Catalina installation damaged EFI firmware on MBP mid 2012

To those who've experienced this issue: please let Apple know today. These threads are not actively followed and the more users that report to Apple, probably the more likely that there will be some resolution.

I initiated a chat and was then called by a Senior Advisor. I reported the details of the update corrupting my firmware, and sent links to the relevant threads here. Be nice and don't expect a fix over the phone, but they need to be made aware of the number of users affected. For reference, here are the related threads I am following:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250716026

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250745000

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250719221

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250728927

I have the same issue with MacBook Pro 2017 after Catalina update on Friday, the symptoms are as described here - no response whatsoever to any hot key combinations, blinking folder with question mark, cant even get to Utility Disk. Have an appointment in Apple store tomorrow. Smallllik, have you managed to recover your data?

Hey Apple,

I have the exact same issue, I upgraded my MBP 15 Mid-2012 to Catalina, and now all i get is a black screen, and the minute before i upgraded to catalina, my machine was working perfectly... I bought my computer in 2013 for 2600 euros, and now I'm told to change the logic board for 600 euros. Why ? Because I installed an OS my machine is supposed to handle (that's written on your website). I can't afford that, i'm writing this with my phone... I'm stuck, I'm wasting time, energy and money. And it seems that i'm not the only person having issues with Catalina...

I have two macs still to upgrade yet and really I am thinking the current version is quite good and will not upgrade but what happens if one of my people using it does accept the incessant notifications about the update. I am lucky that my 15 inch Macbook Pro handled the update but I am not game to install the latest patch or supplemental update as I am travelling and would be totally lost without my computer. Really feeling so sad to have my faith lost.

Could you give us your feedback about this new chip? Does it work? I have the same problem on my macbook pro after catalina update and I can't spend 500 € for a new logic board. Many thanks all for your support.

I've now installed Mojave on my Macbook pro (mid 2012) via a USB-stick to an external SSD. And it works with EFI version 229.0.0.0.0. But if i want to run this SSD as main disk i get prohibirary symbol flashing with Apple symbol too. The main HDD, the original drive that came with the computer, installed and runs Catalina 10.15.1 now but is really slow and unbearable to use. Please help!

Catalina (the official version 10.5, not a beta) bricked my MacBook Air (13inch Mid-2012). I followed the instructions, left if while Catalina installed (it was plugged in to the power all the time), but when I returned my MacBook Air was dead. I can’ power it up. The only sign of life was the light on the Magsafe plug. Nothing on the screen and the caps lock key does not light ip. I took it into the Apple Store - they offered to see if replacing the logic board would fix it, if that worked I would be up for $AUD760.

You updated as anyone would and voilà computer turns into a nice decorative piece on your table. Go to apple and they tell you it's imposible software could damage your computer hardware, something was wrong before you updated and the installation uses a "lot of processing power from your computer that ignited the issue you never knew you had" isn't that just great and totally full of credibility? :) I love you apple. If I were you I will just pay for the board that might cost more then your computer actually does but hey it will be just brand new and ready to be used with Catalina :)

This is exactly what happened to my mid 2012 after the Catalina update. Contacted local Apple repair place to see if they could reflash the EFI but haven’t revived a response. Do you have any info on that process? Do you know which firmware release you flashed back to? Did you go back to Mojave or another earlier release?

I have the same question ,My mac pro is 2015E, Catalina beta update to Catalina from App Store , during the update, the display was turn off about 30 minute, I think the update is error, then i turn off Mac forcely, then the efi is brocken, I go to the Gbar last week, they can`t find any hardware fault, but my mac LCD is blink, os crash random! All methods I try can`t repair includ OPT+CMD+R+P, SFT+CTR+O,Back to lower OS

Must be infuriating having Apple deny that this problem is caused by the software. Very reminiscent of apple telling me that they were not aware of anyone else having a problem with MBP keyboards. Just keep any receipts for hardware replacements.

Same issue here. I was quoted the price of 1350 USD by official authorized service here in Ukraine that Apple Support recommended. It is the quote for motherboard change, just because I "upgraded" to Catalina... Ridiculous. MBP 15 2017 here.

This just happened to me! Ive justpdated my 2018 macbookpro to the new Catalina MacOS and the computer never restarted again. The only sign of life it's showing is the fan starting, running for 1 second and stopping.

How can I fix this?

I’m back here with the update. It’s a blatant lie that it was a problem with my hardware, as I have installed OS Mojave successfully and everything works. Also Catalina in safe mode also worked, so I was very skeptical that it was a preexisting problem with my hardware. Apple certified authorized service center offered me to change top-case worth 800$ and 4-6 weeks + motherboard 650$-1350$ and 4-6 weeks to fix the issue, which I politely declined. I’m just frustrated with the Apple Customer Support which is unfortunately incompetent. Their US phone support also claimed that the link to my apple support issue crashes because of my wi-fi. Sorry??? MBP 15 2017 A1707.

After update my MacBook Air 13’ 2012 mid I see black screen and random turn on. The “magic btn combos” didn’t work. Apple please say thuth about the bagged 10.13.4 update and help your clients with notebooks damage in your blame.