MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023) data recovery

How to identify it

Model identifier

Mac14,15

Model number

A2941

Released

June 2023

Processor

Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)

Storage

Apple silicon SSD (256GB SSD; 512GB/1TB/2TB configurable)

Drive connection

None - NAND soldered to logic board

Security chip

Secure Enclave in the Apple M2 chip

The model number (A followed by four digits) is printed on the underside or back of the Mac. On a Mac that still starts, the model identifier is in System Information.

Recovery methods for this Mac

• Logical recoverySoftware-level recovery from a working device
  Yes

  Once the Mac runs, we unlock it with your password and recover deleted files or damaged APFS volumes. Share Disk in macOS Recovery can also give access.

• Physical recoveryRepairing failed hardware to read the data
  Yes

  Liquid damage, shorts and failed power circuits on the logic board are repaired at component level.

• Chip-on recoveryReading the NAND in place, through the original controller
  Main method

  This is how your data comes back: board-level repair so the original chip can unlock the storage.

• Chip-off NAND recoveryRemoving the memory chips and reading them directly
  Not possible

  Not possible. The storage is encrypted with keys inside this Mac's own chip. NAND read on its own, or moved to another Mac, is unreadable.

About this model

• NAND is soldered and always encrypted by the SoC's Secure Enclave.
• Recovery needs a working logic board (boot, or Share Disk from macOS Recovery), chip-off is not viable.
• First 15-inch Air.

More about MacBook Air data recovery