Mr. Macintosh - Apple Mac Enterprise IT Blog & macOS MacAdmins News

What’s New in macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g)?

MrMacintosh.com - Big Sur Beta 10 Released! — Big Sur Beta 10 Released. This could be the final beta release before GM!

Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 10 (20A5395g) to Developers

UPDATE 10/15 12:30PM – Surprise! macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Full Installer is now available.

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Full Installer is now available. (Along with public beta) — macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Full Installer is now available. (Along with public beta)

UPDATE 10/15 10:00AM – New Beta 10 Features found

1. New Feature – You can now press the power button to lock your screen!
2. New Menu Bar item – “Now Playing”. This was hidden away since Beta 1 but was now added to the menu bar by default in Beta 10.
4. New Feature – Redesigned Dynamic Wallpaper selection menu
5. New Wallpaper – “Big Sur Aerial”
6. Some users are reporting issues with YouTube and Netflix in Safari.

UPDATE 10/14 4:30PM – Looks like we are not going to get a full installer for this release. The good news is that Active Directory login seems to be fixed in Beta 10!!!

MacOS Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) was released on October 14th, 2020. The release comes 1 day after the Apple October Phone Special Event and two weeks after Beta 9. We could get a GM release in 1-2 weeks with a launch not much longer after that. MacOS Catalina had 11 beta releases including the gold master, so again we are getting very close to release.

Mr. Macintosh Part 1 Quick look at all the new features and issues in macOS Big Sur Beta 10!

If you are having issues getting Beta 10 to show up in Software Update, take a look at my Big Sur Beta troubleshooting article. – mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-11-beta-not-showing-up-in-software-update-troubleshooting/

NEW! My Mac Transition to Apple Silicon “Everything you need to know” Article – mrmacintosh.com/mac-transition-to-apple-silicon-everything-you-need-to-know-updated/

Keep an eye on my Big Sur Need to Know changes article. I will be constantly updating it as new info comes in. mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-0-updated-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links/

macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Patch Notes Summary

10 – Resolved Issues
14 – Standing Known Issues
1 – AppleSeed New Feature
4 – AppleSeed Resolved Issue

AppleSeed Notes Link = appleseed.apple.com/

Developer Public Link = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-beta-release-notes

Apple DTK Mac Mini Notes = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-universal-apps-beta-release-notes

MacAdmin Patch Notes of Interest

AppleSeed = 1 new MDM Feature & 4 resolved issues appleseed.apple.com
1. Full installer = unknown
2. Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)

Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases

10. Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) – 10/14/20 – Current Release
9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – My Release Notes
8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

macOS Big Sur 11 Installer Info

Note: Combo and Delta updates are not available as standalone downloads.

Full Installer.app

Link – developer.apple.com or installinstallmacos.py

Size = 12.22GB

Big Sur Beta Delta Update

This is the update is for updating from Beta 9 > Beta 10

Size = 4.2GB

Big Sur Beta Combo Update

This is update should be for updating from Beta 1-9 > Beta 10

Size = 4.56GB

T2 BridgeOS Update

The Version of BridgeOS for your T2 Security Chip was updated.

BridgeOS version = 18.16.12402.5.2

Size = 441.9MB

Product ID = 001-59617

5. Previous Beta 9 = 18.16.12390.5.1
4. Previous Beta 8 = 18.16.12380 BuildVersion 3
3.Previous Beta 7 = 18.16.12380
2. Previous Beta 6 = 18.16.12370.5.1
1. Previous Beta 5 = 18.16.10358.5.2

New Software Update Catalog URL

https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-10.16seed-10.16-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog

Report Bugs NOW!

Now that macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta is live, start testing as soon as you can! You will want to submit any bugs that you find into Apple ASAP. If you get bugs in quickly, they could be fixed in the current beta cycle instead of waiting until after the public release. If not, you could be waiting months before the fix is put into a dot release combo update.

macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) Release Notes

General

Known Issues

Important

Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)

AppKit

See AppKit Release Notes for macOS Big Sur 11.

Apple Security Bounty

macOS Big Sur 11 beta 10 is designated as qualifying for the 50% Apple Security Bounty bonus payment for issues that are unknown to Apple or reintroduced in this release. See Apple Security Bounty for more information.

Core Data

Resolved Issues

Core Data’s model editor no longer displays a blank Detail area for an Entity. (69472812)

Installer and Software Update

Known Issues

When updating from macOS Big Sur 11 beta 2 to macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3 or later, you might be offered an unexpectedly large download rather than an incremental software update. (65753086)Workaround: Under the “Another update is available” text, click the “More info…” link. This reveals the incremental update where you can click the Install Now button.
You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (63166401)
If macOS Big Sur 11 beta is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS Catalina 10.15, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)Workaround: Update the previous version of macOS Catalina to 10.15.6 or later.

Kernel

Known Issues

Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. You must also restart your Mac to load the extension. Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs won’t be loaded. For more information, see Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. (55068348)Workaround: During development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated kernel extensions to load.
New in macOS Big Sur 11 beta, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
kmutil install might fail to build a development kextcache. (63772702)Workaround: Copy the release .elides to the locations of the development .elides:sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elides sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elides
Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11 beta to ensure compatibility. (64262563)

Localization

Known Issues

Certain languages might exhibit clipped or misaligned layout. (63105445)
Certain languages might display unlocalized text. (63105674, 64040564, 64045718)

Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 10

Notes and Photos no longer quit unexpectedly if the system language is set to Greek. (69548692)

Mac Catalyst

Known Issues

A ToolbarItem with automatic placement isn’t placed in the window toolbar. (63690384)

Network Extension

Resolved Issues

You must adopt the NETransparentProxyProvider API in your transparent proxy implementation in order for it to function correctly. (65228404)

SwiftUI

Known Issues

ProgressView generic type signature has changed, adding the currentValueLabel generic parameter. This change doesn’t require any source changes, but will cause apps compiled using an earlier beta SDK to quit unexpectedly. (63580200)Workaround: Re-compile apps for macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 6 or later to resolve this issue.
DisclosureGroup‘s isExpanded binding doesn’t work as expected in a List. (58820037)
Adding a Widget that uses a Text with dynamic Text.DateStyle presentations will cause Notification Center to quit unexpectedly. (70059211)

Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 10

Dynamically updating OutlineGroup content updates correctly. (58820037)
Standard menu items, such as Open Recents or Window menu items, are no longer missing from the main menu. (63998004)
High-contrast asset catalog images are correctly used by Image when in an environment with colorSchemeContrast == .increased. (65164844)
Xcode Previews no longer quit unexpectedly when previewing a view using FetchRequest. (65544435)
Scrolling a selected NavigationLink far offscreen no longer deactivates that link or dismisses its presented destination. (62092320)
Dynamic CommandMenu and CommandGroup constructions now update correctly on App state changes. (67735428)
You can now reorder a List using SidebarListStyle as expected. (66386684)
ScrollView now has a correct default scroll position when underneath the titlebar. (64319463)
A TextField that you are editing inside a selected List row now has correct text foreground colors. (68545878)

Third-Party Apps

Known Issues

You might experience kernel panics when using earlier versions of Parallels Desktop 16. (67358596)Workaround: Upgrade to the most-recent version of Parallels Desktop 16.
Some third-party scripts might produce unexpected results due to the change in macOS version from 10.x to 11. (62477208)Workaround: Set SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 in the calling environment, for example: $ SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 legacy_script.pl

Wallet

Known Issues

isPassLibraryAvailable() doesn’t ensure uniform availability of pass library functionality between platforms and devices. (60697880)Workaround: Call a more specific API to check available functionality, such as canAddPasses().

Xcode

Known Issues

Legacy Xcode versions prior to 11.5 might unexpectedly quit when launched. (59991056)Workaround: Run the following command in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode DVTDisableMainThreadChecker 1, then deselect Main Thread Checker in the Diagnostic tab of the Run and Test actions for each scheme in your project.

Big Sur Beta 10

Mac Transition to Apple Silicon – Everything you Need to Know! UPDATED

MrMacintosh.com - Mac Transition to Apple Silicon – Everything you Need to Know! — Mac Transition to Apple Silicon – Everything you Need to Know!

Apple Silicon Macs will be here soon!

Apple said the first Apple Silicon Mac will launch before the end of 2020. The launch date is quickly approaching, now is the time to get up to speed! I will be following my “Everything you need to know” format from my previous articles.

1. macOS Big Sur – mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links-updated/
2. macOS Catalina – mrmacintosh.com/macos-10-15-catalina-updated-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links/
3. Notarization – mrmacintosh.com/updated-list-of-macos-notarization-links/

This article will be updated as new Apple Silicon information comes in.

The feedback that I’ve received from these has been really great. The big takeaway is that everyone really likes how all the information is all in one place. You are not wasting time looking for that one article, command or link.

NOTE: Everything in this article is public knowledge from Apple. Once the first Apple Silicon Mac ships, I will post more in depth articles.

Let’s get started!

Updates

Follow Me on Twitter @ClassicII_MrMac

Mr. Macintosh on YouTube.com

#AppleSiliconUpdates – will be the hashtag to follow for updates to this article.

Table of Contents – UPDATED 11/05/20

1. Apple Silicon Mac Release Date
2. MacOS Big Sur Installer Information
3. How To download macOS Big Sur 11
4. How to build a USB Big Sur Installer
5. Previous macOS Big Sur Beta Releases
6. Apple Silicon Recovery Options
7. How to use the new start manager on Apple Silicon
8. Internet Recovery is dead on Apple Silicon
9. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery
10. Apple Silicon System Recovery
11. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
12. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer
13. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
14. Apple Silicon Security Policy
15. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
16. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
17. How to use SMB Mac Sharing Mode (Replaces Target Disk Mode – TDM)
18. Apple Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK)
19. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator
20. Kexts, System Extensions & Drivers
21. Apple Silicon Virtualization
22. Apple Links
23. WWDC20 Video Links
24. MacAdmin Blog Links
25. Miscellaneous Links
26. MacAdmins.slack.com – #AppleSilicon
27. Credits

1. Apple Silicon Mac Release Date

The first Apple Silicon Macs will be introduced at the

“One more thing” November 10th event!!!

MrMacintosh.con - One More Thing apple event on November 10, 2020 at 10:00AM PST! — One More Thing apple event on November 10, 2020 at 10:00AM PST!

2. MacOS Big Sur Installer Information

The macOS Big Sur installer is unified. This means that you can install it on a Apple Silicon or Intel based Mac.

3. How To download macOS Big Sur 11

Once Big Sur goes live, macOS Big Sur will be available for you to upgrade in the following places.

System Preferences > Software Update > Upgrade to Big Sur.
Mac App Store > macOS Big Sur > Download.

You can look at my how to download macOS article for more info.

mrmacintosh.com/how-to-download-macos-catalina-mojave-or-high-sierra-full-installers/

4. How to build a USB Big Sur Installer

Once you have macOS Big Sur downloaded you can do the following steps to build a macOS Big Sur 11 USB Installer disk.

Plug in blank USB stick (Must be 15GB or larger as the installer is 12GB)
Open Terminal.app
Run this command
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
MyVolume is the name of your USB Flash Drive.

More info from Apple’s Support. support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

5. Previous macOS Big Sur Beta Releases

9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – Current Release
8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

6. Apple Silicon Recovery Options

Apple Silicon changes the way in which we enter recovery on the Mac. In the past, we had to remember multiple keyboard commands. On Apple Silicon, all you need to do is hold down the power button. In a few seconds, you will see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.

7. How to use the new start manager on Apple Silicon

To enter Apple Silicon Startup manager follow these steps.

1. Hold down the power button
2. You will see the message “Continue holding for startup options”
3. The next message will say “Loading Startup Options…”
4. You will now see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Startup Options — Apple Silicon Mac Startup Manager Options

The startup manager will show you the main boot disk (Macintosh HD) Boot icon and Recovery Options. Click “Options” to boot into macOS Recovery.

8. Internet Recovery is dead on Apple Silicon

Have you had trouble booting into Internet Recovery in the past? You are not alone. Now with Apple Silicon, Internet recovery is officially retired. It will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 3 different ways to reinstall macOS.

1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
3. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.

9. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery

Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. The only difference is Security Policy options was moved from the Menu bar to the “Startup Disk”.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon macOS Recovery — First line of defense, is macOS Recovery.

10. Apple Silicon System Recovery

Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac System Recovery — System Recovery is a hidden non deletable container. It’s a new way to reinstall macOS when recovery is not available.

11. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?

The blinking folder icon is now retired. If the Mac is not bootable, you will now see an old friend.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Sad Mac — The sad Mac returns when Macintosh HD, Recovery and System recovery are not available.

Credit: Martin Nobel – youtube.com/watch?v=XOLIknk1ZHM

12. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer

On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.

External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default

You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!

You can build out a USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it. The big difference that ONLY the installer is available for a reinstall of the OS. You can NOT erase the drive in this mode.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac External USB Installer Boot — You can now boot a USB macOS installer without enabling external boot in Security options! It’s enabled by default.

13. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon

If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.

1. Revive = ?
2. Restore = ?
3. Reinstall macOS = Reinstall macOS Recovery / System Recovery / macOS

This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Apple Configurator 2

14. Apple Silicon Security Policy

We know that an Apple Silicon Mac will have 2 Security modes.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Security Policy — Apple Silicon Security Policy menu

1.Full Security = “iOS Security” – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.

Full Security
Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.
WWDC 2020

2. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.

Reduced Security
Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.
WWDC 2020

With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac per-OS Security Policy — New Apple Silicon Security Policy can be set differently on each container.

15. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS

Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;

Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install.

16. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?

Yes! But only with your Apple Silicon Security Policy set to “Reduced Security”.

17. How to use SMB Mac Sharing Mode (Replaces Target Disk Mode – TDM)

Target Disk Mode has been retired on Apple Silicon. It was replaced with Apple Silicon Mac Sharing Mode.

Boot to macOS recovery and then select “Mac Sharing Mode” you will be able to transfer data over USB-C cable. You will need to authenticate with a SecureToken User that is on the host Mac.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Sharing Mode — Mac Sharing MOde replaces Target Disk Mode.

18. Apple Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK)

New Mac Developer Transition Kit with Apple Silicon, a comprehensive set of resources, and one-on-one technical support, you’ll have everything you need to get your Universal apps ready before Apple Silicon Macs become available to customers.– developer.apple.com/programs/universal/
Universal App Quick Start Program – Get your Universal apps ready. The Universal App Quick Start Program includes all the tools, resources, and support you need to build, test, and optimize your next-generation Universal apps for macOS Big Sur. – developer.apple.com/programs/universal/apply/
Apple Silicon Developer Transition Kit Mac Mini Specifications – developer.apple.com/programs/universal/#modal-tech-specs
As part of the program, you’ll have limited access to a Developer Transition Kit (DTK), which will be shipped to you, for developing and testing your Universal apps. The DTK is owned by Apple and must be returned. For full details, see the Universal App Quick Start Program terms and conditions. – developer.apple.com/terms/universal-app-quick-start-program/Developer-Universal-App-Quick-Start-Program.pdf

19. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator

About the Rosetta Translation Environment – Learn how Rosetta translates executables, and understand what Rosetta can’t translate. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/about_the_rosetta_translation_environment

20. Kexts, System Extensions & Drivers

Implementing Drivers, System Extensions, and Kexts – Create drivers and system extensions to communicate with hardware and provide low-level services, and only use kernel extensions for a few tasks. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/implementing_drivers_system_extensions_and_kexts
Installing a Custom Kernel Extension – Install kernel extensions using a custom installer package, and help users understand the installation process. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/installing_a_custom_kernel_extension
Debugging a Custom Kernel Extension – Configure your system to enable the debugging of custom kernel extensions from a second Mac. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/debugging_a_custom_kernel_extension

21. Apple Silicon Virtualization

As of right now, only Linux and macOS can be virtualized.

22. Apple Links

WWDC20 Keynote – apple.com/apple-events/june-2020/

JNUC 2020 Apple Presentation – youtube.com/watch?v=pgZ02njP6kY

Apple Silicon – Get the resources you need to create software for Macs with Apple silicon. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon
Apple announces Mac transition to Apple Silicon. – Developers can start building apps today and first system ships by year’s end, beginning a two-year transition. – apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon/

1. Apple Developer Forums – All new for 2020 – developer.apple.com/forums/

2. Xcode 12 Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-beta-release-notes

3. Xcode 12 for macOS Universal Apps Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-for-macos-universal-apps-beta-release-notes

4. FeedBack Assistant. developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/ – feedbackassistant.apple.com/welcome

5. What’s New for Enterprise and Education WWDC 2020 June 2020 (v1.0) (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

6. AppleSeed – macOS 11.0 Big Sur Beta Release Notes (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

23. WWDC20 Video Links

Port your Mac app to Apple Silicon – Your porting questions, answered: Learn how to recompile your macOS app for Apple Silicon Macs and build universal apps that launch faster, have better performance, and support the future of the platform. We’ll show you how Xcode makes it simple to build a universal macOS binary. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10214/
What’s new in managing Apple devices. – iOS, macOS, tvOS We’ve made significant strides in bringing crucial device management features to macOS. Discover how these features can help you manage your all your devices using the same tools and technologies. Get details on changes coming this year and how they will impact your deployment workflows– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10639/
iPad and iPhone apps on Apple Silicon Macs. – Apple Silicon Macs can run many iPad and iPhone apps as-is, and these apps will be made available to users on the Mac through the Mac App Store. Discover how iPad and iPhone apps run on Apple Silicon Macs, and the factors that make your apps come across better.– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10114/
Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs – Discover how Macs with Apple Silicon will deliver modern advantages using Apple’s System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. Leveraging a unified memory architecture for CPU and GPU tasks, Mac apps will see amazing performance benefits. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10686/

24. MacAdmin Blog Links

This list is specifically for MacAdmins. This will be an ongoing list of articles and posts that will help you learn the latest 11.0 changes.

Howard Oakley – electiclight.co

Big Sur and Apple Silicon: interesting times ahead –eclecticlight.co/2020/06/24/big-sur-and-apple-silicon-interesting-times-ahead/
Changing the clock in Apple Silicon Macs – eclecticlight.co/2020/09/08/changing-the-clock-in-apple-silicon-macs/
New freeware menu: all the apps that are fit for Big Sur and Apple Silicon – eclecticlight.co/2020/09/11/new-freeware-menu-all-the-apps-that-are-fit-for-big-sur-and-apple-silicon/
Apple Silicon Macs will require signed code – eclecticlight.co/2020/08/22/apple-silicon-macs-will-require-signed-code/
Last Week on My Mac: How Apple told us about Apple Silicon 2 years ago- eclecticlight.co/2020/07/26/last-week-on-my-mac-how-apple-told-us-about-apple-silicon-2-years-ago/

Rich Trouton – WWDC20 Notes – derflounder.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/wwdc-2020-notes/

1. Notes from What’s New in Apple Device Management (6/23/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/650065
2. Notes from Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs (6/24/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/650931
3. Notes from Discover AppleSeed for IT and Managed Software Updates (6/25/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/651590

Mr. Macintosh

macOS Big Sur Everything you need to know – mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links-updated/

The Apple Ninja

Apple Silicon ARM Macs: What you need to know before buying one! youtube.com/watch?v=Frw2N046zfw

25. Miscellaneous Links

MacAdmins Big Sur Community Questions Post – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S6niz-ShXOXlGFORWi_5Ez7vFwZ0Iv4GJB6m2vAyavQ/edit
MacAdmins Big Sur FeedBack Request Community Document – docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P0GIosWdhPLgsqAqfOq-XxKpJ_xpJcXdpKJ5Z3Ry5EE/edit?usp=sharing

26. MacAdmins.slack.com – #AppleSilicon

Visit the #AppleSilicon Channel in MacAdmins Slack.

27. Credits

Martin Nobile – Visit his youtube channel! He found some great screenshots from Apple Silicon. youtube.com/channel/UCIfe1juYd-atTo-MmPgmU4g

JNUC 2020 Apple Presentation Slides – Updated Info from WWDC2020 – youtube.com/watch?v=pgZ02njP6kY

VMware Fusion Player 12 is FREE! Test macOS, Linux or Windows 10

VMware Fusion Player 12 is now free for personal use on the Mac!

Last month VMware announced VMware Fusion 12. The new version includes macOS Big Sur support for host and guest. VMware also announced that the Mac version is now FREE ($149 Normal Price) for personal use! Previously the Free VMware player was only available on Windows. You can use it to test macOS, Windows 10, or Linux. If you’ve always wanted to set up a macOS VM, now is the time. It’s never been easier to build a test VM, so let’s get started!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlEZYphfrwY

How To Register, Download, Install & Configure VMware Fusion Player 12 – Mr. Macintosh Video.

Create a New VMware Account.

VMware notes that the free version is available for the following situations.

Fusion Player offers a Personal Use License, available for free with a valid MyVMware account. Home users, Open Source contributors, students, and anyone else can use Fusion Player Free for Non-Commercial activity.
VMware.com

If you are one of those, head over to the registration site.

my.vmware.com/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=fusion-player-personal

MrMacintosh.com - Register your VMware account. — VMware registration page

Once registered you will see your license key, be sure to document this somewhere as you will need it when you install VMware Fusion Player.

If you didn’t and need to find your license key later, use this link.

my.vmware.com/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=fusion-player-personal&cmp=EMC-FusionPlayerEvalActivation&li=license

This link also has a download area to get the the 600MB .dmg installer.

Install VMware Fusion Player 12

Open the .dmg and install Fusion Player 12. NOTE: VMware Fusion 12 requires macOS Catalina or newer. Once complete, open the application and you will be prompted to enter in the license key.

When you first start VMWare Fusion you will get a Select Install Method Screen. In the past you needed to run through a bunch of steps to create a macOS Install .ISO file. Not anymore, you can just drag and drop the full Install macOS Install.app (or Windows iso or Linux .iso) over to this window to begin!

MrMacintosh.com - VMware Fusion Player 12 - Select Install Method — VMware Fusion Player 12 – Select Install Method

The next screen will let you select macOS installer.app file. You will normally only see the one that you just dragged over. In my case, I have already installed 10.14, 10.15 and 11.0. Click Continue.

MrMacintosh.com - Select Install image — VMware Fusion Player 12 – Select Install image

You will now see a final finish screen, before you start to configure the VM.

MrMacintosh.com - VMware Fusion Player 12 - Finish — Finish of the VM setup wizard.

The next screen will tell you that VMware Fusion Player is creating installation media.

MrMacintosh.com - VMware Fusion Player 12 - Creating Installation Media — VMware Fusion Player 12 – Creating Installation Media

You will get a warning about running this VM machine with side channel mitigations enable. It says that side channel mitigations provide enhanced security but lower performance. You can change the settings when the VM is not running in the Advanced panel of the VM.

MrMacintosh.com - VMware Fusion Player 12 - You are running this virtual machine with side channel mitigations enabled. — VMware Fusion Player 12 – You are running this virtual machine with side channel mitigations enabled.

The new macOS VM is booting to the installer! Once booted, it will be just like you booted into the recovery partition. All you need to do is select Install macOS to begin.

MrMacintosh.com - VMware Fusion Player 12 - Booting to the macOS Installer. — VMware Fusion Player 12 – Booting to the macOS Installer.

30 Minutes or so later you will be at the Setup Assistant Screen.

Congratulations! You’ve just built your first macOS virtual Machine!

Snapshots

One of the best features about having a macOS virtual machine is snapshots. You can build out a fresh OS and then take a snapshot before you make any changes to the system. Did the test not work? No big deal! Instead of reinstalling the OS to test again, just revert back to a previous snapshot! It’s literally that simple. You can access snapshots from the Virtual Machine menu bar item.

Boot your macOS VM to Recovery Mode

Quick Way – sudo nvram "recovery-boot-mode=unused" && sudo reboot

To get back to macOS out just reboot!

Thanks for the tip Mike! More info here – https://mrmacintosh.com/boot-to-internet-recovery-recovery-partition-or-diagnostics-from-macos/

2. Long Way.

If you need to boot the VM to macOS Recovery mode, all you need to do is edit the .vmx file located in /Users/youruserfolder/Virtual Machines/vmnamehere

Right on the file and then select “Show Package Contents”. Inside will be your vmnamehere.vmx file. Right click on that file and edit it with your favorite text editor. Add this line at the very end of the file and click save.

macosguest.forceRecoveryModeInstall = "TRUE"

Start up the VM an you will now be in recovey mode.

To boot back to macOS, open that same file and delete the line that you just added above and click save.

The final step is to delete the .nvram file in that same directory.

NOTE: 10/07/20

I am having trouble booting to recovery with Big Sur Beta, I’m going to run a few more tests. This works fine on 10.14 and 10.15.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below!

VMware Fusion Player macOS

How to Downgrade Safari – Supported & Unsupported Options

MrMacintosh.com - Do you need to downgrade Safari from version 14.0 to 13.1.2? I will show you 2 ways to do it. — Do you need to downgrade Safari? I will show you 2 ways to do it.

If you recently installed the Mojave Supplemental Update and were surprised to see Safari 14.0 installed, you are not alone.

UPDATE 4/30/21 – This article explained originally how to downgrade from Safari 14.0 to 13.1.2 due to a problem. Apple has pulled the Safari 14.1 Update for both Catalina and Mojave. Users are reporting the error Safari 14.1 = webpage loading errors “a problem repeatedly occurred”. You can attempt to use the same instructions to downgrade from Safari 14.1 to 14.0.3. I’ve included Safari 14.0.3 download links at the bottom

Confirmed the following after reinstall of 10.14.6 over the top of current install (retains user data)
Build Version (18G103) Safari 12.1.2
Software Update shows Security Update 2021-003 & Safari 14.0.3
Good workaround until Apple releases a fix ?
Should be the same for 10.15

You are probably asking yourself, why would anyone want to downgrade from Safari 14 to 13. Safari was offered as a separate download in software update so users could remain on Safari 13 if they wanted. This was fine until the 2020-005 Security Update started to break systems. After issue, Apple re-issued Safari 14.0 but renamed it “Mojave Supplemental Update”. This caught many off guard because they didn’t understand that installing this update was actually installing Safari 14.0.

Readers wrote in and asked me if there is a way to downgrade Safari. Many still needed Flash, others had website compatibility issues. Some just really missed Top Sites. Another big problem was that some users upgraded to Safari 14.0.1 Beta. They are still broke because the supplemental update did not include 14.0.1 as a compatible upgrade version. I recommend that you do anything possible so you don’t need to downgrade. Most users will be just fine with Safari 14. The new version includes user privacy improvements and security fixes.

Mr. Macintosh How to Downgrade Safari 14.0 to 13.1.2 video.

Supported and Unsupported

I will show you 2 different ways to downgrade from Safari 14.0 to 13.1.2.

1. Supported Way – Reinstall (not erase and install) macOS Mojave 10.14.6 (18G103) = Safari 12.1.2
2. Unsupported Way – Disable SIP protection > Remove Safari 14.app and Files > Install Safari 13.1.2 > Enable SIP again = Safari 13.1.2

When I say Supported I mean this is what Apple would recommend and is the best path forward. Unsupported is what some users have done the past that might or might not have some compatibility issues. Consider this a warning. I have tested this multiple times and not had an issue, but you might! So please backup before you test this path. You can always install Safari 14.0 again if needed.

The following instructions are only for macOS Mojave.

I did not test this on Catalina or High Sierra, but I’ve included download links below if you would like to try. Readers who have contacted me were only asking about Mojave because of the Supplemental Update naming issue.

Supported Way = Reinstall macOS Mojave

The is pretty cut and dry, you will reinstall macOS Mojave 10.14.6 over the top of your current version of Mojave. An example of this that you are running 10.14.6 (18G6032). This is the latest version of Mojave available and includes all the security fixes in the 2020-005 Update. If you want to see a full listing of macOS versions, take a look at my macOS System Status and Versions Page. After reinstalling macOS Mojave you will be at version# 10.14.6 & BuildVersion number (18G103). Safari will be at 12.1.2.

1. Backup all your files (always a good thing just in case)
2. Reboot to the Recovery Partition (Command R)
3. Click Install macOS
4. You are now at macOS Mojave 10.14.6 BuildVersion 18G103 and Safari 12.1.2
5. Install Safari 13.1.2 (download link below)
6. Install Security Update 2020-004
7. NOTE: I did NOT test installing the 2020-005 Security Update after. The Safari 13.1.2 + 2020-004 Security Update install order was offered by Apple when the 2020-005 update was pulled. This was a tested path by them and is supported.

You are back on Safari 13.1.2! Keep in mind you are missing important security updates. I hope that you can fix any compatibility issues that you may have and get on the latest version.

Unsupported Way = Uninstall Safari

As mentioned above, this is an unsupported path. Please backup your files or run a time machine before attempting this. Another thing you could do is run a tmutil localsnapshot /. You could immediately revert back to before any changes if needed. Remember the localsnapshots only last for 24 hours! I have tested this multiple times and have not found any issues, but you might! Let’s get started.

1. Make a backup first!
2. Disable SIP
3. Boot to the recovery partition > Open Terminal > Type in csrutil disable
4. Reboot
5. Download Safari 13.1.2
6. Safari 13.1.2 = http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/38/62/061-98246-A_DETHLIXKPC/njpb63acy0z0rgpdpewxts5rfjlkhtdvcy/Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg
7. Download AppCleaner v3.5 – https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/
8. Download Pacifist v3.6.2 – charlessoft.com/cgi-bin/pacifist_download.cgi?type=dmg
9. Install both apps
10. Use AppCleaner to remove Safari 14.0 – Go to preferences and uncheck “Protect default OS X apps”. Drag safari.app over to the app then select all files. then click remove.
11. Install Safari 13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg using Pacifist.app – Drag Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg over to the app. A new window will pop up. Highlight the main pkg in the list then hit install. You will see 2 admin prompts and a prompt to overwrite files, select overwrite all.
12. Reboot to recovery and re-enable SIP. Open Terminal > Type in csrutil enable
13. Reboot back to macOS. You are now back to Safari 13.1.2

Download Links

You might need to cut and paste the link in a new browser tab.

Safari 14.0.3 Download for Catalina – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/15/11/071-10831-A_F9U2DK6CTY/iiqyne50g2xt78rc08bnt49yykpo4n3cg7/Safari14.0.3CatalinaAuto.pkg

Safari 14.0.3 for Mojave – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/44/11/071-10830-A_HVHGD91GPY/cr9a8oy39eao60prj4iwtho4s7w7l5cmm7/Safari14.0.3MojaveAuto.pkg

FOR TESTING – Safari 14.1

Safari 14.1 for Catalina

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/62/62/071-00728-A_5SWQUDK0WB/jyq47oimzangibo4lmyevte0ezlrg8w8s9/Safari14.1CatalinaAuto.pkg

Safari 14.1 for Mojave

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/36/06/071-02600-A_V0GH526IV1/1cn8scgv7ujlqsglord2zkdyy3ho2ebunz/Safari14.1MojaveAuto.pkg

1. Safari 13.1.2 for Mojave – UPDATE LINK DEAD! added link above. http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/38/62/061-98246-A_DETHLIXKPC/njpb63acy0z0rgpdpewxts5rfjlkhtdvcy/Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg
2. Safari 14.0 for Mojave – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/08/46/001-55225-A_FKPERA412C/z81r8bvj47p12e0pvcz9dj33l43z7h201b/Safari14.0MojaveAuto.pkg
3. Safari 14.0 for Catalina – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/00/48/001-50020-A_14M4NE130Q/q4lojf164rqsmp57dawdtgs25ut2d1j44m/Safari14.0CatalinaAuto.pkg
4. Safari 14.0.1 Beta Seed 2 – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/17/19/001-52276-A_BBHPSL2B2P/ymw96wmqb7aaypn8v3wcdv6gcu9fb4o9ug/Safari14.0.1MojaveAutoSeed.pkg
Mojave 2020-004 Security Update download from Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2045
Mojave 2020-005 Security Update download from Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2054

Mojave Supplemental Update (Safari 14) Released to Fix Previous Issues

MrMacintosh.com - Apple has just released the macOS Mojave 10.14.6 "Supplemental Update" which is a fixed version of Safari 14.0. It address the problems of the previous 14.0 release. — Apple has just released the macOS Mojave 10.14.6 “Supplemental Update” which is a fixed version of Safari 14.0

The macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update is Live! It includes a fixed version of Safari 14.0. The update also address the problems of the previous release. Security Update 2020-005 was also re-released.

Apple has just released a Mojave Supplemental Update that address all the problems that the previous Safari 14.0 and 2020-005 Security Updates! This news comes one day after Apple pulled both software updates from the software update catalog.

You can find a full summary of the issue in the link below.

mrmacintosh.com/mojave-2020-005-security-update-causing-major-problems-updated/

UPDATE 10/08 11:30PM – Safari 14.0.1 Seed 2 was just released today. Mr. Macintosh reader Joe wrote in to let me know that after he installed Seed 2 over Seed 1 all of his problems went away! This will be a perfect fix for anyone who installed Safari 14.0.1 Seed 1 and were still having problems (since the Supplemental Update was not compatible with 14.0.1).

UPDATE 10/03 3:00PM– I’ve added a direct download link to the safari 14.0 package from the software update service in section 16 below. Apple has also added back the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update back to Apple.com downloads. The security update link is also in section 16 below.

UPDATE: 10/02 3:00PM – NOTE: Apple still has an old link to the Supplemental Update from 9/26/19 up on the the Apple downloads site. This is NOT the update you need. Apple has not released a stand alone download for this update yet. The update is only available from software update.

UPDATE: 20/02 10:30AM – I’ve added section 5 to make sure you know that the Supplemental Update will install Safar 14.0. This is important to understand in case you needed to remain on Safari 12 or 13. Some users are asking me what they should so if they installed Safari 14.0.1 Beta. I’m looking into that now.

You can also check out my new update deep dive video below.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VmefkXN-4nY

Mojave Supplemental Update (Safari 14) Mr. Macintosh Video

1. Name of the Update?
2. Details of the macOS Mojave Supplemental Update
3. I’ve tested this update and confirmed that it fixes most issues!
4. macOS Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Re-Released
5. The Supplemental update will install Safari 14.0!
6. Inside the macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update
7. Which update does your Mac need?
8. Did you ONLY install – Safari 14.0?
9. Did you ONLY install – 2020-005 Security Update?
10. Did you install BOTH Safari 14.0 & Security Update 2020-005?
11. Did you not install either of the updates?
12. Not seeing the 2020-005 Security Update?
13. I ran softwareupdate --ignore "Security Update xx" now what?
14. Did you install Safari Beta 14.0.1 ?
15. Did I cover all the situations that you could be in?
16. 10.14.6 Supplemental Update Links
17. Security Content of macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update
18. Final Thoughts
19. Thank You

1. Name of the Update?

Apple calls this update “macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update” Which is a bit confusing. In this particular case, the naming might make sense. Even though the update only includes a fixed Safari pkg, it also includes fixes that repair previous install OS level issues.

MrMacintosh.com - running softwareupate -l to check the names of the updates. — softwareupdate -l shows the name. It’s technically called Safari14.0MojaveAuto-10.14.6

NOTE!!! The update also includes a required restart. (Normal Safari Updates do not require a restart.)

2. Details of the macOS Mojave Supplemental Update

From – support.apple.com/en-us/HT211872

MrMacintosh.com - macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update (Safari 14.0) Details. — 6. Confusing? Yes, I will explain.Contents of the 10.14.6 Supplemental Update (Safari 14.0)

macOS Mojave 10.14.6 supplemental update includes Safari 14 and bug fixes for your Mac.

Resolves an issue that could impact app performance
Addresses a stability issue with Migration Assistant
Fixes an issue that may prevent user account creation

3. I’ve tested this update and have confirmed that it fixes most of the issues! (Memory issue needs more testing)

As you can see in the first 3 patch notes, this update looks to resolve our memory issues, account creation issues and the migration assistant issues!

I have confirmed that this update at the very least fixes the following.

UPDATE! 10:30PM – I am seeing multiple reports that all memory problems are fixed after installing the new Supplemental Update!

Account creation issues
Migration assistant crashing
Software Update errors
Time Machine Local Snapshot errors.
The Memory issues looks to be sorted out (From multiple user reports!)

4. macOS Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Re-Released

Along with the new Supplemental Safari Update, the Mojave 2020-005 Security update was re-released back into the software update catalog.

5. The Supplemental update will install Safari 14.0!

I need to make this clear, If you do not want Safari 14.0 don’t install the new macOS Supplemental update! I’ve heard from a few users who need to remain on the old version. Only update when you are ready to make the jump to Safari 14.0

6. Inside the macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update

So if this is not a normal supplemental update, what is it?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update (Safari 14.0) inside Details. — This is what’s inside of the macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update (FIxed Safari 14.0)

As you can see, this update only has the fixed version of Safari 14.0 inside! NOTE: this update has a REQUIRED RESTART!

What does a normal supplemental update look like?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update #2 inside Details. — This is what’s included in a full Supplemental Update. This is the 10.14.6 Supplemental Update #2

As you can see a normal “Supplemental Update” includes a bunch of stuff. I just wanted to clear up any confusion that you might have. (I was confused when I first saw the update.)

7. Which update does your Mac need?

We have multiple scenarios to work with here. I have used a test Mac to go over the many situations that a user might be in so you are not left wondering what to do!

1. Did you install ONLY install – Safari 14.0?
2. Did you install ONLY install – 2020-005 Security Update?
3. Did you install BOTH Safari 14.0 & Security Update 2020-005?
4. Did you not install either of the updates?

Below is a screenshot of what About This Mac > System Report > Installations will look like.

System Report – This is what it would look like after installing both problematic updates then installing both fixed updates.

8. Did you only install – Safari 14.0?

Let’s say that you installed Safari 14.0 a few days ago but heard the news about all the problems that the 2020-005 security update was causing.

Your Safari Version is = 14.0 (14610.1.28.1.9)

You will see the following in Software update.

MrMacintosh.com - Did you install ONLY install - Safari 14.0? — This is what you will see if you only installed the old version of Safari 14.0

The following will happen in this scenario.

Fixed version of Safari Supplemental Update + fixes update will be installed
The Re-Released version of Mojave 2020-005 Security Update will install
Reboot
You are now fully up to date with no issues!
Mojave will be on the same Build Version 10.14.6 (18G6032)
Safari version is UPDATED – 14.0 (14610.1.28.1.10)
You are good to go!

9. Did you only install – 2020-005 Security Update?

Let’s say you need flash and you didn’t want to install Safari 14.0. But you did see the Security Update 2020-005 and installed it. In this situation, you would still be fine (maybe) even if you installed the old version of Safari 14.0. The problem would only happen if you installed Safari 14.0 first then the 2020-005 update.

What would you see in software update?

MrMacintosh.com - Did you install ONLY install - 2020-005 Security Update? — You only need to install the Supplemental Update (Safari 14.0 Fixed) and will be good to go!

In this case you would only see the fixed Safari 14.0 Supplemental Update.

Once installed you are good to go!

10. Did you install BOTH Safari 14.0 & Security Update 2020-005?

Let’s say that you had automatic updates set and you got both updates. Your system is in a broken state.

What would you see in software update?

MrMacintosh.com - What you would see in SU if you previously installed both problematic updates. — *What you would see in SU if you previously installed both problematic updates.*

The following will happen in this scenario.

Fixed version of Safari Supplemental Update + fixes update will be installed
Reboot
You are now fully up to date with no issues!
Mojave will be on the same Build Version 10.14.6 (18G6032)
Safari version is UPDATED – 14.0 (14610.1.28.1.10)
You should be fixed!!!

11. Did you not install either of the updates?

Let’s say that you heard of the news of the problematic updates and were able to save your Mac.

What would you see in software update?

MrMacintosh.com - 11. Did you not install either of the updates? — This is what you would see on a mac with 10.14.6 (18G6020) and Below.

You would see both updates

The following will happen in this scenario.

Fixed version of Safari Supplemental Update + fixes update will be installed
The Re-Released version of Mojave 2020-005 Security Update will install
Reboot
You are now fully up to date with no issues!
Mojave will be Build Version 10.14.6 (18G6032)
Safari version now – 14.0 (14610.1.28.1.10)
You are good to go!

12. Not seeing the 2020-005 Security Update?

You might have either installed the update or ignored it by running

sudo softwareupdate -ignore "Security Update 2020-005"

If so, see below

13. I ran softwareupdate –ignore “Security Update 2020-005”

In my previous post, I showed you how to ignore the problematic security update by running

sudo softwareupdate -ignore "Security Update 2020-005"

If you would like to install the re-released version of the 2020-005 Security Update, all you need to do is run this command.

sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored

The security update will now show up in software update for you to install.

14. Did you install Safari Beta 14.0.1 ?

I am testing this situation out now.

Yikes, looks like the Supplemental Update does not show up if you have installed Safari Beta 14.0.1. The installer will let you install the Supplemental Update over the top of the 14.0.1 Beta, but does not actually install.

15. Did I cover all the situations that you could be in?

Did you have an install scenario that I missed. I attempted to cover and test them all. Let me know!

16. 10.14.6 Supplemental Update Links

Apple has not released a standalone installer or pkg for the supplemental Update. I’ve included direct links from the Software Update Service below. Apple has added the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update back to the Apple.com downloads page.

About the Supplemental Update = support.apple.com/en-us/HT211872
Direct Safari 14 download link from SUS – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/08/46/001-55225-A_FKPERA412C/z81r8bvj47p12e0pvcz9dj33l43z7h201b/Safari14.0MojaveAuto.pkg
Safari 13.1.2 – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/38/62/061-98246-A_DETHLIXKPC/njpb63acy0z0rgpdpewxts5rfjlkhtdvcy/Safari13.1.2MojaveAuto.pkg
Direct 2020-005 Security Update link from SUS – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2020/macos/001-48329-20200924-122a4260-eb65-4492-b08e-f69dfa22c2dc/SecUpd2020-005Mojave.dmg
Mojave 2020-005 Security Update download from Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2054

17. Security Content of macOS 10.14.6 Supplemental Update

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211872

18. Final Thoughts

Wow… what a week. After breaking this story on Sunday, many mainstream Apple websites started to pick up on this.

macrumors.com/2020/10/01/apple-pulls-macos-mojave-security-update/

9to5mac.com/2020/10/02/apple-releases-new-macos-mojave-10-14-6-supplemental-update-with-important-bug-fixes/

appleinsider.com/articles/20/10/01/apple-pulls-buggy-macos-mojave-security-update-safari-14

It was really cool to see this little blog mentioned. 🙂

With that said, I think Apple handled this pretty good. They might have taken a bit to pull the update, but they came out with a fix only one day later!

Hopefully we can get a closer eye on update quality moving forward.

19. Thank You

I wanted to thank all of my Mr. Macintosh readers, Twitter followers, YouTube Subscribers and those who emailed me. You have shared so many of your thank-you notes, comments, tips and fix stories. I really appreciated reading them all, I created this blog for you! I am finally at a point in my life where I can take all of the knowledge that I’ve learned along the way and share it with you.

What’s New in macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c)?

MrMacintosh.com - What's New in macOS Big Sur Beta 9 (20A5384c)? — What’s New in macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c)?

Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 9 (20A5384c) to Developers

MacOS Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) was released on September 29th, 2020 only one week after Beta 8! We are starting to get weekly beta releases. MacOS Catalina had 11 beta releases including the gold master, so again we are getting very close to release. Beta 7 & 8 did not get a full installer so hopefully we get one this time around. I’m still waiting to see if any changes are listed around screen recording, I will update as soon.

UPDATE: 10/05 – softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer does not work in Big Sur Beta 9

UPDATE: 9/30 – Apple has just released a Beta 9 Full Installer!!!

MrMacintosh.com - On 9/30 Apple released a Beta 9 Full Installer! — Released on 9/30 at 12PM CST a Beta 9 Full Installer!

UPDATE 9/29 – Items not found in Big Sur Beta 9 official patch notes

Beta 9 does not have a full installer available 🙁
We now control screen recording access for standard users with MDM! (More information available in the AppleSeed patch notes)
Active Directory login is still not working in Beta 9. Hopefully it’s fixed in the next release. The plugin was working fine in Beta 6 and 7.
Xcode command line tools are now available for 12.2 Beta 2
Setup assistant bug where you could not hit continue = Fixed.
Beta 9 seems to take longer to prepare the install (30min+)
QuickLook = Fixed
System Preferences + Security & Privacy = Quicker
AirPods Pro Automatic Switching = still glitchy
Youtube 4k Video in Safari = YES
Cisco IPSEC VPN issues = Now working!
Menu bar spacing = icons are closer together
Apple Watch can’t be paired use to unlock Mac = https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251803595?login=true&page=3

What’s New in macOS Big Sur 11 in Beta 9 Mr. Macintosh Video

If you are having issues getting Beta 9 to show up in Software Update, take a look at my Big Sur Beta troubleshooting article. – mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-11-beta-not-showing-up-in-software-update-troubleshooting/

Keep an eye on my Big Sur Need to Know changes article. I will be constantly updating it as new info comes in. mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-0-updated-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links/

macOS Big Sur Beta 9 Patch Notes Summary

2 – New Features
11 – Resolved Issues
10 – Standing Known Issues
1 – AppleSeed New Feature
1 – AppleSeeed Resolved Issue

AppleSeed Notes Link = appleseed.apple.com/

Developer Public Link = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-beta-release-notes

Apple DTK Mac Mini Notes = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-universal-apps-beta-release-notes

MacAdmin Patch Notes of Interest

AppleSeed = 1 new feature and 1 resolved issue – appleseed.apple.com
1. Full installer = NO
2. Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)

Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases

9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – Current Release
8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

macOS Big Sur 11 Installer Info

Note: Combo and Delta updates are not available as standalone downloads.

Full Installer.app

Link – developer.apple.com or installinstallmacos.py

Size = Full installer is not available for Beta 9

Big Sur Beta Delta Update

This is the update is for updating from Beta 8 > Beta 9

Size = 3.5GB

Big Sur Beta Combo Update

This is update should be for updating from Beta 1-8 > Beta 9

Size = 3.82GB

T2 BridgeOS Update

The Version of BridgeOS for your T2 Security Chip was updated.

BridgeOS version = 18.16.12390.5.1

Size = 442.2MB

Product ID = 001-51049

4. Previous Beta 8 = 18.16.12380 BuildVersion 3
3.Previous Beta 7 = 18.16.12380
2. Previous Beta 6 = 18.16.12370.5.1
1. Previous Beta 5 = 18.16.10358.5.2

New Software Update Catalog URL

https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-10.16seed-10.16-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog

Report Bugs NOW!

macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) Release Notes

Overview

The macOS 11 SDK provides support to develop apps for Macs running macOS Big Sur 11. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 12.2 beta, available from Beta Software Downloads. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 12.2, see Xcode 12.2 Beta Release Notes.

General

New Features in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 9

A ToolbarItem attached to the content of a sheet will now display confirmationAction, cancellationAction, destructiveAction and automatic placements below the the content of the sheet. (61180502)
A ToolbarItem Label is now automatically used when the window’s toolbar is set to Icon and Text or Text Only. (67823018)

Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 9

Use of matchedGeometryEffect(id:in:properties:anchor:isSource:) no longer causes the Fruta sample app to quit unexpectedly. (68792306)
Menu content is now lazily created once the menu is presented. (59648503)
Section headers for InsetListStyle, PlainListStyle, and ListStyle are now styled as expected by default. (68245873)
Rosetta 2 widgets running on Apple silicon Mac computers now correctly respect their multiline text alignment. (68164481)
NSViewRepresentable and NSViewControllerRepresentable types no longer update on every environment update. (68599108)
TextEditingCommands and TextFormattingCommands now appear as expected. (65896111)
Symbol images embedded in Text now correctly appear using the text’s foreground color. (68089564)
Drag and drop of multiple items in a List no longer causes an application to quit unexpectedly. (53385270)
Drag-and-drop actions no longer fail when dropping on dynamic view content. (68281403)

UIKit

Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 9

After using the new detectPatternsForPatterns:completionHandler: Pasteboard API, the pasteboard no longer returns empty data. (67857457)

Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 9

The Command Line Tools package for Xcode 12.2 beta 2 is now available. (69012274)

Big Sur Beta 9

Catalina 10.15.7 Update = accountsd hitting 400% CPU if using iCloud

MrMacintosh.com - Catalina 10.15.7 Update = accountsd using 400% CPU if using iCloud — Catalina 10.15.7 Update = accountsd using 400% CPU if using iCloud

Catalina 10.15.7 Update is causing problems with the accountsd process. The issue only seems to happen if you use iCloud Drive, Mail, Calendar or Internet Accounts.

Something is wrong with the iCloud sync process. Users are saying that after they installed the 10.15.7 update, the accountsd process runs up to 400%+ in Activity Monitor. When the issue starts, it slows the Mac down to a crawl. This causes the Mac to quickly drain the battery, heat up and kick the CPU fans into high gear. Another process that could be acting up is suggestd.

UPDATE 9/29 10:00AM – I’ve added 2 new fixes in the workarounds section below. One kills the cm.apple.iCloudHelper process and recreates the .sqlite database. The other was to remove Find My Mac then re enable it.

This comes after I reported major problems with the macOS Mojave 2020-005 Security Update that came out on the same day. Apple has pulled both the Safari 14.0 and Mojave 2020-005 Security Updates.

mrmacintosh.com/mojave-2020-005-security-update-causing-major-problems-updated/

This article will include will be continually updated with the latest information on this issue.

I have some workarounds and fixes that could help you if you already installed the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update.

10.15.7 Update = accountsd process using 400%+ CPU if using iCloud Mr. Macintosh Video.

1. macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update Problems
2. Affected macOS Build Versions
3. What is the accountsd process?
4. Affected Mac Hardware
5. User Reports
6. I’m trying to replicate this issue now.
7. Workarounds / Fixes
8. If you are seeing this issue, please let Apple know.
9. Catalina 10.15.7 Update accountd issue links
10. Hat Tip/Credits

1. macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update Problems

What are the reported problems with this update?

The macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update was released on September 24th, 2020.

mrmacintosh.com/whats-new-in-the-macos-catalina-10-15-7-update-19h2/

If you use iCloud – Drive, Mail & Calander and you have installed the 10.15.7 update, you might have problems. Finder will be sluggish and general system speed is slow. If you open up Activity Monitor and then select the CPU tab, you might see accountsd taking up a huge amount of CPU. It might be running at over 400%, you can see what that looks like in the screenshot below.

2. Affected macOS Build Versions

This issue affects the following macOS Build Versions.

macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update (19H2) – Released on September 24th, 2020
macOS Catalina 10.15.6 and below, as I noticed a few reports from 10.15.6 around the 25th. For 10.15.6 users, sometimes just updating to 10.15.7 fixes the issue for them.
No reports so far of this happening on macOS Mojave 10.14 or High Sierra 10.13.

Looks like a variant of this issue goes all the way back to the Catalina 10.15.1 Update. But most reports disappeared until it came back after installing 10.15.7.

3. Affected Mac Hardware

Past problems would only happen with certain hardware models. Not this time, if you installed the Catalina 10.15.7 Update on a compatible Mac you might have problems. As I noted in the Affected macOS Build Versions above, the issue could be affecting 10.15.6 and below users.

4. What is the accountsd process?

From Apple

Help users access and manage their external accounts from within your app, without requiring them to enter login credentials. The Accounts framework provides access to user accounts stored in the Accounts database, which is managed by the system. An account stores the login credentials of a particular service, such as Twitter, and you use those credentials to authenticate with the service. When you integrate the Accounts framework into your app, you don’t need to store account logins yourself. Instead, the user grants your app access to use their account login credentials, bypassing the need to type their username and password. If no account for a particular service exists in the user’s Accounts database, you can let them create and save an account from within your app.
Developer Documentation

developer.apple.com/documentation/accounts#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40011024

5. User Reports

The first reports came in on Friday, one day after Apple released the Catalina 10.17.5 Update.

accountsd process is eating 500% cpu and making macbook pro 15,1 useless after Catalina 10.15.7 update. Even if you force this process to quit it comes back at ~500% CPU and make lots os apps to hang.
Apple Discussion Forum User fpmalard2017

More reports started to roll in on the Apple Discussion Forums.

Same here, upgraded to 10.15.7 and CPU usage spikes. Seems that the processes ‘accountds’/ ‘commerce’ are responsible for this and killing the process ‘commerce’ is a only a temp ‘solution’ for minutes and then same problem appears again. Tried also SMC reset without success!!!
Apple Discussions Forum User doobieb

I just updated to Catalina last month. Everything was running smooth and fine under 10.15.6. I did the 10.15.7 update yesterday first through the normal way –> system preferences – Software update and then the trouble with the accountsd-process has also begun.
Apple Discussions Forum User Oevie

Additionally, boot time is slower, logging in is slower and when doing so I’m met with a blank desktop which needs 7-8 seconds before icons finally appear. Everything feels sluggish, and applications also take more than twice as long to start up.
MacRumors Forum User Minipudding

After reading multiple reports I felt that it was time me to take a closer look.

6. I’m trying to replicate this issue now.

The test Mac was setup with the exact settings that most of the users have reported.

1. Install 10.15.6
2. Set Up iCloud Drive, Mail and Cal
3. Install 10.15.6 Update > 10.15.7
4. Test settings.

I’ve been unable to reproduce this issue. I had the article ready for this weekend but did not have enough solid reports of the issue. Now enough reports have come in to solidify the issue as a problem for users.

7. Workarounds / Fixes

This list of workarounds will start from the very simple to more advanced.

You do NOT have to follow the list until the end, just stop when one of the solutions fixes the issue for you (starting from #1).

1. Reboot! Yes multiple users have mentioned that a simple reboot fixes the issue.

2. Cycle Wifi off then back on. (I said we were starting out simple.. )

3. Sign out of iCloud then reboot.

4. Sign back into iCloud – For some users they are able to sign back in and not have any issues. If you sign back in and are still having issues keep going down the list.

4. Boot into safe mode one time (this automatically runs a disk check) support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac – once in safe mode, reboot your Mac.

5. Are you on 10.15.6 with this issue? Install the 10.15.7 Update.

6. Disable iCloud Drive Options > Internet Accounts > iCloud > Options Button > unselect all options – Restart

6. Disable iCloud options – Internet Accounts > iCloud Uncheck all – Photos, Mail Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Safari, Find My Mac, Notes & Keychain – Reboot – If you get any popup messages asking if you want to keep the items on your Mac. Make sure you select “Keep on This Mac” if you need to save your keychain passwords for example. After this if the problem goes away you can attempt to re enable them.

7. Sign out of all System Preferences > Internet Accounts > added email addresses. This includes any IMAP, POP, Gmail, Yahoo. Office365 o365 or Exchange accounts. Reboot – Then see if the issue comes back. If not then attempt to re add the email accounts.

Below are medium skill level fixes

7. Delete local Mail store & preferences – Disable iCloud Mail Sync – then delete /Users/yourhomefolderhere/Library/mail & /Users/yourhomefolderhere/Library/containers/com.apple.mail – Enable iCloud Mail Sync.

8. Delete Local Items Keychain folder (BACKUP ANY PASSWORDS FIRST) – Users/yourhomefolderhere/Library/Keychains – It will be the blue folder with the UUID looking numbers. Delete this folder and immediately reboot.

9. Reset iCloud settings when you can’t sign out.

If you run this command it will do the following.

1. Kill the com.appleiCloudHelper process
2. Move your iCloud .sqlite database to a new backup folder
3. kill accountsd process
4. reboot

Open the terminal.app, then cut and paste the command below.

sudo -v ; killall -9 accountsd com.apple.iCloudHelper ; defaults delete MobileMeAccounts ; 
mkdir ~/Library/Accounts/Backup; mv ~/Library/Accounts/*.sqlite* ~/Library/Accounts/Backup/ ; 
killall -9 accountsd com.apple.iCloudHelper ; sudo reboot

Below are more advanced level fixes that hope you don’t have to do.

9. Do you have time machine backups? Restore from your last good backup.

10. Reinstall (Not Erase) macOS Catalina 10.15.7 – This workaround will reinstall macOS Catalina 10.15.7 and you will be able to keep all your files and applications. All you need to do is download the Catalina Full installer from the App Store and reinstall. You can also do this by booting to recovery. Restart your mac and hold down Command R. This will boot you to recovery, just select Install macOS Catalina.

If you need any help with any of the above workarounds let me know in the comments.

Update Automatic Snapshots

Automatic Update Snapshots was introduced as a feature in macOS High Sierra. You can read about them below. This was one of the best features that Apple has ever added to macOS. Sadly this will not help you in this situation as they only work for 10.13 and 10.14 Security Updates. Apple disabled this option in 10.15 Catalina Combo Updates.

mrmacintosh.com/10-15-3-combo-security-updates-are-not-creating-backup-snapshots/

Links

Download Catalina Full Installer – mrmacintosh.com/how-to-download-macos-catalina-mojave-or-high-sierra-full-installers/

8. If you are seeing this issue, please let Apple know.

The only way to let Apple know that this is a big issue is to file a FeedBack Report. AppleCare Call or an Apple Enterprise Support Ticket.

This will help Apple Prioritize the issue and get it resolved ASAP!

9. macOS Catalina 10.15.7 & 10.15.6 accountsd process issue links

This is a list of all the reports of issues with the Catalina 10.15.7 update accountsd process.

MacRumors.com

Apple Discussion Forums

Reddit.com

Tech Blogs

Accountsd and secd high CPU usage on Catalina –waal70blog.wordpress.com/2019/12/16/accountsd-and-secd-high-cpu-usage-on-catalina/

Accountsd using 400% CPU on MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 (19H2) –gist.github.com/l3nz/9fe151c0d398055b000d59b644f13c65

Hacker News – news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24619716

Twitter.com

After updating macOS to 10.15.7, `accountsd` is using almost 600% CPU, for over an hour now. Using Safari for more than 30 seconds makes it hang, I have to force quit it. pic.twitter.com/yf7DXlFH44
— Kevin Renskers (@kevinrenskers) September 27, 2020

@Apple Since today's update macOS Catalina 10.15.7.
MacBook Pro 2019, i9 – 16 GB Ram.
Fan is on constantly, system slow, battery % goes down with mac plugged to the electricity, accountsd 500% CPU: pic.twitter.com/a42ReehP6a
— ll2double (@ll2double) September 28, 2020

Dear @AppleSupport “accountsd” is eating up 600% of my 2.3 GHz 8-Core i9 MBP iOS 10.15.7. Can’t work offline. Can’t work at all.
— Alexandra Papadopoulos (@wusi) September 28, 2020

After updating MacOS 10.15.7, accountsd's CPU utilization spiked to almost 500%. I tried rebooting several times, but it didn't fix the problem. As accountsd is icloud sync process, I signed out from iCloud and re-signed in. And then, everything got back to normal. v(´-ω-｀)v
— maasa (@w0o0ps) September 26, 2020

catalina 10.15.7 update accountsd

Safari 14.0 + Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Causing Major Problems!

MrMacintosh.com - Mojave 2020-005 Security Update is Causing Major Problems for users. — *If you install Security Update 2020-005 for Mojave, you could run into major issues!*

Multiple reports are coming in from users who are starting to have major problems after installing the latest Mojave 2020-005 Security Update.

UPDATE #8 – 10/01 10:00PM – Apple has just released a fix and I’ve just finished an article going over all the details. I tried to test and figure out every scenario that you might be in, so you know exactly what will happen.

mrmacintosh.com/10-14-6-supplemental-update-safari-14-released-to-fix-previous-issues/

UPDATE #7 – 9/30 1:30PM – Apple just pulled both problematic updates!

Pulled from the update catalog
1. Safari 14.0 – Released 9/16 – 001-50026
2. Mojave 2020-005 Security Update – Released 9/24 – 001-50026

Added to the update catalog
1. Safari 13.1.2 – Released Today – 061-98246

This is Apple’s acknowledgment of the issue.

Anyone who has not installed the updates will now be safe. This also means that we should be getting an official fix!!!

Stay tuned!

9/29

UPDATE #6 – 9/29 2:00PM – I’ve expanded the softwareupate --ignore section.

UPDATE #5 – 9/28 7:30PM – I have added 3 new sections below. The first one shows you how to ignore the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update. The second will show you a very quick way to find out if your Mac is affected by this issue. In the 3rd, I will show you 4 different install scenarios. We now know the issue only happens if you install Safari 14.0 first, then install the 2020-005 update after. An example of a Mac that would unaffected by this issue would be if you installed the 2020-005 Security Update first, then the Safari 14.0 update after.

UPDATE #4 – 9/28 12:30PM – I have reproduced the install problem flow Please read section #5 below for more info. You can install the Mojave 2020-005 Security update WITHOUT Safari 14.0 and not have any issues. You can even Install Safari 14.0 after and not have any issues. It’s only when you install Safari 14.0 first then install 2020-005 after when the problems start! I will continue to test this and post updates.

UPDATE #3 – 9/28 11:30AM – After running some more tests, Safari 14.0 could be one of the problems. The next test performed was to build a fresh 10.14.6 Mac and install only the 2020-005 Security Update = No problems. I then installed Safari 14.0 = No problems. Then I reinstalled 2020-005 again = All Problems are back!!! I am going to check the order, maybe if Safari 14.0 is being installed first with softwareupdate this could be part of the problem. I am going to continue to test to find out more.

9/27

UPDATE #2 – 9/27 5:00PM – I am keeping an eye on Apple’s Software Update Server to see if they pull the update. I will update if they do.

UPDATE #1 – 9/27 3:30PM – A few users have asked if they can install the 2020-004 update over the 2020-005 update. They mentioned being able to do this in the past. Usually you can’t go backwards using Apple’s .pkg installers. I tested this out and sure enough, the installer says that a newer version of this update is installed. Apple didn’t design the installers to undo newer security updates. This is unlike the full .app installer which can replace all OS level files.

This article will include will be continually updated with the latest information on this issue.

I have some workarounds and fixes that could help you if you already installed the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update.

macOS Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Causing Major Problems Mr. Macintosh Video.

Past macOS Security Update Issues

This is not the first time that I’ve reported on update issues. Below you can read a few of the major issues that I’ve written about.

1. Security Update 2020-002 for Mojave & High Sierra causes Hardware accelerated video freezing = mrmacintosh.com/2020-002-update-causes-some-macs-to-freeze-when-using-hw-accelerated-video/
2. Security Update 2019-004 pulled after causing kernel panics = mrmacintosh.com/apple-pulls-2019-004-high-sierra-and-sierra-security-updates-after-kernel-panics/
3. Security Update 2019-001 update causing data loss on some T2 Macs = mrmacintosh.com/mojave-2019-001-security-update-causing-data-loss-if-interrupted/

1. Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Problems
2. Affected macOS Build Versions
2. Affected Mac Hardware & Intel GPU Versions
3. How can I tell if my mac is affected by this issue?
4. How can I ignore this update in software update?
5. How to Reproduce – Install Order
5. User Reports
6. This time around the issue can be reproduced
7. Fix! Rolling back with Automatic Update Snapshots. (within 24 hours of install)
8. Workarounds
9. If you are seeing this issue, please let Apple know.
10. Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Issue Links
11. Hat Tip/Credits

1. Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Problems

What are the reported problems with this update?

1. Memory issues – Reports of large increases of memory usage = no free memory and a large amount of compressed memory.
2. Slow boot & High fan speed
3. System slowness / stalling in finder
4. New local user can not be created through Users & Groups.
5. Migration assistant crashes to login window when started.
6. Large amounts of system.log entries – Class asn1SetToken is implemented in both /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/StoreServices.framework/Versions/A/StoreServices
7. Errors when using tmutil localsnapshot /
8. Error when running softwareupdate -l (not sure if it causes any issues with the softwareupdate binary)
9. System locks up in Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver when trying to select a picture type screen saver.
10. WindowServer Process using 4 times amount of memory. Should be anywhere between 40-125MB after the update it jumps to 400MB
11. cDock 4 – Dock customization app becomes unusable.
12. Menu bar sometimes does not change after switching from applications back to the finder.

1. Affected Safari & macOS Build Versions

This issue affects the following Safari & macOS Build Versions.

Safari 14.0 – September 16th, 2020
Mojave 10.14.6 Security Update 2020-005 (18G6032) – September 24th, 2020
No reports so far of this happening on macOS High Sierra 10.13.

2. Affected Mac Hardware

Past problems would only happen with certain hardware models. Not this time, if you installed the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update on a compatible Mac you might have problems.

3. How can I tell if my Mac is affected by this issue?

Very simple, just open up the terminal.app and run softwareupdate -l

If you get this error your Mac is affected.

Class AMSupportURLConnectionDelegate is implemented in both /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/EmbeddedOSInstall.framework/Versions/A/EmbeddedOSInstall (0x1130cec58) and /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/OSPersonalization.framework/Versions/A/OSPersonalization (0x112f31358). One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

4. How can I ignore this update in software update?

All you need to do is use the softwareupdate ignore option.

sudo softwareupdate --ignore "Security Update 2020-005"

After running this command you should see this

Ignored updates:

(

    "Security Update 2020-005"

)

Now run softwareupdate -l to confirm that you don’t see the update.

You can reset ignored updates by running this command

sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored

Good thing we still can use this command. If you would like to read more about how Apple is taking this option away read the link below.

mrmacintosh.com/10-15-5-2020-003-updates-changes-to-softwareupdate-ignore/

5. How to Reproduce – Install Order

I discovered last night that on my Mojave test Mac that I couldn’t reproduce the issue even though I could on my 2nd test Mac. I realized that I only installed the 2020-005 Security update and NOT the Safari 14.0 update. This is when I restored back to the previous snapshot and tried again. For the next test, I let software update install both updates. Safari 14.0 was first then 2020-005, after the reboot I had the problem. Let’s go over a few of the install scenarios below.

Scenario #1 How to install both Updates and be affected by the issue.
1. 10.14.6 (18G103) Base Install
2. Use software update to install both Safari 14.0 and 2020-005 Updates
3. After the restart = You will have the problem.

Scenario #2 You installed Safari 14.0 as soon as it came out on 9/16
1. 10.14.6 (18G103) Base Install
2. Install Security Update 2020-005 + Reboot = You will have the problem

Scenario #3 How you can install both updates with NO PROBLEMS
1. 10.14.6 (18G103) Base Install
2. Install Security Update 2020-005 ONLY + Reboot = No Problem
3. Now Install Safari 14.0 = No Problem

Scenario #4 How you can install both updates with in the correct order and still have the problem
1. 10.14.6 (18G103) Base Install
2. Install Security Update 2020-005 ONLY + Reboot = No Problem
3. Now Install Safari 14.0 = No Problem
4. Install Security Update 2020-005 AGAIN + Reboot = You will have the problem (NOTE: the same problem happens if you use the 2020-004 installer in this step)

3. User Reports.

The first report came in on Thursday, just 4 hours after Apple released the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update.

Is anyone getting really low free RAM after applying this update? Activity Monitor says I have 12GB of RAM used right after I launch it after logging in.
MacRumors User Earl Urley

More reports started to roll in on the Apple Discussion Forums.

On September 24th Sep, after performing the security update (2020-005), I immediately noticed ram problems. Has anyone had the same problem?
Apple Discussions Forum User DoctorAudioLinks

I applied the 2020-005 Security Update today to my MacBook Pro running Mojave (10.14.6) and after it restarted, I started experiencing problems. The first and most obvious is the Dock crashes repeatedly. I have also noticed that when running applications, the menu bar does not display the app’s menus, but stays showing Finder menus. I downloaded the .dmg file with the updater on it and applied it again, thinking perhaps something went amiss the first time, but it did not resolve the issue.
Apple Discussions Forum User RestonMacGuy

After doing this job for many years, I get an sense when things are starting to become an issue. Just to be sure, I always wait for more reports and attempt to reproduce the issues myself before reporting.

Additionally, boot time is slower, logging in is slower and when doing so I’m met with a blank desktop which needs 7-8 seconds before icons finally appear. Everything feels sluggish, and applications also take more than twice as long to start up.
MacRumors Forum User Minipudding

After reading multiple reports I felt that it was time me to take a closer look. Sure enough, more users have started to report the same issues.

4. This time around the issues can be reproduced

When issues like this have come up in the past, I might not be able to reproduce them. I have to go purely on user reports, which at times can be tough. I want to make sure the reporting is very accurate. Especially when I am recommending that users not install a security update. This time around is different, I have tested the update on multiple Macs and can reproduce most of the issues. I also found a few that have not been reported on the forums or twitter.

5. A Fix! Rolling back with Automatic Update Snapshots. (within 24 hours of install)

Do you have time machine backups?

If you do, just restore and you are good to go! Now would be a good time to start. If not keep reading.

Automatic Update Snapshots was introduced as a feature in macOS High Sierra. You can read about them below. This was one of the best features that Apple has ever added to macOS. Sadly they only work for 10.13 and 10.14 Security Updates and not 10.15 Catalina Combo Updates.

mrmacintosh.com/10-15-3-combo-security-updates-are-not-creating-backup-snapshots/

Automatic Update Snapshots could save you, if you installed the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update in the last 24 hours. That’s the problem with tmutil localsnapshots they only last 24 hours!!! So if you installed the update you might still be able to roll back to the previous Mojave Security Update 2020-004 (18G6020).

Steps to restore from an Automatic Update Snapshot.

Reboot to recovery. Hold down Command R
Once in recovery select “Restore from Time Machine Backup”
On the next screen select “Macintosh HD”. If your Mac is filevault encrypted you will be asked for your password.
On the next screen, if you have a snapshot available it will look like this.

MrMacintosh.com - Automatic Update Snapshots to save the day! — If you have an automatic update snapshot available, this is what it will look like.

5. Select it and hit continue! Your Mac will now restore back to the snapshot taken just before the 2020-005 Security Update was installed.

But what if 24 hours has past since you installed the update? Keep reading below.

6. Workarounds

If you don’t have an Automatic Update Snapshot available, hopefully one of the following options will help you.

Upgrade to Catalina. This was recommended by Apple Support. If don’t want to upgrade to Catalina yet, scroll down to option #2.

We’d like to see how we can help. We recommend upgrading to the latest macOS Catalina by following the steps in this link: https://t.co/cCbnQHhGBJ
— Apple Support (@AppleSupport) September 26, 2020

2. Reinstall (Not Erase) macOS Mojave 10.14.6 (18G103)

This workaround will reinstall macOS Mojave 10.14.6 (18G103) and you will be able to keep all your files and applications. All you need to do is download the Mojave Full installer from the App Store and reinstall. To keep your Mac protected, you can install Security Update 2020-004 and not have any issues.

You can also perform an erase and install if you have all your files backed up.

Links

Download Mojave Full Installer – mrmacintosh.com/how-to-download-macos-catalina-mojave-or-high-sierra-full-installers/

Download the Mojave 2020-004 Security Update – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2045

7. If you are seeing this issue, please let Apple know.

The only way to let Apple know that this is a big issue is to file a FeedBack Report. AppleCare Call or an Apple Enterprise Support Ticket.

This will help Apple Prioritize the issue and get it resolved ASAP!

8. Mojave 2020-005 Security Update Issue Links

This is a list of all the reports of issues with the Mojave 2020-005 Security Update

MacRumors.com

Apple Discussion Forums

Twitter.com

@AppleSupport @havertyj @vitahallo We operate a fleet of about 350 Macs, and are seeing issues with extreme stalling after Security-Update 2020-005 and 10.15.7. Not all of our machines, but enough that it concerns me. Standard troubleshooting has not helped… any news or help?
— Erkki Erik Crouch (@erkkiamerikka) September 25, 2020

I’ve had several reports about that from users. Also a few who have had serious problems after Mojave Security Update 2020-005.
— Howard Oakley, Eclectic Light Co (@howardnoakley) September 26, 2020

@Apple I installed the 2020-005 Security Update for my MacBook Air and now the computer is super slow, has no free memory left even when it just booted up, and it takes ages to start up programs. Can you give me instructions on how to uninstall the update?
— Little Djinn (@LittleDjinn) September 25, 2020

@AppleSupport The newest security update for Mojave—2020-005 10.14.6—slowed my computer to a crawl and caused nearly constant freezes. I had to roll-back to a previous version. It's a late 2015 27-inch iMac, serial C02SH3TBGG7J
— John Fraser (@sleepcircle) September 25, 2020

9. Hat Tip/Credits

Multiple Hat tips go out to my website and twitter followers for reporting the issue to me so I could take a closer look. Special thanks to Hyram Hakkenbecker for double-checking my articles for any grammar issues that sneak past!

Hopefully this article will help you.

Security Update 2020-005 for Mojave 10.14 & High Sierra 10.13 Released!

Security Updates 2020-005 for macOS Mojave 10.14 (18G6032) & High Sierra 10.13 (17G14033) are now Available.

UPDATE 10/02/20 – Apple has just released a new Mojave Supplemental Update to fix all the problems of the previous Safari 14.0 Update.

mrmacintosh.com/10-14-6-supplemental-update-safari-14-released-to-fix-previous-issues/

UPDATE 10/01/20 – The Mojave 2020-005 Security Update and the Safari Update have been pulled due to all the problems they are causing!

mrmacintosh.com/mojave-2020-005-security-update-causing-major-problems-updated/

UPDATE 9/26/20 – Some users have reported major problems after installing the update!

Today, Apple released macOS Security Update 2020-005 for High Sierra and Mojave. The 2020-005 security update will most likely will be the end of the line for macOS High Sierra. After macOS Big Sur is released, Apple will no longer support High Sierra.

Below you will find Build Versions, Download Links, Update Sizes and previous Security Update Links.

What’s New in the macOS 2020-005 Security Updates – Mr. Macintosh Video.

The 2020-005 Update fixes & reverts the 2020-003 changes made to the –ignore flag. After installing the update, you can now ignore major upgrades again.

UPDATE 9/24/20 – The 2020-004 update was said to fix this but it actually did not work properly. If you had a UAMDM (User Approved Mobile Device Management) Enrolled Mac the --ignore option did NOT work. The 2020-005 update fixed this and now works properly. Big hat tip to @pcrandom for doing a ton of testing. He was able to confirm that this issue was fixed.

After installing 2020-004 on 10.14 & 10.13 you can once again block major upgrades (Catalina). I mentioned this change in my Catalina 10.15.6 Patch Notes Articl e.

NOTE: This change is ONLY for UAMDM (User Approved Mobile Device Management) and Supervised Macs. If your Mac is not Supervised or part of an UAMDM you will not be able to ignore major updates.

In macOS Big Sur softwareupdate --ignore is deprecated and no longer works. You will only be able to block minor and major updates for 90 days using MDM. Please file feedback NOW, if you need the ability to block minor & major updates in macOS Big Sur! Thanks for the clarification @mboylan!

I previously wrote about the situation here – mrmacintosh.com/10-15-5-2020-003-updates-changes-to-softwareupdate-ignore/

You can read up more on what happened below.

babodee.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/apple-plans-on-removing-enterprise-options-for-macos-software-update/

How do I keep track of all the macOS Build Versions?

I document all of the macOS Build Versions like the latest Mojave 2020-005 High Sierra 2020-005 along with most Apple Applications, XProtect, Gatekeeper and MRT updates in one database. You can check out the link below.

mrmacintosh.com/macos-system-status-version-info-for-macadmins/

MacOS Mojave Security Update 2020-005 (18G6032)

macOS Mojave Security Update 2020-005
Size = 1.69 GB
Package Download and Information Link
support.apple.com/kb/DL2054

Information on the Security fixes included in the 2020-005 Mojave Security Update

support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849

MacOS High Sierra Security Update 2020-005 (17G14033)

10.13.6 High Sierra Security Update 2020-005
Size = 2.12 GB
Package Download and Information Link
support.apple.com/kb/DL2053

Information on the Security fixes included in the 2020-005 High Sierra Security Update

support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849

Safari Update

Safari was NOT updated

Download Size for High Sierra

Downloads Size for Mojave

T2 BridgeOS Update

The 2020-005 Security Update for Mojave and High Sierra upgrade BridgeOS to version – 17.16.16610.0.0

2. Previous Version 2020-004 = 17.16.16065
1. Previous version 2020-003 = 17.16.15290

Previous Security Update Releases

Security Related Content for 2020-004

support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849

This security update has only 4 “Public” fixes. (some fixes are released later)

ImageIO

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6

Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution

Description: An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation.

CVE-2020-9961: Xingwei Lin of Ant Group Light-Year Security Lab

Mail

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6

Impact: A remote attacker may be able to unexpectedly alter application state

Description: This issue was addressed with improved checks.

CVE-2020-9941: Fabian Ising of FH Münster University of Applied Sciences and Damian Poddebniak of FH Münster University of Applied Sciences

Model I/O

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, macOS Catalina 10.15

Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted USD file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution

Description: An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking.

CVE-2020-9973: Aleksandar Nikolic of Cisco Talos

Sandbox

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, macOS Catalina 10.15

Impact: A malicious application may be able to access restricted files

Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved restrictions.

CVE-2020-9968: Adam Chester(@xpn) of TrustedSec

Security Updates 2020-005 Mojave

What’s New in the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update (19H2)?

macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update is now Available!

For the first time since Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Apple has progressed past a .6 point release! I’m very happy with this change, as it’s easier to understand dot releases compared to supplemental updates. This is the 21st update overall for macOS Catalina.

UPDATE! 9/29/20 – I just posted an article talking about the Catalina 10.15.7 Update accountsd process using 400%+ CPU.

mrmacintosh.com/catalina-10-15-7-update-accountsd-using-400-if-using-icloud-mail/

UPDATE! 9/27/20 – A few reports are coming in that the 10.15.7 update is causing some problems with the accountsd process. After the installing the 10.15.7 update, accountsd runs up to 400% in Activity Monitor. The issue might happen for some users that are using iCloud for Drive, Mail or Cal. Other reports say the issue can happen if you are using internet accounts with Gmail. This issue causes system slowness until resolved. Most fixes say to log out of iCloud or Gmail then restart.

Let’s take a look at the macos Catalina 10.15.7 update changes.

What’s New in the 10.15.7 Update Mr. Macintosh video.

10.15.7 Update = accountsd process using 400%+ CPU if using iCloud Mr. Macintosh Video.

The macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update includes the following fixes.

macOS Catalina 10.15.7 provides important security updates and bug fixes for your Mac.

Resolves an issue where macOS would not automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks
Fixes an issue that could prevent files syncing through iCloud Drive
Addresses a graphic issue that may occur on iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) with Radeon Pro 5700 XT

Apple’s Public Patch Notes / Release Notes Documentation

NOTE: Apple Documentation takes a little while to show up online after release. I will update when the new articles are made available.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210642

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-catalina-10_15_6-release-notes

For more detailed information about this update and previous updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT210642

Previous 10.15 Releases + Previous Patch Notes

21. 10.15.7 = (19H2) – Update – Sep 24th 2020
20. 10.15.6 = (19G2021) – Supplemental Update – Aug 12th 2020
19. 10.15.6 = (19G2006) – 2020 iMac Fork Re-Released – Aug 4th, 2020
18. 10.15.6 = (19G2005) – 2020 iMac Fork – Aug 4th, 2020
17. 10.15.6 = (19G73) – July 15th, 2020
16. 10.15.5 = (19F2200) – 16″ MBPro Update Fork – June 15th 2020
15. 10.15.5 = (19F2096) – 16″ MBPro Shipping Fork – June 15th 2020
14. 10.15.5 = (19F101) – Supplemental Update – June 1st, 2020
13. 10.15.5 = (19F96) – May 26, 2020
12. 10.15.4 = (19E2269) – 13″MBPro Shipping Fork – May 6th 2020
11. 10.15.4 = (19E287) – Supplemental Update – April 8th, 2020
10. 10.15.4 = (19E266) – March 24th 2020
9. 10.15.3 = (19D2064) – MBAir Shipping Fork March 23rd 2020
8. 10.15.3 = (19D76) – January 28th 2020
7. 10.15.2 = (19C57) – December 10th 2019
6. 10.15.1 = (19B2106) – 16″ MBPro Update Fork – November 13th 2019
5. 10.15.1 = (19B2093) – 16″ MBPro Shipping Fork – Nov 13th 2019
4. 10.15.1 = (19B88) – October 29th 2019
3. 10.15.0 = (19A603) – Supplemental Update Re-Released – Oct 21st 2019
2. 10.15.0 = (19A602) – Supplemental Update – October 15th 2019
1. 10.15.0 = (19A583) – October 7th 2019

macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update Changes, Info & Download Links

Delta Update

The “Delta” update is smaller in size because it only includes fixes for the previous point release only.

Download Link – support.apple.com/kb/DL2051

Size = 2.84 GB

Product ID = 001-51032

Requirements = 10.15.6

Combo Update

The “Combo” update is for all previous versions of Catalina.

Download Link – support.apple.com/kb/DL2052

Size = 4.78 GB

Product ID = 001-51037

Requirements = 10.15.0, 10.15.1, 10.15.2, 10.15.3, 10.15.4, 10.15.5 or 10.15.6

Full Installer.app

Link – Catalina 10.15.7 Mac App Store

Size = 8.75 GB

Product ID = 001-51042

Requirements – 10.15 Catalina Requirements

T2 BridgeOS Update

T2 BridgeOS remains the same version number but goes up to BuildVersion 6.

Size = 417.7 MB

Product ID = 001-51038

BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.16610 = BuildVersion 6

Previous 10.15.6 Supplemental Update = 17.16.16610

Previous BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.16065

Security Content of macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update.

This document lists security updates for Apple software.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 & Security Updates 2020-005

support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849

The following security fixes are included in Catalina 10.15.7.

Model I/O

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, macOS Catalina 10.15

Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted USD file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution

Description: An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking.

CVE-2020-9973: Aleksandar Nikolic of Cisco Talos

Sandbox

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6, macOS Catalina 10.15

Impact: A malicious application may be able to access restricted files

Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved restrictions.

CVE-2020-9968: Adam Chester(@xpn) of TrustedSec

Catalina 10.15.7 Update Changes