boot disk for MacBook Pro M3 pro chip

On a M2 Machine - sorry the best I can do until the next Trade IN

Downloaded the Full Version 14.1.1. via Terminal - All OK

Reformatted 128 GB External Drive as HFS Journaled / GUID

Attempted the Terminal command >>

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Failed on first attempt

Checked System Setting >> Privacy & Security >> Full Disk Access

Had to Add Terminal to Full Disk Access

see below >>

p.phillips@Ps-Mac-Mini-M2 ~ % sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Password:

Ready to start.

To continue we need to erase the volume at /Volumes/MyVolume.

If you wish to continue type (Y) then press return: y

Erasing disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%... 100%

Copying essential files...

Copying the macOS RecoveryOS...

Making disk bootable...

Copying to disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%... 40%... 50%... 60%... 70%... 80%... 90%... 100%

Install media now available at "/Volumes/Install macOS Sonoma"

p.phillips@Ps-Mac-Mini-M2 ~ % 

It is possible that to Create a Bootable Installer of Sonoma 14.1.1. for a M3 will have to be download the Full Version 14.1.1 from a M3 Machine.

Thereby getting the " Firmware/Manifests "

I had the same error on my M3 14" Macbook Pro -

Solution was

in terminal run softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.3

once downloaded use this installer to build the boot drive.

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

dont forget to erase your usb c drive as HFS+ and GUID and call it untitled

It may be too early for a standardized build of Sonoma which will likely occur at 14.2. I have Sonoma 14.1.1 (23B81) (updated a week ago) on an M2 Mini Pro via software update, and the build that you are reporting is much newer suggesting it was a custom build for your M3 machine. Unfortunately, the Mac App Store does not show the build version too.

This is not the first time that builds have been out of synch until a newer point update arrives. This may explain your current frustrating situation — or not.

richardfrommaumee wrote:

I do not believe 14.1.1 23B2082 is a “newer” build. It was released on the same day as 23B81

It is quite odd that you don't see a difference between 23B81 and 23B2082

New hardware often ships with a different build than the released build. As already noted, you are in limbo until the different builds are resolved into a new, unique build.

That custom build likely cannot create a bootable USB installer. It has been that way since forever. You cannot install onto that Mac with anything be that custom build until the next point release full installer becomes available.

No, I'm not surprised that Apple Support personnel do not know about this.

For completion, what error do you get when you try to create the USB Installer?

Jim_Denaro wrote:

So 14.1.2 came out today, and I can't make a USB on this M3 MPB at all. Not for the betas, or the new release.

Tried this on 14.1.2 just now:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled        

Ready to start.

To continue we need to erase the volume at /Volumes/Untitled.

If you wish to continue type (Y) then press return: y

Erasing disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%... 100%

Copying essential files...

Copying the macOS RecoveryOS...

Making disk bootable...

Failed to extract AssetData/boot/Firmware/Manifests/InstallerBoot/* from update bundle

The bless of the installer disk failed.

james@mbpro ~ % 

Is anyone able to get this to work?

Is the USB stick connected directly to your Mac and not in a hub. I’ve seen odd failures like that when connected through a hub.

richardfrommaumee wrote:

I do not believe 14.1.1 23B2082 is a “newer” build.

You are entitled to an opinion.

Though the present build number on the Apple Servers remains ( 23B81 )

Until Apple uploads the Specific Build for the M3 machines - well that issue has been exhausted at this time

Part of the overall issue from Off Site Reports I have read.

Involve the M3 Machines came Pre-Installed with a Unique Unreleased Version of Ventura 13.5

When attempting an OTA upgrade to Sonoma - no upGrade was found via the Software Update Applet

Here I am out of my experience but some reports have suggest downloading the Install Asset for the M3-compatible version of macOS Sonoma 14.1

Now, whether downloading the Install Assist for 14.1.1 specific for M3 machines exist - that I do not know

Nor do I know if your could make the illusive Bootable Installer of 14.1.1 form this Install Asset

macOS Sonoma and macOS Ventura updates are here with fixes for M3 Macs

Add on

Residing in the Applications folder of computer