Catalina bricked my 2015 MacBook Pro. What to do now?

Just an hour ago Apple issued Catalina Supplementary Update under the same version 10.15 but different build number 19A602 vs. 19A583 (original one). I am wondering if this actually contains a fix to EFI issue while installing Catalina and such a prompt action from Apple (not waiting to 10.15.1) may leave anyone who used the original installation on their own unfortunately....

I am curious if the Logic-Board-Exchangers in the Apple Store want money from me or Tim gave the green light and the whole thing is waved through.

I left my iMac at the Apple Store last Saturday and haven't heard anything yet. It should be repaired by Friday. Maybe a good sign...

[Edited by Moderator]

I have exact same problem. My MacBook Air Early 2015 is bricked.

Same symptoms for me: folder icon with question mark.

Computer isn't responding on any commands.

Worst thing is that service partnered with Apple requested motherboard change, and wanted to charge me 550$.

Thats really shame.

@Lycoming360. Thanks. They're ordering the part as we speak. I should have my machine back by the end of the week. And yes, I'll make sure it's fully functioning on Catalina before I take possession.

@jaygrow. Thanks for the advice. I let Apple know via their feedback page.

I'm not technically advanced enough to judge whether the failure was caused by the upgrade or that the upgrade just exposed a pre-existing flaw that regular reboots did not. If this does turn out to be an issue on their end, I'll have my receipt.

That sounds like a totally separate issue. I had that happen to my 2007 iMac. Almost traded it in. Search for fan stuck on high speed. I think resetting the PRAM did the trick. That machine is still working as a basic web surfer.

Recall that this site is "moderated" by Apple contractors. If one of them deems your input as being "unhelpful" or outside of the terms and conditions, it will be bounced.

I have had several mild rants deleted for this reason.

IF you explain the problem in matter of fact language and don't accuse Apple (or anyone on this site) of being less than a sterling person/entity, your request will stick and we can try to help.

It seems like its less about mild rants and more about legal protection... but ok, I can play along... I know there are rules.

Right now I'm going to sit back and wait - there are enough users coming forward that they won't be able to ignore this. My guess is eventually they will have to reprogram the EFI for users affected or some good Samaritan online will figure out a way to do it at home and share. I have faith in the Internet.

My MAC pro mid 2015 13’was also working like a charm. I mean, never had anything to complain until now. After waiting for any known major issues I finally succumbed to the upgrade. It bricked after that. Guess I’ll take the Mac on the 3500km journey to one of the nearest Apple stores to hear what they have to say and if anything can be done.

anyway, just adding my voice to this issue to see it recognized and solved by apple.

Add me to the list. 2017 MacBook Pro with no issues, post-upgrade: nothing but folder question marks.

Tried all sorts of iterations of resetting, reinstalling, etc. and it always hangs at the point where it’s trying to reinstall the EFI.

Was going to try and tough it out in hopes that Apple would acknowledge/fix the problem, but seems clear that’s never going to happen.

Heading to the Apple Store today to see how much a new logic board is going to set me back for their error. :/

My 2015 MacBook Pro was in like new condition (even the tech at the Apple store agreed) after doing the update it will not power on. Non of the trouble shooting suggestions have worked over the phone and the apple store said they couldn’t figure it out. My laptop literally was stationery since I did the update Friday now it’s a pile of parts. And they want 600 to send it in for mystery repairs

So so irksome that its still happening. Is this going to be the sudden wind that sends the apple crashing to the ground? I hope not. I am a little paranoid about restarting my mac 15" laptop at present. My external USB backup harddrive was connected to my mac when I did the update. It was wrecked but the computer seems Ok. Not sure if this was a co-incidence or not but only just realised that it happened when I did the update. My god its so so annoying.

hello i have the same problem with macbook pro (2015) model a1398, here in belgium apple technicien say it's impossible there is probeme EFI

I think buy one efi programmer but I don't know where I can find the firmware for EFI.

all i know is i installed the Catalina supplemental update and after rebooting i have the "folder?" icon.

I can get into internet recovery and it does see my ssd it just won't let me erase it.

So yes i guess could be just bad luck the ssd died just after doing that update.

hello good news for you, where have you download the firmware ? thanks

i Have bought this https://www.befr.ebay.be/itm/SPI-SAM-EFI-ROM-Debug-Connector-FLASH-Service-tool-J6100-Icloud-Apple-Macbook-Pr/133104579410?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

it's less expensive that a new motherboard

One point regarding the cable: all the sockets have the same marking (at list on the one I received) "2015 2017" on one side, and "2015 2016" on the other side, so that if you need to use one the 30 pins connector, then you will have to make sure which one applies to your specific model. I went across a web page explaining the differences between both models, but I'm unsure I will be able to retrieve it. In case of doubt, ask the seller.