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Apple EFI firmware updates improve Lion Internet Recovery and Thunderbolt

Apple has released a few updates for the EFI firmware on some of the latest Mac systems. The updates increase Thunderbolt performance and compatibility in addition to addressing issues involving Lion Internet Recovery.

Topher Kessler MacFixIt Editor
Topher, an avid Mac user for the past 15 years, has been a contributing author to MacFixIt since the spring of 2008. One of his passions is troubleshooting Mac problems and making the best use of Macs and Apple hardware at home and in the workplace.
Topher Kessler
2 min read

Apple has released a few updates for the EFI firmware in various Mac models from early 2011, which include new features and address a couple of prominent problems on the new devices. Firstly, the update enables Lion Internet Recovery for some systems that have not had it enabled (such as the early 2011 iMac), while improving its reliability in systems that already had it enabled.

iMac updater page showing bondi-blue iMac
In an odd and unexpected twist, Apple's update page for its iMac system shows an image of the first bondi-blue iMac and not the latest models (Apple may change this soon). Screenshot by Topher Kessler

Additionally, the update addresses a number of problems with Thunderbolt, including the performance of Target Disk Mode and compatibility issues with Apple's Thunderbolt Display.

The updates require OS X 10.6.8 or later, and should be available for relevant systems via Software Update (in the Apple menu), but can also be downloaded from the following locations:

MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 2.3

iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.7

Mac Mini EFI Firmware Update 1.4

MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.2

The updates will download the firmware installer which will provide you with onscreen instructions for how to install the firmware. Be sure you have the system plugged in to a reliable power source before updating, and do not shut off or otherwise disturb the system during its update. Faults during firmware updates can result in broken hardware that will not function properly. The update will require you to restart your system.

As always, be sure to fully back up your system using Time Machine or a system-cloning utility before installing this update.



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