MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) data recovery

How to identify it

Model identifier

MacBook9,1

Model number

A1534

Released

April 2016

Processor

Intel Core m3/m5/m7 1.1-1.3GHz

Storage

Soldered SSD (256GB or 512GB PCIe onboard flash)

Drive connection

None - NAND soldered to logic board

Security chip

None

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, deleted files and damaged APFS volumes can be recovered. TRIM clears deleted data quickly on these SSDs.

• Physical recoveryRepairing failed hardware to read the data
  Yes

  Physical faults are on the logic board: shorted components, liquid corrosion and failed power circuits, repaired under the microscope.

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

  This is how your data comes back: we repair the original board so its own controller can read the NAND.

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

  Not practical. The NAND is driven by Apple's controller on the board, which scrambles the data, so chips read on their own are unusable.

About this model

• Soldered PCIe NVMe flash, no removable module.
• Recovery requires a booting logic board (Target Disk Mode over USB-C) or board-level repair.
• No T2.
• FileVault-only encryption.

More about MacBook data recovery