a memory card—for example if you are replacing it or if you need to get past the memory in the top slot to access the bottom slot—you can remove the card by spreading the tabs on each side of the card away from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slightly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide the card out of the memory slot.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.
Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory
After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognizes the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:
The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.
If your computer doesn’t recognize the memory or doesn’t start up correctly, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro and that it is installed correctly by reseating the memory.