Update EFI Boot ROM with a non-Apple SSD? (Can't upgrade to Monterey)

I'm assuming you were using the instructions mentioned in this article (see section 3 under "Updates" with the line beginning "For those without access to an Apple SSD...."):

https://tinyapps.org/blog/202110270700_monterey-third-party-ssd.html

This article mentions that the system firmware must already be at a certain revision level (195.0.0.0.0+) or this procedure will not work. Plus make sure you have the necessary spaces between options as well as the correct path to the firmware file (and the correct firmware file for your Mac). It is possible that this won't work if Filevault is enabled so you may need keep the file on an unencrypted volume. There is no guarantee this method will work as there are a lot of unknowns, plus it is a bit risky. You may only be able to make the bless command work properly if the file is on an HFS+ or APFS volume.

The Reddit thread I first found includes these same instructions, but the note about the current system firmware being 195.0.0.0.0+ was not noted on the original instructions, but was noted in one of the comments. The article I linked presents the instructions more clearly & completely.

You need to be careful with the Apple SSD you purchase. Apple made several slightly different variations of these SSDs. While the SSD may fit the connector, that does not mean the SSD will actually work. macOS will refuse to even boot with certain Apple SSDs installed, while macOS may only partially work, even though the SSDs will work perfectly fine when using Linux. I discovered this by accident while testing an Apple Retina laptop.

Mateus109 wrote:

Hi, has anyone found a solution yet to upgrading the EFI Boot ROM (so Monterey will install) if they have a non-Apple SSD and no original Apple SSD?

I've got a 2015 MBP with a Samsung 970 EVO and therefore can't upgrade to Monterey because the Mac is stuck on EFI version MBP114.88Z.0184.B00.1806051659.

Thanks

Reinstall the OEM Apple® SSD and update that drive. Replace your third party and proceed.

this is not isolated issue with Samsung..

See:

The only way to address the above error is to re-install an Apple factory SSD and perform an install of the latest macOS available for your Mac

ref:

https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/78613-macos-monterey-install-requirements-for-owc-aura-pro-ssds/