Problems upgrading to macOS Mojave on MacBook Pro 2018

As macOS Mojave was released today, I thought I would try to upgrade my 15" MacBook Pro 2018 to the latest software. However, when I'm running the installer, after around 2-3 minutes I get an error message that a problem has occurred, with no solution in sight. I have tried to reboot, turn it on and off, updated without internet etc etc, nothing works. This is the error message I'm getting (in Swedish):


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MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 24, 2018 12:20 PM

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Posted on Sep 29, 2018 2:01 AM

It seems that many people have gotten confirmation from Apple that this is an issue with the T2 chip.


I would STRONGLY advice you to stay on whatever OS you are running now, do NOT try to install Mojave or reinstall the OS you are running. Even the people who have gotten it to work are experiencing several bugs with Mojave. If I were you, I would wait until Apple releases a patch for the OS so that it works with the new MBP:s. Thanks for all the insight everyone!

480 replies

Oct 2, 2018 2:38 PM in response to dmauch

You are correct, the 10.14.1 beta was first seeded last week, this week they seeded the second 10.14.1 beta.


I'm not personally sure of the security status, I do know like iOS 12.1, the 10.14.1 release notes from last week said it was released to add back Group FaceTime which was removed by initial release.


I haven't looked ate release notes for beta 2 yet.


The Main issue I've had with Mojave since the beta period prior to initial release, is certain Siri commands don't work correctly. In my case it's not a big deal since I don't use Siri much.


I mainly wanted to bring to the attention of the thread however, that the second beta is out, and the main theme of current apple release articles on MacRumors seems to be either something about the iPhone, or privacy and security.


NOTHING about the issues people are reporting.

Oct 3, 2018 5:20 AM in response to dmauch

Could be an issue Apple currently doesn't know how to fix. This thread is my main source of repeated reports right now. Based on what I've seen here, there isn't even a real pattern to the issue. It doesn't seem to matter the make and model of the Mac. Random ones don't work, while others of the same make and model work fine. Then you have those who can't install at all, or in some cases couldn't restore. Then there are those who got it to install, and have operational problem. Then you have those, who had no issues.

Oct 3, 2018 5:31 AM in response to iFrog41

Out of all the adverse effects that have been described on various posts throughout this thread, the oddest of them all is the fact that Mohave downloads on my iMac, shows up in “About this Mac,” initially shows the new Mohave desert screen and then upon install, the screen slowly fades out and the High Sierra mountain screen slowly fades in and becomes crisp. Yet, the iMac at this point is essentially inoperable with no connectivity including wi fi, bluetooth, keystrokes and mouse that are buggy and delayed, slow loading of apps, random pop-ups, etc. etc. Even with the crisp High Sierra mountain screen showing, the “About this Mac” continues to show that Mohave is installed. That’s when I’m forced to Command R and do a restore from My Passport for Mac/Time Machine.

Oct 3, 2018 7:38 AM in response to armwood

I have taken some of the posts people have reported to this particular thread, and have plugged them into Google such as:

"macOS Mojave won't install"

Mojave install fails, etc.

What I still find hard to believe based on what people are saying here and what web results are showing, there are still more widespread results showing up regarding High Sierra, and even Sierra.


There are a few results regarding Mojave, but they are usually articles that provide problems and fixes. Not so much complaints regarding issues.


I think the one thing that still sticks in my mind is: While there are genuine issues from people here on this thread, if Mojave upgrades were as bad as people are saying, why aren't there more widespread results popping up on searches.


In fact, any other results that do show up say, other people reporting issues, have either come directly from people here, or people that people here have talked too.


This brings me back to my initial comment, does Apple not know how to fix it, or have they not considered it big enough yet in the broad spectrum of users and installs to bother yet? Usually if it's something big, Apple is pretty quick. I still haven't heard anything beyond this thread, and people associated with MacAdmins which is private.

Oct 3, 2018 8:04 AM in response to iFrog41

I continue to see no relevancy to those who have successfully upgraded to Mohave with those of us who have not. What we do know with certainty, is that there is a significant problem that needs to be resolved by Apple. It is inconceivable to think that one could spend thousands of dollars on a new iMac or any other piece of computing hardware only 4 months ago and NOT be able to upgrade to Apple’s latest and “greatest” OS! Percentages of those that have upgraded successfully and those that have not are relevant only to Apple’s policy of prioritizing fixes which I think you rightfully suggest. That said, I think it is more likely that they have no idea at this point as to the cause and therefore, it’s better for them to say nothing at this point, then something. The good news is, they haven’t officially denied that there’s a problem.

Oct 3, 2018 8:23 AM in response to dmauch

That's in short what I was saying:

There are known issues

Apple has been made aware of them

Apple has acknowledge at least some of the issues such as the T2.

They have not denied them, as you have said.

I think we all can agree at this point, that Apple knows there are issues, and it just depends on if it's a big enough priority for them to fix currently. It's only been a week since Mojave's release (a little over.)


I think at this point, I'm more frustrated for those of you who haven't been able to upgrade. Mojave has been a nice upgrade and it runs well. It ***** that not everyone has been able to enjoy that.


While not every Apple employee reflects the true attitude and vision of Apple as a company. I have been witness to apple customer service experiences where someone has had a problem with an apple product, and have been told by the rep to basically go use something else that works better. I'm sure everyone at Apple doesn't have that attitude, but when I hear stuff like that, it does puts questions in my mind. I'm sure people on this thread who are frustrated may be questioning if Apple cares or not. I'm just saying it in this light. I am aware of the facts, but still have a feeling mixed messages are being sent, or at least interrupted as such.

Oct 3, 2018 9:30 AM in response to iFrog41

As we say in science, absence of proof is not proof of absence. My experience as an Apple customer for 25 years is that they never discuss or admit a problem publicly (other than security vulnerability patches), they just release a fix in about a month or so that usually takes care of the issue. I am hoping this will be the case.


Over the years, I have heard rants about every new operating system bricking the computer, and I always thought it was either due to a hacked installation (back in the pre-OS X days when people could get into the system easier and customized their systems) or a poorly maintained computer that had various inherent problems that prevented an installation. I have never had an upgrade fail like this. Ever. Something is wrong with Mojave as it is released.

Oct 3, 2018 9:46 AM in response to Ann Laux

That's true, Apple hasn't announced every single problem, yes, they have usually made security related information public, and there have been issues here and there they've gone public with such as the iPhone 4 antenna issues. There have been other times when they have pulled software due to bugs, or other potentially harmful things.


I've used Apple computers since the 80's , I've owned my own Macs since the 90's.


I don't think I've personally ever had an issue with an Apple OS not installing, but I've had buggy ones.

The two worse, that come to mind were Yosemite, and High Sierra. El Capitan, and Sierra changed things so apps broke and had to be updated by the developers, which could take a while. The OS itself, was usually OK. As Noted, Yosemite, and High Sierra, were the main two in my experience where the OS itself had some issues.


With the way Apple has been going with hardware lately, I've considered switching to Windows 10, or Linux, or a BSD, because I want more control over the hardware than Apple currently gives. So, I can say that I feel about apple hardware the way people here feel about the Mojave problems.

Oct 3, 2018 10:02 AM in response to Kladdy

For now there are many problems with this Mojave ... I on my MB2 mid2014 I do not have your problem because it seems tied to the T2 chip that I do not have, of course, but I have other problems: Imovie very slow, flickering video card (Nvidia GT750M ) when viewing videos on netflix, first videos, youtube etc ..... I had to reset the Pram and NVram because when I closed the lid and then reopened it, the pc gave no signs of life

Oct 3, 2018 10:12 AM in response to Birkhoff92

I haven't tried Netflix on the iMac since I've installed Mojave. Usually I use the Roku, or Apple TV for that.


I have used YouTube though, and haven't noticed any issues. I did however reset PRAM just for a clean start though. I haven't been without some minor glitches, mine have mainly been with one or two programs, which I don't use much anyway, so they really aren't an issue on a daily use.


When it comes to UI, and Video Playback, Mojave feels smoother and more fluid then High Sierra did.

There were two main reasons I upgraded to Mojave:


1. Dark mode (more then menu and dock) it's easier on my eyes.

2. APFS support for the iMac's Fusion Drive.


Beyond that, there are other nice features, but I could have waited for those in the event Mojave hadn't worked for me.


I had actually planned to wait to upgrade, and just test Mojave on the MBP, and leave the iMac on HS. However because the beta testing went well, and my Apps were updated with support, I went with it.

Oct 3, 2018 10:49 AM in response to dmauch

Yeah, I was aware of your config. It's mainly just spec bumps and probably even more frustrating why you had issues while this one worked fine. I am frustrated for you. There is no logic in this whole issue, at least when it happens to a non T1 / 2 Mac.


I got my Mac right before the 2017 ones came out, I needed to replace the MBP, and apple hadn't made a peep so I got the top line standard config you could walk into a store and get. Then they surprised everyone with the refresh. I hate when Apple does that, and doesn't keep people on a more constant schedule.


It shipped with El Capitan. But some of them were shipping with Sierra. I like having a slightly older Mac, for cases like this where I'm not stuck with the most current release, and have the freedom to choose between a couple versions to install.

Oct 3, 2018 10:56 AM in response to iFrog41

I purchased my 2017 iMac to replace my perfectly fine mid-2007 iMac that I had a year earlier installed a SSD to replace the mechanical HD - It was fast and operated like new. The ONLY reason I bought the new one is because Apple was not going to support the mid 2007’s any longer and I wanted to be ready for the Mojave rollout. This is what makes my situation even more frustrating.

Oct 3, 2018 11:31 AM in response to dmauch

With that shown and said. I have the mouse and keyboard in my storage closet. The computer just sits in my living room for display.


As far as the newer Macs, I'm not ragging on your iMac, but. Apple has removed the iconic chime from all new Macs.


My iMac, and the 2015 MBP, and possibly the MBA are the newest Macs to still have it.


I just want to hold onto the Apple I grew up as long as possible before I'm either forced to switch, or settle for something I might not really be happy with.


I can also understand your need for support. If Snow leopard was better supported today for current software. I would have told you to stay with it. I think it's one of the best releases that had Steve's touch and the original Aqua interface. He did work on lion, but after that OS X was becoming a mix of iOS and the Mac. I really liked when Mac OS X was a totally separate os. Mojave's Dark mode gave Apple points with me though.

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Problems upgrading to macOS Mojave on MacBook Pro 2018

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