macOS Mojave Boot ROM Version String

Question

macOS Mojave Boot ROM Version String

Since updating from macOS 10.14 to 10.14.1, in which the firmware was updated as well, the Boot ROM Version string has been listed as "xxx.0.0.0.0" (x is a natural number) on my '17 MBP TB and '15 MBP DG. The Boot ROM Version string can be found by selecting the Apple icon in the toolbar, opening "About This Mac", and generating a 'System Report'. Under the "Hardware Overview:" you can view your Boot ROM Version string. Another method of retrieving this string is by opening Terminal, type the following command 'system_profiler SPHardwareDataType', and execute.

This string should coincide with your current EFI version. A method to check your current EFI version is to locate a tool for displaying and checking your firmware. It's located in the '/usr/libexec/firmwarecheckers/eficheck/' directory. In Terminal, navigate to this directory and execute the command './eficheck --integrity-check'. Your EFI version will be different depending upon hardware platform and currently installed firmware. As an example, my '15 MBP DG EFI version is "MBP114.88Z.0185.B00.1809171422".

The system_profiler tool should retrieve and report the Boot ROM Version as "MBP114.88Z.0185.B00". But, it doesn't and I assume this is bug, because it happened on two different MBPs. Is anyone else experiencing this bug?

MacBook Pro TouchBar and Touch ID, macOS Mojave (10.14.1)

Posted on Nov 3, 2018 5:22 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 8, 2018 6:04 PM in response to robertleeblairjr

I came across some additional information related to this Boot ROM Version naming scheme reported by "System Information" and it appears to be an actual change that Apple introduced with 10.14.1. There's not an explanation to why it was changed but provides some insight.

https://eclecticlight.co/2018/10/31/which-efi-firmware-should-your-mac-be-using- version-3/

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

135,953 points

Nov 4, 2018 2:35 AM in response to robertleeblairjr

Testing on an iMac the Boot ROM in the System Report and running the Terminal command don't match in Mojave but I don't know they are supposed to. You can always file a bug report from the feedback page. Just change the feedback type. Feedback - macOS - Apple

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Answer 3

Nov 4, 2018 2:34 AM in response to woodmeister50

Same here. Boot ROM doesn't match EFI version:

236.0.0.0.0

vs

MM71.88Z.0234.B00.1809171422

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Answer 4

Nov 3, 2018 8:20 AM in response to robertleeblairjr

I also can verify this difference as well. With the update

in firmware, perhaps there is something of a distinction

between the "EFI loader" and what is called "Boot ROM",

i.e. additional functionality beyond simply EFI and EFI loader

is a subset of the BootROM?

Or is it that Apple is just simplifying the system report designation?

And in the grand scheme of things, does it even matter?

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Answer 5

Nov 3, 2018 10:47 AM in response to dialabrain

My thought too but there are no stupid question although there can be stupid answers...

Anyway this is my result on MacMini 2014/Mojave 14.1:

EFI Version: MM71.88Z.0234.B00.1809171422

Primary allowlist version match found. No changes detected in primary hashes.

iMac:eficheck simon$

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Answer 6

Nov 4, 2018 2:49 AM in response to dialabrain

Do I actually want this bug fixed by Apple? Yes. It’s small discrepancies such as this which have seemed to pop up more and more with each iteration of the OS that conveys a concern of quality assurance to me for a premium product. Is my productivity or daily general use affected with this bug? No. However, if I submitted a bug that the need to know the firmware version was relevant from System Report, someone actually used that string with a tool, or other scenario, then it’s certainly more important. I did submit a bug report. But, I was curious as to if anyone experienced this minor typo, it was an actual change (doubtful), or other useful information. Always learning.

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