Can I update my macbook pro early 2011 to use bluetooth 4.0

So last night (October 26th, 2014) I received my Bluetooth 4.0 CAX card in the mail. I followed the instructions from the earlier posts on how to install the card and perform the terminal commands. I am happy to say my early 2011 MBP now supports AirDrop and Handoff/Continuity. Tested everything and all works great!

Thanks to everybody who helped make this happen!

Hi Gustavo,

Just like Mike said: you need to make sure that you select a CAX card! Like this: BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX

When you have found the card you can use the continuity activation tool to get every working.

Hope this helps,

gr Sander

You can update Bluetooth 1.5 works on all Macintosh computers running Mac OS X version 10.3.2 or later

download http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1209

Answer - no.

Barry

I am also very interested in whether this hardware/software upgrade is possible.

Sorry for non-productive contribution, just adding my personal whims to solicit attention to this thread.

I will ask my local apple hardware specialist (just had 2011 MBP 8gb Ram/SSD upgraded by specialist yesterday) today.

I would also be interested in upgrading my MBP 15" Early 2011 Airport Card but have a hard time finding the replacement part (mostly only 2011 modules or with unclear description).

Also, I fear that Apple does not just rely on the BT capabilities but also check the MBP Modell. So that even an upgraded MBP won't work because Apple determines it as a "non-BT4" model.

Ok so it is possible. It will work if you upgrade the bluetooth card in your older MBP. The trick is finding the right card as even the ones with the supposedly "correct" part number are also sometimes listed as being for 2011 models and older (which only comes with Bluetooth 2.1). What you want to look for is the card that comes with the Broadcom chip part BCM20702. On their website, this is the chip listed as the Bluetooth 4.0 chip with Bluetooth LE. At the bottom of page 3 of this comment section there is a screenshot that proves that the model of the Mac has no effect on the ability for it to work. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1746342&page=3 It does have to be an internal hardware change though. Dongles don't work. Fortunately, the part is very cheap, only $20. Here's a link to it: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120581409685&fromMakeTrack=tr ue&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en There are only a few left, so buy quickly! It's also available on that seller's actual store website where they may be more.

I've ordered said module. I'm curious if it will work, seems rather cheap compared to other Apple Airport modules.

I'll keep you posted as soon as I get the module.

I'm also pretty interested in this -- not only for actually being able to use Handoff, but hopefully maybe there is better range/reception (maybe it's my card, but I can't move my mouse/bt headphones further than 4 feet away from my Mac. It's very frustrating).

I ordered the part you recommended a couple posts above me. It's cheap enough that it's no biggie if it doesn't work. If you get it before I do, please post your findings!! I want to see if this works.

Sirs, I would like to know if you have any info for iMac mid 2011 ~ I would like to upgrade to BT 4.0, thanks a bunch.

~ knowledge is superior power ~

lao tzu

Is it a 21.5 or 27" ? Try to look at ifixit : https://fr.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Bluetooth+Board+Replac ement/5948

It seems the board doesn't match macbook pro's at all.

Look at iMac 2012 : https://fr.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2544+AirPort-Bluetooth+Card +Replacement/16607.

Look at what a member wrote :

A general observation on this thread.......

The incremental performance improvement that might be gained by the what are, IMHO, arcane approaches to "make it 4.0 USB" are not worth potential damage to a perfectly fine computer. Just because something is possible is not a good reason to do something.

I am posting this to warn people who might read this thread to beware of doing what is "possible." I am not criticizing others who have decided to make changes to their own computers.

Barry

I understand your efforts protecting the interest especially of the general community of those just passing by, and those who might not understand the risk they're taking. And for the readers with AppleCare, this does obviously void your warranty.

However, it is great information to those who would love to fully be able to use the new features of the updated OS, without spending thousands of dollars on a new computer for it. Not only do you enable said feature(s), but you have a better experience with newer generation and existing Bluetooth devices (better range, which while marginal, does make a difference!). For those who are willing to take the risk, it is not an expensive, difficult or extremely risky task, especially with great guides existing out there (iFixit) for doing it.

I'm not recommending this for everybody, nor am I saying it's 100% going to work (beta is beta). But for $20 and being able to flip a switch you couldn't flip on otherwise (on a perfectly un-outdated laptop), it is arguably too prudent not to consider the slight hardware upgrade. 🙂

I understand your efforts protecting the interest especially of the general community of those just passing by, and those who might not understand the risk they're taking. And for the readers with AppleCare, this does obviously void your warranty.

You made my point very well. That is exactly what I was doing when I made my comment. Most of the people who frequent these forums are NOT qualified to open covers or make changes to hardware. 😀

Barry