Apple Has an SSD Data Recovery Tool for Touch Bar MacBook Pros That Refuse to Boot - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Has an SSD Data Recovery Tool for Touch Bar MacBook Pros That Refuse to Boot

by

Since it's been revealed that Apple chose to use a soldered down, non-removable SSD in its 13-inch and 15-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pros, it's natural for users to wonder about the fate of their data in the event of a fault that requires a logic board replacement.

apple-cdm-macbook-pro-tool-2
Fortunately it appears as if Apple has a proprietary in-house tool to rescue stored user data when disaster strikes. 9to5Mac reports that a dedicated port on the logic board allows Apple staff to attach the recovery tool once the board's been removed from the chassis. The tool then transfers the data from the SSD to a working MacBook Pro's drive via one of its USB-C ports.

All indications are that users won't be able to get their hands on this recovery tool, as it's only available to Apple support staff for emergency use when a laptop sent in for repair won't boot.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

128 months ago
This is purely speculation but I'd wager Apple would do this for free if you were out of warranty - it's their own fault for soldering down the SSD.
Don't hold your breath on that. If anything Apple does, they are not going to give away a service for free out of warranty ( iPhone 6 touch disease). All i see here is a money making machine for apple. You all have fun with that!!!
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
128 months ago
Bs. I almost guarantee Apple will do it for free.

I've taken out of warranty stuff to Apple to be fixed to an Apple Store. If they can fix something without cost to them other than labor they will usually do it.
Not BS. I too have had out of warranty work done for free by Apple. I have also been denied free out of warranty service by Apple. It's not their policy. It depends on the type of work and more importantly... scratch that, MOST importantly the employee in the store. Luck of the draw is not something I'd use to base a guarantee on for out of warranty service.

The touch disease only happens to phones dropped too hard.
This is BS. It's the same BS as the ubiquitous "a small number of customers have experienced..." PR line Apple trots out whenever there are issues. Touch disease wasn't about the phone being dropped too hard. Anyone believing that line really needs their head checked. That's a sad example of blame the customer for a design defect (which they promptly fixed in the next iPhone iteration).
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
128 months ago
Or just make the damn thing removable
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
128 months ago
The same as any other logic board component failure.
A dead SSD should mean a simple replacement of the SSD, not the entire board. Soldering the SSD to the board makes this recovery tool and the "port to nowhere" necessary. Also it eliminates the possibility of upgrading your SSD down the road.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bladerunner2000 Avatar
128 months ago
The same as any other logic board component failure.
Well then, they shouldn't have made the SSD soldered.

Another reason among the many not to buy any of their new crippled Macbooks.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
128 months ago
It doesn't help when the SSD is dead you still have to replace the whole logic board... :(
Its quite funny how Apple always wants to appear like the most environmental friendly company and then they pull crap like this. I remember when Apple needed to replace my battery (under warranty). They replaced the whole body housing and the keyboard just to replace the battery. Redic if you ask me
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

M5 MacBook Pro

Apple Apparently Cancels Plans for Two New MacBooks

Thursday September 3, 2026 7:12 am PDT by
Apple has canceled plans for a foldable MacBook and a larger OLED MacBook Pro model, according to research firm Omdia. In a new research note, Omdia said Apple has scrapped development of a large foldable MacBook that would have measured between 16.1 and 18 inches when unfolded. It was previously reported that this device had already slipped out of its original 2026 production window, with...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

MacBook Pro With OLED Touch Screen Running macOS 27.1 Inside Apple

Monday September 14, 2026 2:04 pm PDT by
Apple's rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with touch-enabled OLED displays are currently being tested with macOS 27.1, which is scheduled for release in late October, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While he previously said these high-end MacBook Pro models would be released in either late 2026 or early 2027, Gurman's latest report today has the...
macOS Golden Gate HDR

macOS Golden Gate Seems to Hint at MacBook Pro With OLED Display

Tuesday September 1, 2026 12:34 pm PDT by
As noted by Broadcasts developer Steven Troughton-Smith, many Liquid Glass interface elements on the macOS Golden Gate beta have an even glassier appearance on certain high-end OLED displays with HDR support than they do on ordinary displays. Apple reportedly plans to release new MacBook Pro or "MacBook Ultra" models with an OLED display by early 2027, so it is likely that macOS Golden Gate...