Is the "flash" storage in Macbook Pros and Airs upgradable?

Only the models that OWC has defined as being upgradeable ARE upgradeable (Retinas and Airs). Retina 2012 and early-2013 models are upgradeable. Air 2010-2012 models are upgradeable.

The newer 2013 Retinas are not yet, but I remember reading something from OWC that they're working on it since the newer models are PCIe bus based. I'm not sure about the current Air models.

SSD = flash memory storage. There are no Apple-supported upgrades for the internal SSD/flash storage in the MacBooks, partly because Apple uses a special connector. OWC has created replacement MacBook SSD/flash drives of their own initiative, and they do work. But they are only available for some models.

Due to the special Apple design of the flash storage you will not find many options for upgrading. So far only OWC has gone to the trouble of trying to match the Apple specs.

It is still best to order a MacBook with the amount of storage you need, if available. If you do need an upgrade later, whether you will be able to will depend on whether OWC offers one for the model you have, and there is no guarantee of that. And any such upgrade will not be supported by Apple. But OWC is a good company and I have bought many products from them.

Mikesand wrote:

I'm just thinking if I find a good refurb price and IF I needed to could I add more storage.

This is the reason I bought a refurbed 13" 2012 MBP Retina from Apple. I was lucky to get one with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage which is upgradeable via OWC if I want. There was another one with 128GB flash for $90 less like this one. Spending an extra $90 for 256GB was a no-brainer for me.