If you just want the current versions, then the app will download the latest release image. The fallback is an Apple store or service provider.Ĭonfigurator uses an IPSW image file from which to extract the firmware and software it installs. This doesn’t require a second Apple silicon Mac, and can readily be performed using an Intel Mac, provided that it can run Configurator, and is connected via a compatible USB-C cable, as detailed in the Help book. This is important as Apple silicon Macs can only boot from their internal SSD later in the boot process they can load and boot from external disks, but their firmware is always loaded from internal storage.Īs with T2 Macs, Apple Configurator 2 is the key tool for similar processes of refreshing the firmware, or completely restoring the firmware and internal SSD to as-new condition. They’re also by far the most versatile in that you can downgrade their firmware if you wish. ![]() In the early days of M1 Macs, they too had a disturbing tendency to run into firmware problems, but are probably more reliable now than either type of Intel Mac. This limits disaster recovery unless you plan in advance, but refresh or restore should be curative. T2 models also can’t by default boot from an external bootable disk, and that has to be enabled in Startup Security Utility, in Recovery Mode, beforehand. Apple does leave an overlap period of seven days during which both the previous version of iBridge and a newly released version remain validly signed, but once that has expired there’s no way to downgrade T2 firmware. ![]() Unlike Apple silicon Macs, T2 models can normally only refresh or restore the current iBridge firmware. If you don’t have those, then an Apple store or authorised service provider should be able to do this for you. A restore not only does that, but completely wipes and reformats the internal SSD.īoth procedures require a second Mac capable of running Configurator, and connection using a USB-C cable, as detailed fully in Configurator’s Help book. The difference between these is the extent of change in the Mac: refreshing merely installs the current version of iBridge firmware, leaving the contents of disk storage unaffected. This should be used in the first instance to refresh iBridge firmware if that fails, then a full restore should return the Mac to full working order. The master tool for dealing with T2 firmware problems is Apple Configurator 2, free from the App Store. In the early days of T2 chips firmware update failures weren’t as uncommon as they should have been, and could either ‘brick’ the Mac or leave it stuck in a ‘boot loop’, repeatedly suffering kernel panics. Intel T2Īs an Intel Mac with a T2 chip has two processors of completely different architectures, it has two sets of upgradable firmware, EFI for the Intel processor, and iBridge (bridgeOS) for the T2. Some Macs, particularly those whose internal storage has been replaced, may not update their firmware correctly this article explains that problem. If you update your Mac with a version of macOS including a firmware update that proves a disaster, there’s no option to step back. The snag is that their firmware can’t be downgraded, only upgraded. As they can be booted from an external bootable disk anyway, they should be straightforward to get back into action. They’re designed to have ‘self-healing’ firmware: if something does go wrong in a firmware update, the Mac is supposed to be able to restore sufficient to be functional again. ![]() Although that means they can’t support any form of secure boot, it also makes them more versatile to recover when there are firmware problems. These have fixed ROM and upgradable firmware with EFI software loaded from any bootable storage. These should go well, but what if they don’t? How do you put your Mac’s firmware back in order or get that expensive display working? Should you force a shutdown and try again? Before panic takes charge, take a deep breath and read on. Another macOS update, and for most another firmware update, this time including Studio Displays.
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