T2 Macs: The Security Chip That Holds Your Keys
On 2018–2020 Intel Macs, the T2 chip sits between the CPU and the storage: it is both controller and key holder.
What T2 does
It encrypts the SSD transparently, verifies the boot chain, and stores the volume key in its Secure Enclave. That is also why you cannot simply swap the SSD for a bigger one.
Failure modes
If the machine can reach DFU, T2 is alive and a revive can restore firmware while keeping data. If T2 or its power rails are damaged, the drive's contents stay encrypted and unreadable until the board is repaired.
FAQ
Can I move the SSD to another T2 Mac?
No: the key is bound to that T2, and pairing will not complete.
Is data recoverable after liquid damage to the T2 area?
Only if board repair restores T2 function; otherwise the boundary is absolute.