A few months ago I figured out how to add Wireless AC to my Early 2013 13″ Retina MacBook Pro. I replaced the WiFi module with one from a Late 2013 13″ MacBook Pro (looking around online, and the same module may be in the 15″ Retinas as well).
The installation was simple (make sure you have a pentalobe screwdriver available), and the hardware was automatically recognized because the drivers were already in OSX. I did see some odd behavior when managing the preferred WiFi networks on my laptop, so you may want to delete the WiFi interface in System Preferences before shutting down and doing this swap.
I have seen some descriptions on eBay that say that the module from the newer model will not work in the Early 2013, but I can assure you that mine fits and has been working very nicely for several months. You will want to make sure you open your laptop and visually identify your WiFi module, and compare the size, shape and connector in the eBay/online source of the new module as I cannot be sure that there was not a mid-model internal change. I got mine several months ago for less than $25 shipped, and the prices are around $15-20 shipped now.
My MacBook Info:
- Name: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2013)
- Model: A1425
- EMC: 2672
Original WiFi Module Info:
- Part Number: 607-8360, 661-7013, 607-9689, 653-0194 (unsure what the original part number was, and I am not sure where my original module went to)
Replacement WiFi Module Info:
- Part Number: 653-0029
- Late 2013 Model: A1502