Can I upgrade my 2023 Macbook M2 Pro

I purchased a 2023 Macbook M2 Pro in April this year, but I'm finding it is struggling to cope with the Adobe Suite. I can barely have one program running without it running out of RAM.


Can i upgrade the 16GB of RAM?

MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Dec 25, 2023 5:35 PM

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Posted on May 28, 2024 4:16 PM

I bought a new 2023 Macbook Pro about a year ago as well, and I'm having the same issue. My 2015 MBP could do Illustrator and Photoshop at the same time. With my new one, I can barely have Photoshop and Safari open without it being over 75% memory pressure. I was also assured by an Apple Store salesperson that 16GB was more than enough. I should've taken it back right away, but the Apple tech told me it was because Adobe hadn't updated their apps for the M2 chip yet. That was not the case. Now I'm going to have to sell my 11-month-old laptop (at a loss) and buy another new one with 32GB. I'm so bummed.

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May 28, 2024 4:16 PM in response to Gsproule72

I bought a new 2023 Macbook Pro about a year ago as well, and I'm having the same issue. My 2015 MBP could do Illustrator and Photoshop at the same time. With my new one, I can barely have Photoshop and Safari open without it being over 75% memory pressure. I was also assured by an Apple Store salesperson that 16GB was more than enough. I should've taken it back right away, but the Apple tech told me it was because Adobe hadn't updated their apps for the M2 chip yet. That was not the case. Now I'm going to have to sell my 11-month-old laptop (at a loss) and buy another new one with 32GB. I'm so bummed.

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Dec 25, 2023 6:22 PM in response to Gsproule72

Since the retina MacBook Pro in 2012, system RAM has been soldered to the mainboard for maximum reliability.


As BobTheFisherman has already stated, it is NOT upgradeable after your Mac is built.


what else are you running at the same time as adobe products?

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Dec 25, 2023 6:50 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Ive been sold a dud. The team at Charlestown Apple guaranteed me this would be perfect for my business. I'm a graphic designer / photographer.

I can't have Photoshop open with any other program. Which is completely useless to me.

My 2015 macbook pro was fine and it had 16GB or RAM too - so i have no idea why i'm getting these issues.

I have all the Adobe Suite programs modified to be running with the bar minimum of RAM they need to work too.

So this is completely dissapointing.

I actually only opened the box and started using this macbook after my old one died a month ago.


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Dec 25, 2023 5:47 PM in response to Gsproule72

Gsproule72 wrote:

I purchased a 2023 Macbook M2 Pro in April this year, but I'm finding it is struggling to cope with the Adobe Suite. I can barely have one program running without it running out of RAM.

Can i upgrade the 16GB of RAM?

No, you can not replace or add RAM after the computer is manufactured.

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Dec 25, 2023 5:41 PM in response to Gsproule72

Hello, 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. You can also check out this resource for additional resources.


MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support



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Dec 26, 2023 7:39 AM in response to Gsproule72

<< Ive been sold a dud. >>


You normally have 14 days to return anything you bought DIRECT from Apple, not through a Reseller, for a full-value refund. But during the holiday season, you MAY be eligible for extended time to return.


Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple


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Dec 25, 2023 7:22 PM in response to Gsproule72

Gsproule72 wrote:

Ive been sold a dud. The team at Charlestown Apple guaranteed me this would be perfect for my business. I'm a graphic designer / photographer.
I can't have Photoshop open with any other program. Which is completely useless to me.
My 2015 macbook pro was fine and it had 16GB or RAM too - so i have no idea why i'm getting these issues.
I have all the Adobe Suite programs modified to be running with the bar minimum of RAM they need to work too.
So this is completely dissapointing.
I actually only opened the box and started using this macbook after my old one died a month ago.

Are you sure it is a RAM problem? Maybe the apps you are trying to run are not compatible with the silicon cpu. Have you checked with the app sites to see if they have app versions that will run on your silicon Mac?

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Can I upgrade my 2023 Macbook M2 Pro

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