Apple Mac Data Recovery

York Data Recovery: The UK’s Premier MacBook & iMac Data Recovery Specialists

For 25 years, York Data Recovery has been the UK’s leading expert in Apple Mac data recovery, specialising in the unique architecture of MacBook, MacBook Air, and iMac storage systems. Our engineers possess deep expertise in Apple’s proprietary storage technologies, including Fusion Drives, T2 Security chips, and the latest M-series silicon with unified memory architecture. We support every Apple storage interface from legacy PATA in older iMacs to modern NVMe implementations in M2 MacBook Air models, recovering data from both logical corruption and catastrophic physical damage using our state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with Apple-specific tooling and proprietary firmware repair systems.

25 Years of Apple Storage Expertise
Our quarter-century of experience encompasses the complete evolution of Apple storage technology, from early HFS volumes to current APFS containers with space sharing. This extensive knowledge base includes proprietary firmware commands for Apple-specific SSDs, Fusion Drive logic board controllers, and comprehensive understanding of T2/M-series encryption implementations. Our historical database contains thousands of Apple-specific firmware versions and system file structures essential for successful recovery operations, including knowledge of common failures like the 2011-2013 MacBook Pro GPU issues that often necessitate data recovery before logic board repair.

Comprehensive Apple Mac Model & OS Support

Top 40 MacBook & MacBook Air Models:

1. MacBook Air (M2, 2023) – 13″ & 15″ models

2. MacBook Air (M1, 2020) – A2337

3. MacBook Pro (16″, M3 Pro/Max, 2023) – A2780

4. MacBook Pro (14″, M3, 2023) – A2779

5. MacBook Pro (13″, M2, 2022) – A2681

6. MacBook Pro (16″, M1 Pro/Max, 2021) – A2485

7. MacBook Pro (14″, M1 Pro/Max, 2021) – A2442

8. MacBook Air (Intel, 2020) – A2179

9. MacBook Pro (16″, 2019) – A2141

10. MacBook Pro (13″, 2020) – A2251

11. MacBook Air (Retina, 13″, 2018) – A1932

12. MacBook Pro (15″, 2018) – A1990

13. MacBook (12″, 2017) – A1534

14. MacBook Pro (13″, 2016) – A1708

15. MacBook Air (13″, 2017) – A1466

16. MacBook Pro (Retina, 15″, 2015) – A1398

17. MacBook Pro (Retina, 13″, 2015) – A1502

18. MacBook Air (11″, 2015) – A1465

19. MacBook Pro (Retina, 15″, 2012) – A1398

20. MacBook Pro (13″, 2012) – A1278

21. MacBook Air (13″, 2011) – A1369

22. MacBook Pro (17″, 2011) – A1297

23. MacBook (13″, 2009) – A1342

24. MacBook Air (2008) – A1237

25. MacBook Pro (15″, 2007) – A1226

26. MacBook (13″, 2006) – A1181

27. iMac (24″, M3, 2023) – A2838

28. iMac (24″, M1, 2021) – A2438

29. iMac (27″, 2020) – A2295

30. iMac Pro (2017) – A1862

31. iMac (21.5″, 2019) – A2115

32. iMac (27″, 2019) – A2116

33. iMac (Retina 5K, 27″, 2017) – A1419

34. iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5″, 2017) – A1418

35. iMac (27″, 2013) – A1419

36. iMac (21.5″, 2013) – A1418

37. iMac (27″, 2011) – A1312

38. iMac (21.5″, 2011) – A1311

39. Mac mini (M2, 2023) – A2816

40. Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023) – A2851

Supported macOS Versions:

• Classic Mac OS: System 7, 8, 9

• Mac OS X: 10.0 Cheetah through 10.15 Catalina

• macOS: 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey, 13 Ventura, 14 Sonoma

• File Systems: HFS, HFS+, HFSX, APFS, UFS, AFP

Supported Apple Storage Interfaces:

• SATA (Serial ATA): All generations in pre-2016 MacBooks and iMacs

• PATA/IDE (Parallel ATA): Older iMac G3-G5 models

• NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): Proprietary Apple SSDs (2016+)

• PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): Apple custom connectors

• Fusion Drive: Combined HDD + SSD logic board systems

• M.2 Interface: With Apple-specific keying

• U.2 Interface: Enterprise Mac Pro systems

• eSATA (external SATA): Older Mac Pro models

Technical Recovery: 25 Apple-Specific Data Recovery Scenarios

1. Fusion Drive Logical Volume Corruption with Block Mapping Errors
   Technical Recovery Process: We physically image both the SSD (typically 24GB-128GB) and HDD components separately using hardware write-blockers. Using custom-developed Fusion Drive analysis tools, we reconstruct the tiered storage logic by analyzing the block allocation tables and heat-tracking metadata. We then virtualize the Fusion Drive logic to reassemble the logical volume, accounting for Apple’s dynamic data migration algorithms that move frequently accessed data to the SSD tier while keeping colder data on the HDD.

2. T2/M-series Secure Enclave Encryption with Boot Failure
   Technical Recovery Process: We bypass the T2 chip’s hardware encryption by extracting the NAND chips directly from the logic board using hot-air rework stations. For M-series Macs, we desolder the unified memory package and read the NAND layers individually. Using advanced NAND readers, we create physical images of each chip, then employ proprietary software to reassemble the APFS container while implementing custom encryption-breaking algorithms that target Apple’s hardware key storage vulnerabilities.

3. APFS Container Superblock Corruption with Space Sharing Errors
   Technical Recovery Process: We work from physical drive images to locate backup APFS container superblocks using signature scanning for the “APSB” and “NXSB” magic strings. When primary and secondary superblocks are corrupted, we manually reconstruct the container geometry by analyzing the space manager’s block allocation bitmaps and reconstructing the object map (omap) that tracks all APFS objects within the container.

4. Apple Proprietary SSD Controller Failure with Custom NVMe Implementation
   Technical Recovery Process: We remove the Apple-specific SSD module from the logic board and interface directly with the NAND packages using custom-built adapters that accommodate Apple’s unique pinouts. Using PC-3000 Flash with Apple-specific modules, we bypass the failed controller and read the NAND chips directly, then reconstruct the data using knowledge of Apple’s custom NVMe command set and block allocation strategies.

5. HFS+ Catalog File B-tree Corruption with Extent Overflow Issues
   Technical Recovery Process: We repair the catalog file (typically starting at allocation block 4-7) using backup catalog nodes and the extents overflow file. For severe corruption, we manually parse the B-tree structures, recovering file records by analyzing the node descriptors (forward/backward links, node height) and rebuilding the tree structure through iterative validation of parent-child relationships.

6. Liquid Damage to MacBook Logic Board with SSD Data Corruption
   Technical Recovery Process: We first clean the logic board using ultrasonic cleaning with specialized Apple-approved solvents. We then repair damaged SSD data lines using micro-soldering with 0.02mm enameled wire, ensuring proper impedance matching for high-speed PCIe signals. After physical repair, we image the SSD while monitoring for read instability caused by residual corrosion.

7. SMC (System Management Controller) Failure Preventing Boot
   Technical Recovery Process: We diagnose SMC failures using Apple’s proprietary diagnostic tools, then either reset the SMC (where possible) or replace the SMC chip using BGA rework stations. For persistent issues, we bypass the SMC entirely by providing external power directly to the SSD and reading it in a controlled environment.

8. MacBook Flexgate Issues with Display Data Corruption
   Technical Recovery Process: For models affected by Flexgate (2016-2017 MacBook Pro), we replace the damaged display flex cable and recover data from the internal SSD before further damage occurs. We use specialized tools to access the SSD without triggering Apple’s tamper protection mechanisms.

9. Time Machine Backup Corruption with Sparse Bundle Damage

10. FileVault 2 Encryption with Recovery Key Loss

11. Core Storage Logical Volume Group Corruption

12. Apple RAID Set Failure with SoftRAID Implementations

13. Boot Camp Partition Table Corruption

14. macOS Update Failure with Firmware Damage

15. iMac HDD Thermal Sensor Failure Causing Fan Issues

16. MacBook Butterfly Keyboard Controller Failure

17. USB-C Power Delivery Controller Damage

18. Thunderbolt 3/4 Bridge Controller Failure

19. Apple T2 BridgeOS Corruption

20. M-series Unified Memory Controller Failure

21. Mac Pro PCIe Slot Configuration Corruption

22. iMac Display Panel Failure with Data Access Issues

23. Mac mini Server RAID Array Failure

24. Mac Studio Storage Controller Thermal Damage

25. Legacy PowerPC Mac SCSI Drive Failure

Advanced Apple-Specific Laboratory Capabilities

Our laboratory features specialized equipment for Apple data recovery:

• Apple Configurator 2 with Apple Service Toolkit integration

• Apple Diagnostic Tools with AST 2 and GSX access

• Custom Apple SSD adapters for proprietary connectors

• T2/M-series chip programming equipment

• Apple Fusion Drive analysis software

• APFS container repair tools with space sharing capabilities

• Apple RAID set reconstruction software

• HFS+/APFS metadata carving tools

Apple Fusion Drive Specialization
Our engineers have developed proprietary techniques for Fusion Drive recovery, including:

• Tiered Data Reconstruction: Separately imaging SSD and HDD components

• Block Heat Mapping: Analyzing access patterns to reconstruct data placement

• Logical Volume Repair: Fixing corrupted Core Storage metadata

• Data Tier Reconciliation: Ensuring complete data reassembly from both tiers

T2/M-series Security Bypass Capabilities

• Secure Enclave Communication: Direct interface with security processors

• Hardware Encryption Analysis: Reverse engineering Apple’s key storage

• NAND Chip-off Techniques: Physical extraction from unified memory packages

• Firmware Downgrade Methods: Bypassing security updates that block access

Why Choose York Data Recovery for Apple Devices?

• 25 years of Apple-specific data recovery experience

• Largest inventory of Apple donor parts and proprietary connectors in the UK

• Advanced Apple-certified tooling and software

• Direct experience with Apple’s service documentation and procedures

• 94% success rate for Apple device recoveries

• Free diagnostic assessment with transparent pricing

Critical Service Option
Our 48-hour critical service ensures rapid recovery for business-critical situations, with priority access to our Apple specialists and dedicated laboratory resources.

Contact our York-based Apple data recovery engineers today for immediate assistance with your failed MacBook, iMac, or other Apple device. Our free diagnostics provide complete assessment of your Apple storage system with no obligation.