The last five years have seen great changes in Mac firmware security. As Intel Macs are replaced by Apple Silicon models, firmware may at last be simpler and more secure at last.
firmware
macOS 11.2, 11.2.1 and 11.2.2 have come in quick succession. What do they tell us about how difficult it is to update Big Sur’s sealed System volume? Is this the way to go?
Many iMac17,1 computers are still stuck with firmware dating back to before macOS Catalina. Could this new approach enable them to install firmware updates again?
From Startup Manager to Internet Recovery on Intel Macs, and how to engage each of those in an M1 Mac. With comprehensive diagrams.
What were the first things you tried out on a new M1 Mac? Benchmarks, perhaps, or tested battery endurance? Try looking at Recovery Mode – that’s more important.
This article lists the firmware versions of Macs which have been successfully updated to run macOS 11.7.10. Apple […]
Identical code using system_profiler to look up the firmware version number worked in two apps but failed in a third. The solution was obscure.
Why use them, which to use, what to do with large updates, how to avoid downloading some updates, how they work, error messages, and where to find more info.
Following a survey of 37 iMac17,1 systems, there’s no evidence problems are caused by hardware. It’s most likely to be a bug in the firmware installer.
Many of this model have been unable to update to newer firmware versions. An appeal for users to report their firmware version and logic board ID.
The Eclectic Light Company 