Expected next week: updates for all three supported versions of macOS, and a return to order for firmware in Apple silicon Macs. Here’s what to expect and when.
firmware
Before the T2, EFI firmware in Intel Macs was complicated. Then simplicity arrived: all Macs running the current version of a supported version of macOS had the same firmware. Not any more they don’t.
An important update for those expecting to update Apple silicon Macs to 26.4, as older versions may crash, and are expected to report firmware version errors.
How to read and interpret firmware version numbers from the first Intel Macs to the latest Apple silicon models.
Why should an app start crashing on launch in macOS 26.4 beta 2? Why does its firmware version number make no sense? And how did it take 6 months to fix six typos?
Details of new firmware versions for iMac 2019 models, those with T2 or Apple silicon chips. And how Apple assigns version numbers to iBoot.
Catch up on your reading with selected articles from the past year, covering hardware, firmware and Recovery, troubleshooting and updates.
Ten years ago, a firmware worm that could have inserted malware into Mac boot flash storage was demonstrated, and shortly afterwards many Macs were found to be running outdated firmware. We’ve come a long way since.
How to check secure boot, SIP, Gatekeeper/XProtect, its SSV, FileVault, macOS and its firmware, and XProtect Remediator scans.
Listing for all compatible Intel Macs with T2 chips, and all Apple silicon Macs.
The Eclectic Light Company 