How to update EFI firmware when MacOS installer does not update it?

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Izo75 Author

Level 1

12 points

How to update EFI firmware when MacOS installer does not update it?

Hi,

I recently bought a second hand Mac Pro Late 2013.

I cleaned it and started from scratch by installing BigSur. No issues, BigSur works fine.

Then tried updating to Monterey. Upgrading fails without clear error.

Installer stick does give a more clear error "firmware upgrade could not be installed. Compatible internal media ...".

Turns out my EFI version currently is 132.0.0.0.0. Which is way old..... System probably has seen multiple MacOS versions, production year 2017, so it should have or could have been upgraded.

Reason: most likely because the system does not have the original genuine Apple SSD the firmware is not and thus can not be upgraded.

My question: is there really no way of having a stand-alone EFI firmware updater so that the firmware can be properly upgraded to the latest version? Preferably without having to buy an original Apple SSD...

Ps. I ordered such part anywayz, hope that will arrive and works in getting proper EFI firmware version on my Mac Pro Late 2013.

Mac Pro

Posted on Nov 3, 2021 6:56 AM

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Answer 1

Izo75 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 19, 2021 6:20 AM in response to Izo75

Not an answer to my question but issue got resolved a different way.

Ordered a genuine Apple SSD, installed that and started Monterey installer. That worked and updated firmware.

Then re-installed BigSur Samsung EVO SSD and was able to properly upgrade to Monterey.

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Answer 2

Nov 19, 2021 11:05 AM in response to Owl-53

I believe your statement is correct. Firmware is only delivered via OS updates/upgrades. Apple no longer supports standalone firmware updates.

- Pie Lover

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

104,269 points

Nov 3, 2021 7:35 AM in response to Izo75

Think your question is partially answered in this Question https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253296956 in that the maker of the drive needs to be contacted.

AFAIK, stand to corrected by more Learned Contributors, the EFI Boot ROM comes within Monterey. That and Apple has ceased offer a Standalone EFI Boot ROM and has switched to Built into the Version of macOS, where required.

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Answer 4

Izo75 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 3, 2021 7:42 AM in response to Owl-53

That thread actually tells that one should keep their original parts when upgrading. It is not so much the firmware on the SSD but simply that Apple is currently doing a check on the genuine-ness of the SSD in the system. If not genuine it does not perform the update. BigSur also tries installing new firmware but it just ignores the update when SSD is not genuine. Cause I am able to install BigSur, with very old firmware....

You are correct it comes within the installer. Also for BigSur and also for other versions.

For me it does not update sadly and within Monterey that is causing the installer to fail.

I just hope that my genuine part that is coming in will work so I can have up-to-date firmware version.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

104,269 points

Nov 19, 2021 6:45 AM in response to Izo75

Ah and great work there :-))

The old Genuine Apple Part check for a successful Monterey installation.

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

104,269 points

Nov 3, 2021 7:46 AM in response to Izo75

And the " Apple Walled Garden" gets tighter with each successive versions of macOS. :-(

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How to update EFI firmware when MacOS installer does not update it?

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