macOS Monterey Beta 5 (21A5304g) is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 8/12/21
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 5, let’s jump in and find out what’s new!
Apple initially mentioned in the Beta 4 patch notes that Universal Control was available. Crazy thing is, Apple removed the reference in the patch notes shortly after release! I’m checking to see if Universal Control is enabled in Beta 5.
UPDATE: Universal Control is NOT enabled 🙁
Monterey Beta 5 is now available as a software update, and IPSW M1 restore file. The Public beta is live and the full installer of Beta 5 is also now available.
macOS Monterey Beta Patch Notes Summary
1. New Features – 4
2. Known Issues – 21
3. Resolved Issues – 0
4. Deprecations – 5
Table of Contents
1. Apple Links
2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Monterey
macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 Update (20G95) is now available for all users!
UPDATED: 08/13
Apple just dropped the new macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 Update. Let’s find out what’s new in this update!
The only information that we have so far is this line from the update text.
“macOS 11.5.2 includes bug fixes for your Mac.”
UPDATE: Apple has updated the security updates page.
macOS Big Sur 11.5.2
This update has no published CVE entries.
The update must be related to an OS level fix.
I’m looking into the update now so we can figure out what it actually fixes.
UPDATE: Howard Oakley found that the build version of Safari increased from 16611.3.10.1.3 to 16611.3.10.1.6. He also noted a few version number changes to private frameworks.
macOS Monterey Beta 4 (21A5294g) is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 07/28/21
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 4, let’s jump in and find out what’s new!
Apple initially mentioned in the Beta 4 patch notes that Universal Control was available. The reference in the patch notes has been removed! I can confirm this as in Beta 4 the Advanced Button was removed from the display preferences pane.
Live Text is also now available for all Macs that support macOS Monterey. Previously this was an M1 Monterey only feature.
Monterey Beta 4 is now available as a software update, and IPSW M1 restore file.The Full installer is not available yet.
macOS Monterey Beta 3 Patch Notes Summary
1. New Features – 3
2. Known Issues – 18
3. Resolved Issues -18
4. Deprecations – 3
Table of Contents
1. Apple Links
2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Monterey
macOS Monterey Beta 3 (21A5284e) is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 07/14/21
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 3, let’s jump in and find out what’s new! Apple also added Universal Control settings to the Display preferences pane under advanced, but the feature still does not seem to be working yet.
Monterey Beta 3 is now available as a software update, full installer and IPSW M1 restore file.
macOS Monterey Beta 3 Patch Notes Summary
1. New Features – 3
2. New Known Issues – 28
3. New Resolved Issues -32
4. New Deprecations – 3
Table of Contents
1. Apple Links
2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Monterey
3. Apple Articles of interest related to the macOS Monterey Update
You can now upgrade or downgrade BridgeOS on your Intel T2 Mac with an IPSW file & Apple Configurator 2!
As soon as Apple released the very first T2-equipped Mac, MacAdmins wished that they had a way to downgrade BridgeOS. You can now even downgrade BridgeOS on a T2 Mac up to 7 days after an update!
UPDATED: 6/07/22
BridgeOS IPSW Downloads
In the chart below is a list of previous BridgeOS IPSW files along with the signing status. (Signed = You can upgrade or downgrade) All links are Apple Software Update direct downloads.
You can downgrade BridgeOS to one previous version (with in 7 days of a new os update) if you are having issues or would like to test the software update mechanism. The requirement for BridgeOS downgrade is that you need to satisfy the minimum OS Version or newer.
Why would anyone want to downgrade BridgeOS?
Example – You updated to macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 from 11.1. Something in the new version of bridgeOS is causing problems on your T2 Mac. You now want to downgrade to a previous version so you can single out the issue. You will need to downgrade macOS down to 11.2 to support the previous version of BridgeOS. If you downgrade BridgeOS to an older version than the installed OS then macOS Big Sur will not boot and you will be prompted to update BridgeOS from the macOS Update Assistant environment. After downgrading BridgeOS you will need to reinstall/downgrade 11.2 over the top of 11.2.3, or reinstall 11.2. You will now be running 11.2 and the matching bridgeOS version 18P4346.
NOTE! You can only downgrade back one previous version. Apple usually supports T-1*, current minus one version. *Apple will usually leave the previous version of BridgeOS signed for about 7 days after the release of a new update. The BridgeOS signing schedule follows iOS. (Apple will unsign previous versions of iOS about one week after a new update)
How to Downgrade BridgeOS on a T2 Mac
If you would like to learn how to do this, click on the link below!
You can now downgrade BridgeOS on your T2 Intel Mac (2017-2020) to a previous version with Apple Configurator 2!
Ever since Apple released the very first T2 equipped Mac, some users wished that they had a way to downgrade to the previous version of BridgeOS.
The problem?
Updating BridgeOS on a T2 Mac was a one way street. You could only upgrade not downgrade.
Why would anyone want to downgrade BridgeOS?
Downgrading BridgeOS for troubleshooting & macOS Update workflow testing.
Let’s go over a quick example of why you might want to downgrade BridgeOS. You updated to macOS Big Sur 11.4 from 11.3. After the update, you’ve found that something is not working right. The T2 chip handles many things including, fan speed, battery, power, charging & sound (speakers & microphone). So in this example, maybe you are getting audio cracking noise (has happened in the past). Now you thinking that the new version of bridgeOS might be causing problems on your T2 Mac.
The 2nd example is macOS Update testing. If you are a system administrator in charge of updating a large fleet of Mac testing is very important. Part of that macOS Update process is updating BridgeOS. An example of this is if you upgrade a T2 Mac from 11.3 to 11.4. BridgeOS is updated in the process. Now that this T2 Mac is on the latest version of BridgeOS it normally can not be downgraded. Even if you boot back to recovery and install 11.3, BridgeOS will remain the same updated version. Set this Mac on the shelf because you will never be able to take it through a full update process again until 11.5. Now you want to downgrade to a previous version of BridgeOS so you can single out an issue or test the full update process again.
Apple Configurator took care of all the work in both above examples, downloading the prod/final version of BridgeOS for your hardware.
This is different.
We can now download full BridgeOS IPSW Files directly from Apple the same way we do now with Apple Silicon M1 Macs. We can then use the BridgeOS IPSW File to restore/revive BridgeOS to your T2 Mac. The difference here is that Apple WILL stop signing for previous versions of BridgeOS. The signing process follows iOS and is canceled usually about one week after the release of a new update. Apple leaves ONE previous version signed (for 7 days) so you can now downgrade to that version!
BridgeOS and macOS Version Caveats
The first thing to know about BridgeOS is that it has macOS version requirements. BridgeOS supports the macOS version that’s released alongside it. The BridgeOS version also supports previous versions macOS. Let’s go over an example.
After updating to Big Sur version 11.4, you are now are having issues with your speakers (sound processed through T2 chip). You want to downgrade to the 11.3 compatible version of BridgeOS to see if that fixes the issue. You can now downgrade! The only problem is, the 11.3 version of BridgeOS does NOT support newer versions of macOS. You will need to downgrade to the minimum version of macOS that is supported by the version of BridgeOS that you are trying to downgrade to. You now need to downgrade macOS to version 11.3 to support the previous version of BridgeOS. If you don’t downgrade macOS to a compatible version and attempted to boot your Mac, you would be immediately prompted to update BridgeOS. The Mac would boot into “macOS Update Assistant” and would then download the latest compatible BridgeOS update and install it for you.
After downgrading BridgeOS you will need to reinstall/downgrade 11.3 over the top of 11.4 or erase and install 11.3 again. You will now be running 11.3 and the matching bridgeOS version 18P4556.
BridgeOS Version Compatibility Continued
I built a table to help visualize the current situation.
This table shows how BridgeOS version 18P4556 is compatible with macOS version 11.0.1 – 11.3.1. A forced BridgeOS update will be triggered if macOS 11.4 or newer is installed.
NOTE: Point/dot releases (example 11.3.1) may or may not come with an associated BridgeOS update. Big Sur 11.3.1 is compatible with the 11.3 version of BridgeOS
T2 Mac BridgeOS IPSW
MacOS
Signed
Version
Date
5.4_18P4663_Restore.ipsw
11.4
YES
18.16.14663
5/24
5.3_18P4556_Restore.ipsw
11.3
NO
18.16.14556
4/26
5.2_18P4347_Restore.ipsw
11.2.2
NO
18.16.14347
2/25
5.2_18P4346_Restore.ipsw
11.2
NO
18.16.14346
2/01
5.1_18P3030_Restore.ipsw
11.1
NO
18.16.13030
12/14
5.0.1_18P2561_Restore.ipsw
11.0.1
NO
18.16.12561
11/12
The table above lists the IPSW file version and build number. The next section is the maximum minor release that is compatible.
The BridgeOS Version in the 4th section matches what is listed in System Profiler (System Firmware Version), followed by the release date and size.
You can only downgrade back one previous version. Apple usually supports T-1, current minus one version. Normally when a new version of BridgeOS is released the the previous version of BridgeOS is unsigned after 7 days and cannot be installed.
My T2 Intel Mac BridgeOS Download Database –> LINK
1. Download the version of BridgeOS IPSW file that you want to install
2. Boot the target T2 Mac into DFU Mode
3. Connect both Macs with USB-C white Apple charge cable.
4. Open Apple Configurator 2
5. Drag BridgeOS IPSW File over to DFU icon.
6. You will be prompted to Restore or Revive
7. Restore = Click Restore (erases all data)- downgrade BridgeOS (you can then reinstall macOS from Recovery
8. Revive = Click Revive (etains all data) – downgrades BridgeOS (you will need to install previous compatible version of macOS over the top of the current version)
9. Done! You are now on a previous version of BridgeOS.
This is what it looks like to drag a BridgeOS IPSW file over the DFU icon in Apple Configurator 2.
The Restore/Revive menu after dragging the BridgeOS IPSW file over to Apple Configurator 2.
This is what happens when you attempt to restore/revive with an unsigned version of BridgeOS.
The System cannot be restored on this device. The system install could not be authorized for this device. The build may not be approved for production installs.
The macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 (20D80) update is now available for all users!
My site is finally back online. This is my “Day late and a dollar short” update. Bluehost shut off access to my site while I was taking some time off. They said it was due to a database problem on their end. Now that the site is back online, I can catch up on some updates. Let’s start with the macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Update!
This update focuses on one very important fix.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.
Apple
macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Patch Notes Summary
0 – New Features
1 – Resolved Issues
0 – Enterprise Changes
Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.
Sudo sudo sudo sudo sudo! I’ve sent out more than a few tweets about the CVE-2021-3156 Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in Sudo. I was trying to find out if macOS was vulnerable and if Apple would release a fix.
Today Apple released that fix it’s included in the following macOS Updates
1. macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Update
2. macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update
3. macOS Mojave 2021-002 Security Update
2016-2017 15″ MacBook Pro Battery Problems + Replacement Program
This update also addresses a battery issue in 2016 & 2017 MacBook Pro Laptops. Update addresses an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.
Apple has just released an article that goes over this issue and how you can get your 2016-2017 MacBook Pro battery replaced if it’s having this issue.
With Apple Silicon Macs, you can install macOS just like you can with iOS! I will show you how to boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode so you can Restore macOS.
UPDATED 06/04/21
This article will go over how to restore macOS on your new Apple Silicon Mac. Your first line of defense for installing macOS on Apple Silicon should be macOS Recovery. But if for some reason you are having problems with that you can boot your Apple Silicon Mac with a Big Sur USB installer drive. I wrote an article covering all the changes to macOS Recovery here.
Order of that you should follow for reinstalling macOS on Apple Silicon.
1. macOS Recovery – Hold down the power button to enter the Boot Picker Menu (downloads macOS Big Sur over the internet 1-2 hours)
2. System Recovery – (Separate hidden partition – Will boot automatically if macOS Recovery is erased or damaged)
3. macOS Big Sur USB Installer Drive – External boot for macOS Installers is enabled by default on Apple Silicon – (Installs from USB 30-40 Min)
4. Apple Configurator 2 REVIVE option – This option will reinstall macOS Recovery if erased or damaged (retains user data on the hard drive)
5.Apple Configurator 2 RESTORE option – This option will Reinstall macOS Recovery, ERASE your hard drive and reinstall macOS (Fast install! 10 min)
Use macOS Recovery on a Apple Silicon M1Mac
Keep in mind, just like last time, some of the instructions for booting your Apple Silicon Mac are confusing. If you thought booting to DFU mode was a little difficult on T2 Macs… wait until you try on Apple Silicon. For one thing the ports used are the exact opposite of what was used on T2 Macs! Plus the process to get the Mac into DFU mode has changed! That’s why I’m writing this article, to better explain the instructions.
Table of Contents
1. Updates
2. List of Apple Silicon Compatible Macs
3. Setup and Cable Requirements before you begin
4. Download Apple Configurator 2 app
5. How to Boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode
6. Which Firmware version is your Mac on?
7. Instructions for the M1 13″ MacBook Pro & Air (2020)
8. Instructions for the M1 Mac Mini (2020)
9. Instructions for the M1 24″ iMac (2021)
10. You made it! Apple Configurator 2 Steps
11. Download macOS ISPW file
12. Begin Apple Silicon macOS Revive / Restore
13. Finishing Up
14. Can I Downgrade from an older version of macOS via IPSW Files?
UPDATE 4/13/21 – New DEEP DIVE video on using Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on multiple M1 Macs.
UPDATE 3/17/21 – I’ve added a new video that shows you how to use Apple configurator 2 to install macOS on multiple M1 Macs.
UPDATE 1/14/21 – Apple has released Apple Configurator 2 Version 2.13.3, be sure to update. I’ve also added a new Apple Silicon Mac Mini M1 Video above.
UPDATE 11/18/20 –Apple has released Apple Configurator 2 Version 2.13.2! Make sure you update. If you are still running 2.13.1 or below you will get an error when you click the restore button.
UPDATE 11/17/20 –Added a new section #6 to explain the problem booting to DFU mode if your Apple Silicon Mac is on it’s factory firmware of 6723.41.11
This is a list of Apple Silicon Macs that this process is compatible with.
1. 2020 M1 13″ MacBook Pro
2. 2020 M1 MacBook Air
3. 2020 M1 Mac Mini
4. 2021 M1 24″ iMac
3. Setup and Cable Requirements before you begin.
You will need to meet the following requirements –
(The Host Mac will do the work and the Target Mac is the Mac you need to Restore)
1. USB-C Mac as the Host Machine.
2. The Host Mac must have at least macOS 10.15.6 and Apple Configurator 2.13.1 or newer installed.
3. Internet access on the Host Mac – “You may need to configure your web proxy or firewall ports to allow all network traffic from Apple”
4. USB-C to USB-C Cable – The white Apple USB-C Charge will work fine. (USB-C Cable MUST Support Power & Data). Apple notes that a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3 cable is not supported but I’ve tested it and it works fine.
5. The Host Mac can have the cable plugged in anywhere.
6. The Target Mac MUST have the USB-C Cable Plugged in to the Left Hand side USB-C port. For Laptops the port closest to the back of the Mac or screen) For the Mac Mini it’s the port closest to the ethernet port. (BOTH LOCATIONS ARE OPPOSITE of the T2 Mac BridgeOS restore locations!)
If you don’t meet all the prerequisites booting to DFU Mode or Upgrading macOS Firmware might fail.
4. Download Apple Configurator 2
If you do not have Apple Configurator 2, you can download it now from the Mac App Store with this link.
5. How to Boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode
With all the startup keyboard commands you can issue a Mac, booting into DFU Mode should be pretty simple right?
NOPE! (x2 this time for Apple Silicon!)
You have to follow a very particular sequence to get this to work. I have attempted to find the exact way to get this to work every time. Even then sometimes the system will refuse to Boot into DFU mode.
Apple’s Instructions
You can find Apple’s instructions for booting into DFU mode here.
If these instructions do not work fo you continue below.
Press the power button.
While holding down the power button, at the same time press all three of the following keys for about 10 seconds:
The right Shift key
The left Option key
The left Control key
After 10 seconds, immediately release the three keys but continue to hold down the power button until it appears in Apple Configurator 2.Note: You won’t see any screen activity from the Apple notebook computer.
6. Which Firmware version is your Mac on?
Did you update your Mac to Big Sur 11.0.1 from 11.0 when it arrived? If you didnt the firmware will be
6723.41.11
To find the firmware version click the Apple icon > About this Mac > System Report.
Look for System Firmware Version.
If you are on Big Sur 11.0 and firmware version 6723.41.11 you will need to boot to the macOS Recovery selection screen first before attempting to boot into DFU mode.
If you updated your Mac to 11.0.1 and are running Firmware Version 6723.50.2 or newer you can follow the normal instructions. You can boot to DFU mode from power off instead of booting to the macOS recovery selection screen first.
7. My Instructions for the M1 13″ MacBook Pro & MacBook Air
It has proven difficult to get an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU mode. You could try Apple’s instructions above multiple times and STILL not get into DFU mode.
Once you have meet all of the pre requisites above, follow the instructions below to should get you into DFU Mode every time.
1. The Target Mac must be OFF to begin.
2.Hold down the Power button,RightShift, Left Control and Left Option keys for 10 Seconds (count 1 one thousand) then let go of every key except for Power . Keep holding down the power button for an additional 8 seconds until you get to 18 seconds total. If you count more than 20 seconds and don’t see the DFU icon, you will have to try the process again.
3. When the Target Mac is booted into DFU mode correctly, the host will show a big DFU icon in Apple Configurator 2.
4. After you see the DFU picture pop up on the AC2 Host Mac you can let go of the Power Button.
8. Instructions for the M1 Mac Mini (2020)
The Mac Mini 2020 instructions are to use the USB-C port is closest to the Ethernet port.
1. Disconnect the power cord from the Mac Mini.
2. Plug USB-C/Thunderbolt cable into the USB-C port next to the ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end into the Host Mac.
4. While holding down the power button, connect the Mac Mini to power and continue to hold the power button for about 3-5 seconds
5. You should now see the DFU logo on the Host Mac.
9. Instructions for the M1 2021 24″ iMac
The 24″ M1 iMac (2021) instructions are to use the USB-C port is closest to the magnetic power port. The instructions are the same for both the 2 and 4 port version.
1. Disconnect the magnetic power cord from the iMac.
2. Plug USB-C cable into the USB-C port next to the power port.
3. Plug the other end into the Host Mac.
4. While holding down the power button, connect the iMac magnetic power plug continue to hold the power button for about 3-5 seconds
5. You should now see the DFU logo on the Host Mac.
10. Instructions for the M1 2021 24″ iMac
11. Instructions for the M1 2021 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro
12. Instructions for the M1 2022 Mac Studio
10. You made it! Apple Configurator 2 Steps
The hard part is now over. Now we can restore macOS on the Target Mac. When you first open Apple Configurator 2 the screen will look like this.
Once your Mac is booted to DFU mode, you will see this screen on Apple Configurator 2. You are now ready for the next step.
11. Download macOS ISPW file (Optional)
Apple Configurator 2 version 2.13.2 will automatically download needed IPSW file just like it can for iOS. Let’s say that you want to download the IPSW so you can restore multiple times for testing, you can get it from my database below.
Once you’ve downloaded the macOS IPSW file, you are ready for Restore.
12. Begin Apple Silicon macOS Revive / Restore
1. Revive Option
The revive option will ONLY reinstall macOS Recovery. Go to step 2 for Restore.
You are now ready to restore either macOS Recovery with revive by Clicking Actions > Advanced > Revive Device.
Revive will reinstall macOS Recovery on your Apple Silicon Mac. This option retains user data.
2. Restore Option.
Restore will Reinstall macOS Recovery, ERASE your SSD hard drive and reinstall macOS.
You will now see a warning message. Do you want restore “MacBook Pro” to it’s Factory settings and latest firmware version?
Click the Restore Button to begin. Step one will download the latest macOS IPSW Firmware file directly from Apple.
You can also drag the macOS IPSW File over to the DFU icon to begin the restore.
After dragging the macOS 11 IPSW File over to the DFU logo you will get this pop up. You can select Restore to erase your drive and reinstall macOS. The process will only take about 15 minutes.
Step 2. Unzipping macOS
Step 3. Installing macOS
13. Finishing Up
If you would like to see more information you can click View and see a new activity window.
The entire process will only take a while. Most of the time is spent downloading the huge 13GB macOS Big Sur IPSW File. This is why it’s nice to keep the IPSW on an external hard drive or something. When you drag the IPSW File over to Apple Configuator 2, the restore will be super quick! Normally it only takes about 10 min!
When complete the Mac will automatically Boot up.
14. Can I Downgrade from an older version of macOS via IPSW Files?
The answer is YES, follow the link below for an explanation.
But only if the IPSW file is still signed by Apple. If Apple stops signing the IPSW file you will need to change the Boot Security to allow this. (Keep in mind Apple has not stopped signing any macOS installers yet, so we will see.)
15. Thanks
Hat tip goes out to macrumors forum user Nrwrit3r for the macOS Recovery menu workaround for older firmware!
NOTE 11/17/20! UNTIL I’M ABLE TO GATHER APPLE SILICON DATA I WILL LEAVE THE T2 BRIDGEOS TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION HERE.
I can’t get my Mac to boot into DFU mode. This is the toughest part of the whole process as I mentioned above. Keep trying the steps I listed above. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get his to work.
You can use System Information to see if the USB-C port lists your Mac in DFU Mode.
BridgeOS Restore Error 79- The OS Cannot be restored on this device. The Operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 79 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x4F (79)] – If you get this error it means that the BridgeOS update has failed and is unable to complete. The system will be unable to boot. When powered on the screen will be black. The Mac will have to be brought to an Apple Store for Service.
BridgeOS Restore Error 10 – The BridgeOS Restore failed! This is most likely because the host Mac was 1 or 2 OS Versions behind the Target Mac. The Host and Target Mac need to be on the same OS Version.
If your Target Mac is on 10.15, then your Host Mac needs to be on 10.15.
The OS Cannot be restored on this device.
The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 10 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0xA (10)]
Host Mac and Target Mac Disconnected during restore. – Error 4005
The OS Cannot be restored on this device.
Gave up waiting for device to transition from RestoreOS state to BootedOS State. [com.apple.MobileDevice.MobileRestore – 0xFA5 (4005)]
This error will come up when the restore process has been interrupted.
Or, you might get this using Apple Configurator 2 version 2.12.1, as the process never seems to complete properly. If the Target Mac awakes to the login window the process is complete even though the progress bar is at 100%. After unplugging the USB-C cable you will get the error above.
Apple Configurator 2 Reports RECOVERY instead of DFU Status.
If you see RECOVERY this means that BridgeOS is unable to boot and is the default status when you power on the Mac.
Failed BridgeOS Restore due to OS Version Mismatch! The Target Mac is a previous OS i.e 10.14 trying to restore a 10.15 Mac, the update will fail with an Error 10
If the Mac already failed the Upgrade, it could already be in this status. If so, you can attempt a BridgeOS restore.
Configurator could not perform the requested action. Apple Controller devices do not support this action.
This means that you selected Actions > Update, which is not supported. You need to select Actions > Advanced > Revive Device
Apple Configurator 2 BridgeOS Firmware Download Location.
Thanks MrMacintosh Reader Max C for letting me know the location of the BridgeOS Firmware files.