Skip to Content

Other World Computing Releases Aftermarket SSD Upgrades for 2012 MacBook Air

by

NewImageAs it has for past versions, Other World Computing has released its aftermarket SSD upgrades for the latest MacBook Air models released last month.

Along with minor upgrades to memory and processor configurations, Apple also included a new SSD connector, likely to accommodate the new 500 MBps SSDs that Apple has built in to the new machines. As a result of this new connector, it took OWC a few weeks to build compatible aftermarket drives.

Other World Computing's Mercury Pro Aura Express drives are available for the 2012 MBA in sizes starting at 120GB at $167.99, running all the way to 480GB for $644.99. These prices are bit cheaper than comparable drives for the 2011 MacBook Air models.

Top Rated Comments

178 months ago
Not OWC's fault Apple have made a simple swap so arduous. They can charge whatever the market will bear. Save your ridicule for Apple.

No, it is nobodies fault.

If you upgrade a MBA with 256GB to 512GB from Apple, you are only paying the difference between 256 and 512. If you buy from OWC, you are buying a whole new blade SSD. Thus paying for the 256 in the MBA and paying 100% for the 512 (480) from OWC.

Again, it is not Apple or OWC's fault. It is just because with Apple you are essential paying for 1 blade SSD and with OWC you are paying for the SSD that comes with the MBA and another SSD from the third party manufacturer. That is just how this works.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 months ago
Not OWC's fault Apple have made a simple swap so arduous. They can charge whatever the market will bear. Save your ridicule for Apple.
You would prefer to double the thickness of the Air so a traditional SSD would fit? Or perhaps lower battery life to free up some space?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 months ago
You would prefer to double the thickness of the Air so a traditional SSD would fit? Or perhaps lower battery life to free up some space?
You're thinking of desktop SSDs. mSATA SSDs are roughly the same thickness as the SSD in the Air, and actually have a smaller footprint (about 60% of the size of the Air SSD -- slightly wider and half as long).

And you can get a 256GB model for about $200, versus $320 for the custom OWC SSD.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 months ago
I hope these SSDs are as fast as Apple's.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 months ago
This reminds me, anyone know if they have Retina MBP SSD upgrades, and if so how much are they?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 months ago
I hope these SSDs are as fast as Apple's.

They are probably faster. Remember Apple doesn't want us to have the fastest of anything. Just look at the average GPU's they install. Nuff said. :D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

macbook air blue

What's Coming in the M5 MacBook Air

Thursday February 26, 2026 3:57 pm PST by
Along with the low-cost MacBook, Apple could introduce a refreshed version of the MacBook Air next week. Most of the focus will be on the new machine, but the MacBook Air is expected to get some useful internal updates. M5 Chip The next-generation MacBook Air will adopt the M5 chip, which Apple already introduced in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models that came out last year. Apple's M5...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Teases 'A Big Week Ahead' With Announcements Starting Monday

Thursday February 26, 2026 6:06 am PST by
Apple CEO Tim Cook today teased "a big week ahead," with announcements starting Monday. His post included an #AppleLaunch hashtag with a colorful Apple logo, along with a short video that ultimately shows an Apple logo on the lid of a Mac. Apple is reportedly planning a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4, with up to five new products...
ipad mini 7 1

Could Apple's OLED iPad Mini Finally Be a Kindle Killer?

Friday February 27, 2026 12:08 pm PST by
With a similar screen size and easy, one-handed grip, the iPad mini has always been the Apple device that overlaps most with dedicated e-readers. Now, amid rumors pointing to an OLED display for the next generation, could the iPad mini finally replace devices such as the Kindle and Kobo? The shift from LCD to OLED could make the iPad mini far more appealing as a reading device. OLED panels...