Q: Can I update my macbook pro early 2011 to use bluetooth 4.0

I'm pretty sure a .plist listing compatible Mac somewhere in Yosemite can be found.

I found a workaround here, and it worked for me. I included a link to the forum, a link to the modified .kext, and the detailed instructions.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=19332822

http://d-h.st/2eZ

1) open Terminal type sudo nvram boot-args="kext-dev-mode=1"
2) reboot your MBP
3) your wifi will not be working at this moment, replace the file IO80211Family.kext in Go>Computer>System>Library>Extension
4) open Terminal type as below:-
sudo chown -R root:wheel /System/Library/Extensions/IO80211Family.kext
sudo chmod -R 644 /System/Library/Extensions/IO80211Family.kext
sudo kextcache -system-prelinked-kernel
sudo kextcache -system-caches
5) now reboot your MBP again.
6) now you will see System Preferences>General> will have handoff enable option
7) open Terminal type kextstat | grep AirPort

Now you will see
kextstat | grep AirPort
130 0 0xffffff7f82c62000 0x5df000 0x5df000 com.apple.driver.AirPort.Brcm4360 (900.14.2) <129 47 46 12 7 6 5 4 3 1>
133 0 0xffffff7f83241000 0x1f3000 0x1f3000 com.apple.driver.AirPort.Brcm4331 (800.20.24) <129 46 12 7 5 4 3 1>

Thanks a lot dude.

I ordered and installed that same part on my 2011 MBP (15") and it still shows the old chipset in the bluetooth section of the system profile, and no BLE or other features are enabled. Any pointers?

Cause you've been sent BCM94331PCIEBT4AX, not BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX.

Yeah, that's definitely the case. I just took my MBP apart and re-checked the number on the part and you're correct. I guess I'll contact them and see if they can exchange. Or just swallow the $20 and find a new one with the right part number.

Where can I buy this piece?

Os-store is a no go, not reliable.

I also need to know where to find it.

Just got it the other day ~ took so long to arrive. But they shipped it from hongkong. It’s half way around the globe.

Let us know if Continuity will work after Yosemite GM is released! If so, I'll do the upgrade, if not, I'll just have to do without!

I have a early 2011 15" MBP, so if come final Yosemite this is confirmed to work I'll be on it.  Although, I suspect the part will soon be hard to come by!

Well I just ordered my BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX from eBay. I actually ordered one thatused and removed from a MacBook Air. But the Broadcom part is the same.

My only only concern is if I have to do that terminal thing that iammatthias posted. I'd like to find a you tube video of that or something.

ALso hope hope they release the Public Beta of Yosemite today as rumored. I'll let everyone know how my upgrade goes.

Anyone try the chip with today's beta?

Yes! I did. No changes what so ever, when I talk about clickboxes in the general settings.

In the system profiler it says Bluetooth low energy : Yes. But no other signs that it might work.

I bet more people can share there toughts!

Been following this topic for a while now.

I've got an Early 2011 15" MBP which I installed the 2012 Bluetooth board in a few weeks ago. Today I installed the Yosemite beta and it's showing support for Bluetooth LE and I've used the kext hack to enable Handoff in System Preferences and also have the iOS 8 beta running on my iPhone 5.

I'm able to place and answer calls on my Mac and receive but not send SMS, and thats all as far as Handoff goes, nothing else works at all. I don't know why, it could be just me. I'm interested to see what's going on for other users of a 2011 MBP now that the beta is public.