Bluetooth connectivity broken after MacOS 10.14.6 update (MacBook Pro 13" Early 2015)

Here’s what we know based on today’s visit to the Apple Store Genius Bar and the Apple technician.

The Apple technician was candid, transparent and thorough. I departed with the greatest level of trust in the technicians knowledge and determination. It is of the *highest likelihood* that based on the testing completed today, MacOS 10.14.6 is responsible for the disabling of Bluetooth on the Early-2015, Mid-2015 Macbook Pro models and possible other past generation hardware.

The *hardware testing* performed at the Genius Bar confirmed that the hardware for Bluetooth is functioning normally. No hardware issues found.  The AirPort Card installed in my Mid-2015 is working correctly. No hardware issues with the AirPort Card. Furthermore, the software that enables Bluetooth operational functionality is *not* specifically the cause for any issue with Bluetooth, since using my hardware while running prior system software (i.e. High Sierra 10.13.xx, Sierra 10.12.xx) exhibited the same issue with Bluetooth *not* working, thus all evidence points to a *firmware update* included in MacOS 10.14.6 and when installing 10.14.6, the update *at the highest likelihood* pushed firmware to the logic board at the time of installation of the MacOS 10.14.6 update. In other words, MacOS 10.14.6 update is *of the highest level of likelihood* responsible for disabling Bluetooth with a firmware change on the Mid-2015/Early-2015 Macbook Pro models and potentially other past generation hardware; i.e. iMac, etc.

The resolution for each instance of this failure is at the highest level of confidence a “forced push of firmware” and/or a new logic board installed. For all hardware (at the highest likelihood necessary) in the field where my colleagues have experience the same issues when installing MacOS 10.14.6 update, the MacBook Pro models mentioned may (more than likely) require a visit to the Apple Authorized Repair Center for a "forced firmware update" and/or a new logic board.

Apple will never admit a *firmware update* was included in the 10.14.6, albeit it is 99.99% clear 10.14.6 is cause for the Bluetooth functionality becoming dysfunctional.

I am without a Macbook Pro. My laptop (according to Apple technician) requires a *forced firmware update* and/or a new logic board. Apple technician confirmed in the *highest likelihood* MacOS 10.14.6 software update is the cause for the misconfiguration of the Bluetooth functionality. Apple now holds my virgin Macbook Pro for cannibalization in order to fix what Apple created with 10.14.6. 

All of this is *not cool.*

It has been a 37 year run with many, many, many Apple hardware purchases. I do believe this exceptional 37 year run may have come to an end.

Apple Engineering has confirmed that 10.14.6 disables Bluetooth. The MacOS 10.14.6 security update disables the ability for the Bluetooth hardware from discovering Bluetooth devices. Apple admits the issue exists, albeit despite the number of reported incidents across the globe, Apple Engineering via Apple Support are focused on the delivery of Catalina (MacOS) for release in the September, October timeframe, hence will not likely address the Bluetooth issue with a 10.14.x supplemental release.

Whether or not the "Catalina" MacOS release will address the Bluetooth issue on Mid-2015 models for all of us who have updated our systems with the 10.14.6 security release, the current Apple Support remedy is to wait for the Catalina release.

This is unacceptable since many of us with Mid-2015 MacBook Pro hardware are being forced to update to the Catalina when released in order to "maybe" experience a fix for the Bluetooth discovery protocol to be enabled for Mid-2015 systems. This is unacceptable since many of us have Mid-2015 hardware remaining under warranty, extended warranty, and furthermore systems that remain supported by Apple for future MacOS system software.

The Bluetooth issue does appear to affect the last generation of MacBook Pro models known as "Mid-2015" where Macbook owners of these models who have updated their systems with MacOS 10.14.6 are affected by the Bluetooth defect.

Apple owes the Macbook community a software update to remedy this Bluetooth discovery issue in Mojave.

Correct, this is not a hardware issue. I have been working with Support for the past 24 hours on the issue of Bluetooth "discovery" failing with the update to 10.14.6 from 10.14.5.

MacOS 10.14.6 introduced a new security fix for Bluetooth. It appears that the fix broke Bluetooth for MacBook Pro Mid-2015 hardware and older devices; perhaps other hardware as well. MacOS 10.14.6 may have introduced a firmware change or security fix that affects Bluetooth functionality, albeit the hardware will continue to work; i.e. MacBook Pro Mid-2015 15", 13"....

Attempting to perform a MacOS Recovery from a backup of 10.14.5 will not fix the issue. Using MacOS Recovery after the update to 10.14.6 (reverting back to 10.14.5) does not remove the Bluetooth issue, thus current analysis suggests a potential firmware change for the Bluetooth hardware or a security fix that limits the Bluetooth hardware from "discovery" of new or previously used Bluetooth devices.

Apple Technical Engineering confirms Apple *must* receive the hardware to evaluate the specifics of the hardware and possible replace the Apple AirPort Card in the MacBook Pro (Mid-2015) as a result of the events of installing the MacOS 10.14.6 software update. Apple claims the first remedy may require the replacement of the hardware.

Apple Technical Engineering also recommends all users subject to the failure of Bluetooth as a result of the 10.14.6 installation report the issue to Apple Support. The more calls on the issue and the report of the failure is instrumental for Apple to address the broader audience of MacBook Pro users experiencing the Bluetooth failure with the introduction of 10.14.6 software update.

Apple is receiving my hardware for repair. :(

Apple Engineering has received the formal case submission for the disabling of Bluetooth discovery functionality with 10.14.6. The case does contain specific information related to the Mid-2015 MacBook Pro, although the Bluetooth discovery issue may have impact on other hardware. Note: this is NOT a hardware issue. Apple Technical Support purportedly will hear back from Engineering within 48 hours with a solution, next steps or direction on next steps to resolve the 10.14.6 experience of disabling Bluetooth.

I have picked up on what appears to be changes to Bluetooth security in the 10.14.6 update.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT210348

I agree ian_sw_london. I"m extremely disappointed that a software update can disable the hardware. The interpretation of the engineers response is; "Not knowing what revision of hardware may be affected, it is necessary for Engineering to get they hands on the equipment." "The AirPort Card/Bluetooth may require replacement due to the software download." If this is true, this is bound to be a recall for all equipment affected by the 10.14.6 software update.

I also cannot justify the loss of my equipment for an extended period of time. My Mid-2015 15" is nearly new and one of the last to be available on the Apple store for sale. I'm not interested in some tech manhandling the Macbook due to Apple Software Engineering releasing a software update that disables the hardware.

I've lost my trust in Apple Software Development. It is clear the reported Bluetooth failures are consistent with the installation of 10.14.6. This is unacceptable.

While awaiting for a scheduled appointment to drop off my hardware, I've escalated this to the "Customer Relations Department" hoping for another resolution to the issue. If the 10.14.6 is truly causing the AirPort Cards to become corrupt, this is a major issue for all those reporting the failure.

Please open a case with Apple and reference any/all of the contact from these posts, and other posts searchable on any third party search engine. The reports of 10.14.6 corrupting the Bluetooth functionality are beginning to pile up.

Thank you, Ian!

Sadly, there are sufficient numbers of systems reporting the failing Bluetooth on the MacBook Pro systems from the last generation (Early-2015 and Mid-2015 models) and maybe other systems to warrant further effort from Apple to address the Bluetooth failing when installing 10.14.6.

I've postponed my visit the the Apple Store for a "hardware fix" pending your response and other media reporting. From what you've gathered as a response suggests a software issue, perhaps the Bluetooth security fix included in 10.14.6 has a compatibility issue with the Apple Card support for Bluetooth 4.2 in these MacBook Pro models. I'll remain constant on the message board until Apple resolves Bluetooth failing on Early-2015 and Mid-2015 Macbook Pros.

Apple contacted me to come pick up my MacBook Pro Mid-2015. They replaced the AirPort Card. This tells me the MacOS 10.14.6 software update included a firmware update that hoses (disables) Bluetooth functionality on these models. It may be that 10.14.6 disables Bluetooth on other models, including Early-2015 MacBook Pro models, maybe others. Those who've reported the disabling of Bluetooth networking with your Mac (MacBook Pro Early-2015, Mid-2015) upon updating MacOS with 10.14.6 are statistically likely to require your Apple equipment serviced with new hardware; i.e. AirPort Card. This is not a coincidence.

Apple Technical Support suggested I update my other two Mid-2015 MacBook Pro models (same year, model, configuration, etc) to stay current and to see if these MacBook Pros experience the same issue. No way! Given the number of failed units in the field, I'm not going to be Apple's "Quality Assurance program" to show them they have a 10.14.6 update problem.

Heading to pick up my MacBook Pro. We'll see how Apple handled my MacBook Pro.

The news is much worse than expected. I picked up the MacBook Pro Mid-2015 and remained in the store until I fully tested their purported remedy for the Bluetooth not working. They replaced the AirPort Card, although the MacBook Pro Bluetooth still does NOT work. No Bluetooth device can connect, and remain connected. The "connect" fails. The AirPort Card did not fix the issue, as I expected when I heard they replaced the AirPort Card.

Software does not affect the Bluetooth operation, replacing the AirPort Card (unnecessary) did NOT fix the issue, this suggests at the highest likelihood that Apple *did* push a firmware update to the logic board. What this means for me (and likely all others) is that Apple will be replacing logic boards for everyone who has experienced the Bluetooth failure from MacOS 10.14.6 update. Again, MacOS 10.14.6 does include a "Bluetooth security fix" and 10.14.6 is where everyone is reporting the loss of Bluetooth.

I have my MacBook Pro back in my possession after a week of Apple taking possession and sending my MacBook out to a "Certified Apple Repair Center" where their purported remedy was to replace an AirPort Card for the disabling of Bluetooth when updating to 10.14.6. Note, the original AirPort Card tested normal and fully functional under hardware testing at the Apple Store before they sent it out for a replacement AirPort Card. Running High Sierra and other MacOS software on my hardware yield the same issue of Bluetooth functionality broken, after and only after the update to 10.14.6.

I'm now fully convinced Apple MacOS 10.14.6 has introduced firmware which is NOT compatible with some hardware; presumably MacBook Pro Early-2015 and Mid-2015.

I am extremely disappointed in Apple, especially after taking my MacBook for a week and returning it without the Bluetooth fixed. I'm still under warranty.

New developments for the Bluetooth failure on MacBook Pro models that leaves many customers questioning Apple.

After having the MacBook Pro AirPort Card replaced to purported fix the Bluetooth failure from the update to 10.14.6, the MacBook Pro was tested at the Apple Store with a "Genius Bar" technical representative. The Bluetooth functionality continued in a "failed status" while at the Apple Store. Several Bluetooth devices were used to attempt a full "discovery and connection" of Bluetooth equipment. The failure of "connection" for Bluetooth devices at the Apple Store prompted the Apple Store technician to escalate the issue back to Apple Engineering. Upon returning home with my MacBook Pro, I received a call from the highest level technical phone support representative for the next steps to resolve the Bluetooth issue. The Apple technical call resulted in a "screen sharing" and data capture (packet capture) while using Bluetooth devices during the attempt to discover and connect these devices with the newly installed AirPort Card. There was success in connecting Bluetooth devices; i.e. AirPods, Beats Studios, Magic Mouse. Oddly the devices that were *unable* to connect in the Apple Store were able to connect in my home environment. This suggests there may be a "signal strength" issue with the AirPort Cards in general. The *new* AirPort Card was unable to connect to Bluetooth devices in the Apple Store where there are many WiFi and Bluetooth devices in play, yet the "highest level" technical representative was able to connect the equipment via Bluetooth to the MacBook Pro. Signal strength was discussed and the packet capture should have revealed any problems with Bluetooth.

Where the issue becomes muddy for all of those who have experienced Bluetooth failure upon updating to 10.14.6 is, Apple Engineering continues to claim there is nothing in MacOS 10.14.6 that would cause Bluetooth to fail. This statement is logically contradictory to the many failures in the field where certain hardware (MacBook Pro models) have experienced failure upon installation of MacOS 10.14.6. I'm not convinced Apple Engineering is reporting accurate data, albeit may not have sufficient numbers of failures to confirm there is a problem with 10.14.6.

I have three Mid-2015 MacBook Pro models purchased at or about the same time and currently fully functional, including Bluetooth. My Mid-2015 experienced Bluetooth failure upon updating the MacOS 10.14.6 from 10.14.5. I now have the commitment from Apple that "should I update the other two Mid-2015 MacBook Pro models, Apple will be responsible for their repair. Not ideal, but at lease I have the equipment that should they fail, there shall be a significant indication that MacOS 10.14.6 mysteriously causes Bluetooth failure of the AirPort Card (Bluetooth 4.2).

I've lost some faith in Apple.

Thank you ian_sw_london for the follow through... I agree. Apple Engineering taking the position of replacing the AirPort Card in the last generation systems is a 'work-around' for a failure to address the Bluetooth hardware support for all systems. For Apple to suggest a "hardware issue" that may require a replacement AirPort Card is ridiculous. MacOS 10.14.16 is the cause for the Bluetooth discovery failure on these last generation Macbook Pros.

The AirPort Card used in the following models is the same for both the 13" and 15" Macbook Pros. The Bluetooth protocol revision for these cards is Bluetooth 4.2, whereas the newer model Macbook Pros include an updated AirPort Card that are designed to comply with Bluetooth 5.0.

AirPort Card for 15" Mid-2015 MacBook Pro Apple Part #:661-02363; MJLQ2LL/A ... MJLT2LL/A

AirPort Card for 13" Early-2015 MacBook Pro Apple Part #: 661-02363; MF839LL/A ... MF840LL/A ... MF841LL/A

Unless Apple included a *firmware* update for the AirPort Card support, it is highly unlikely these cards are defective.

During a call to the Customer Relations line, they introduced a tech guy to the call. The Apple statement is; "We need to see the hardware so that we can identify what hardware was used in the system. Without seeing the hardware, there's no way for us to know what hardware is affected."

This is a deflective message. Apple knows exactly what hardware is used in these Early-2015 and Mid-2015 systems, and furthermore Apple can identify the hardware by s/n of the MacBook Pro.

I'm not impressed with Apple's protective philosophy over this matter. Perhaps the first unpleasant experience with Apple since the beginning (1982) for me.

Call scheduled with Apple Customer Relations on Tuesday, August 20.

Genius Bar visit scheduled with local Apple store on Thursday, August 22.

I'm encouraging Apple to take the correct path to the correct remedy without the deflective message and a one-off solution to replace a few willing to voice that "MacOS 10.14.6 broke Bluetooth for 2015 models with AirPort Cards, Apple Part #:661-02363 (Bluetooth 4.2 vs. Bluetooth 5.0).

10.14.6 included a Bluetooth fix.

I have the same problem with my mid-2015 MBP 15''. Took it to the Apple store, their diagnostic tool did not find any issues. They have booted their OS image and bluetooth still does not work. I think this update pushed some firmware changes. I hope Apple engineering looks into it.