Apple Releases Firmware Updates for 'Late 2008' Portables

MacRumors · Dec 10, 2008, 05:11 PM

Apple today released a number of firmware updates for the "Late 2008" MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Each model requires two separate firmware updates.

EFI Firmware Updates: The Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) specifies the interface between a computer's firmware and the operating system. These updates address several issues related to system stability. Further information and installation instructions can be found on Apple's support page.

SMC Firmware Updates: The System Management Controller (SMC) controls various power-related functions. According to Apple, these updates address the "sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights." General information and installation instructions for SMC updates can be found on Apple's support page.

MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.3 (1.8 MB)
MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.2 (556 KB)

MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.6 (1.9 MB)
MacBook Pro 15-inch SMC Firmware Update 1.2 (559 KB)

MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 1.1 (2.4 MB)
MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.1 (556 KB)

Article Link: Apple Releases Firmware Updates for 'Late 2008' Portables

stovetop6872 · Dec 10, 2008, 05:12 PM

It's about time!

Auzburner · Dec 10, 2008, 05:13 PM

Updates are always good, it's too bad they made the problem in the first place. Then most stability updates would not be necessary.

rlmccormick · Dec 10, 2008, 05:14 PM

I wonder if the MBPs power consumption while in sleep mode will be improved. I lose ~20% of my battery in 12 hours while in sleep mode

chimpy72 · Dec 10, 2008, 05:15 PM

I thought the SMC updates would address the supposed nVidia issues, not charging lights...

Can we get any reports from anyone to say if these updates fixed that problem?

schneb · Dec 10, 2008, 05:17 PM

Does this include the new MacBook Whites?

rlmccormick · Dec 10, 2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneb

Does this include the new MacBook Whites?

Highly doubtful.

nippyjun · Dec 10, 2008, 05:24 PM

Is it ok to delete the files from the utilities folder after the updates are successfully completed?

Also, there was a past trackpad update that i performed and i see that that file is in my utilities folder as well. Can that be deleted too?

Thanks.

daneoni · 05:56 PM

Hmmm call me a cynic but i have the weird feeling the firmwares are just gonna 'adjust' the GPUs (down-clock) or boost the fans so they 'perform better'

fendol · Dec 10, 2008, 05:29 PM

No need to be rude

It's good that they "took the time" and released these firmware updates. Thanks for posting macbot

Kilamite · Dec 10, 2008, 05:30 PM

Any news on whether this fixes any trackpad issues and the whole 4GB issue?

MLeepson · Dec 10, 2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacRumors

SMC Firmware Updates: The System Management Controller (SMC) controls various power-related functions. According to Apple, these updates address the "sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights." General information and installation instructions for SMC updates can be found on Apple's support page.

I have a Late 2008 MacBook.
I have noticed that the indicator light on the MagSafe occasionally/randomly goes out. I will do this update ASAP and see if it fixes it.

mackpro · Dec 10, 2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLeepson

I have a Late 2008 MacBook.
I have noticed that the indicator light on the MagSafe occasionally/randomly goes out. I will do this update ASAP and see if it fixes it.

I have the late 08 macbook pro and experience the same problem. This should fixx it.

calvy · Dec 10, 2008, 05:36 PM

is it available via software update?

cosmokanga2 · 05:46 PM

Odd. Am I the only one who only sees one new update?

EDIT: Wait a second. I only saw one update in software update, but once it had installed and closed another update came up. Interesting. Requires shutdown.

Update: Updated and working. No noticeable changes, though fingers crossed if fixes the sleep issue.

Soat · Dec 10, 2008, 05:38 PM

In true Apple update fashion, switching between GPUs "feels snappier."

Now if it stops BlSODing in the middle of WoW raid bosses while I'm main tanking, that remains to be seen...

longofest · Dec 10, 2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLeepson

I have a Late 2008 MacBook.
I have noticed that the indicator light on the MagSafe occasionally/randomly goes out. I will do this update ASAP and see if it fixes it.

That's an issue with the Magsafe, not the laptop. See this thread from 2007.

Google search = "magsafe light goes out"

EDIT: though the SMC updater does appear to indicate that their is some kind of update... interesting...

eleven2brett · Dec 10, 2008, 05:44 PM

Has anybody notice the performance change?

tekmoe · Dec 10, 2008, 05:44 PM

Just installed both updates. I'm hoping the EFI update takes care of the issue with my MacBook Pro waking up out of sleep mode with the OHC2 wake reason code. *crosses fingers*

maxshanly · Dec 10, 2008, 05:47 PM

I had an appointment at the Genius Bar on Saturday and the Mac Genius replaced my MagSafe Power Adapter because like me, he thought it was faulty. Turned out it just needed an EFI Update!

ErikCLDR · Dec 10, 2008, 05:47 PM

I hope this improves charge time. Also my alumacbook uses so much power while sleeping.

Bryanj026 · Dec 10, 2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soat

In true Apple update fashion, switching between GPUs "feels snappier."

Now if it stops BlSODing in the middle of WoW raid bosses while I'm main tanking, that remains to be seen...

Download SMCfancontrol and use that while playing wow. I personally don't have any experience with this BlSOD thing but from what I understand its a heating issue. SMCfancontrol does what apple should have put in there computer to begin with but I guess they felt we can adjust the fan speed manually. anyway I hope this helps.

cRuNcHiE · Dec 10, 2008, 05:49 PM

I installed the EFI update and all went fine.

Installed the SMC update and as it updates (during the reboot) the fans went on full blast.
It rebooted on completion and now back in leopard the fans seem to be running faster than usual at idle on the left side of the keyboard. I presume this is where the GFX card is.

teknishn · Dec 10, 2008, 05:52 PM

Interesting... I just tried to apply both new updates to my new mbp that I received Monday. It came back saying my system already had the updates applied. Appears that they have had this update done for at least a week then.

Aside from that, I have absolutely ZERO complaints about this new rig. I love it, and its absolutely fantastic.

Bryanj026 · Dec 10, 2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cRuNcHiE

I installed the EFI update and all went fine.

Installed the SMC update and as it updates (during the reboot) the fans went on full blast.
It rebooted on completion and now back in leopard the fans seem to be running faster than usual at idle on the left side of the keyboard. I presume this is where the GFX card is.

I noticed that too but they returned to normal after a minute. I'm trying to get my computer nice and hot now in hopes that apple has installed some kind of heat monitor. so far cpu 140F and GPU around 135F. I would think the fans would kick in my now but I guess I was wrong. Looks like manual adjustment through smcfancontrol ftw

Dec 10, 2008, 05:11 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple Releases Firmware Updates for 'Late 2008' Portables Apple today released a number of firmware updates for the "Late 2008" MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Each model requires two separate firmware updates. EFI Firmware Updates: The Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) specifies the interface between a computer's firmware and the operating system. These updates address several issues related to system stability. Further information and installation instructions can be found on Apple's support page. SMC Firmware Updates: The System Management Controller (SMC) controls various power-related functions. According to Apple, these updates address the "sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights." General information and installation instructions for SMC updates can be found on Apple's support page. MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.3 (1.8 MB) MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.2 (556 KB) MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.6 (1.9 MB) MacBook Pro 15-inch SMC Firmware Update 1.2 (559 KB) MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 1.1 (2.4 MB) MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.1 (556 KB) Article Link: Apple Releases Firmware Updates for 'Late 2008' Portables

Dec 10, 2008, 05:13 PM	#3
Auzburner macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY - USA	Updates are always good, it's too bad they made the problem in the first place. Then most stability updates would not be necessary. __________________ White MacBook+2.0GHz C2D+2GB+320GB 7200RPM-G3PowerPC-8GB iPhone -8GB iPod Touch-W iPhone 3G 16GB -160GB TV-2iPod Mini's-White iPhone 3G S⃣

Dec 10, 2008, 05:14 PM	#4
rlmccormick macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2008	Sleep mode current I wonder if the MBPs power consumption while in sleep mode will be improved. I lose ~20% of my battery in 12 hours while in sleep mode

Dec 10, 2008, 05:27 PM	#9
daneoni macrumors 601 Join Date: Mar 2006	Hmmm call me a cynic but i have the weird feeling the firmwares are just gonna 'adjust' the GPUs (down-clock) or boost the fans so they 'perform better' Last edited by daneoni : Dec 10, 2008 at 05:56 PM.

Dec 10, 2008, 05:29 PM	#10
fendol macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2008	No need to be rude It's good that they "took the time" and released these firmware updates. Thanks for posting macbot __________________ [...] the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Steve Jobs

Dec 10, 2008, 05:12 PM	#2
stovetop6872 macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2007	It's about time!

Dec 10, 2008, 05:15 PM	#5
chimpy72 macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2007	I thought the SMC updates would address the supposed nVidia issues, not charging lights... Can we get any reports from anyone to say if these updates fixed that problem?

Dec 10, 2008, 05:17 PM	#6
schneb macrumors member Join Date: Sep 2008	Does this include the new MacBook Whites?

Dec 10, 2008, 05:24 PM	#8
nippyjun macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2007	Is it ok to delete the files from the utilities folder after the updates are successfully completed? Also, there was a past trackpad update that i performed and i see that that file is in my utilities folder as well. Can that be deleted too? Thanks.

Dec 10, 2008, 05:30 PM	#11
Kilamite macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland	Any news on whether this fixes any trackpad issues and the whole 4GB issue? __________________ - MacBook Pro Unibody 15" 2.8GHz 'anti-glare' - Apple TV 1TB (work in progress) - iPhone 3G 8GB - MobileMe // OS X 10.6.2

Dec 10, 2008, 05:36 PM	#14
calvy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2007	is it available via software update?

Dec 10, 2008, 05:37 PM	#15
cosmokanga2 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada, where we live in igloos.	Odd. Am I the only one who only sees one new update? EDIT: Wait a second. I only saw one update in software update, but once it had installed and closed another update came up. Interesting. Requires shutdown. Update: Updated and working. No noticeable changes, though fingers crossed if fixes the sleep issue. __________________ Unibody 15" Macbook Pro, 3rd Gen 8GB iPod nano, Nike+iPod, Nikon D80, f/3.5 18-70mm Kit Lens My Flickr My Photography Site Last edited by cosmokanga2 : Dec 10, 2008 at 05:46 PM.

Dec 10, 2008, 05:38 PM	#16
Soat macrumors newbie Join Date: Sep 2006	In true Apple update fashion, switching between GPUs "feels snappier." Now if it stops BlSODing in the middle of WoW raid bosses while I'm main tanking, that remains to be seen...

Dec 10, 2008, 05:44 PM	#18
eleven2brett macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: H-Town	Has anybody notice the performance change? __________________ Eleven2 Web Hosting \| Serving the Internet since 2004 ■ Shared, Reseller, VPS & Dedicated, Done Right! 360 Dart - Business Email Done Right!

Dec 10, 2008, 05:44 PM	#19
tekmoe macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2005	Just installed both updates. I'm hoping the EFI update takes care of the issue with my MacBook Pro waking up out of sleep mode with the OHC2 wake reason code. crosses fingers __________________ i like mac

Dec 10, 2008, 05:47 PM	#20
maxshanly macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2007	Mac Genius replaced my MagSafe Power Adapter I had an appointment at the Genius Bar on Saturday and the Mac Genius replaced my MagSafe Power Adapter because like me, he thought it was faulty. Turned out it just needed an EFI Update!

Dec 10, 2008, 05:47 PM	#21
ErikCLDR macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Connecticut & Rhode Island	I hope this improves charge time. Also my alumacbook uses so much power while sleeping. __________________ 2.4GHz aluMacBook & iPod Touch

Dec 10, 2008, 05:49 PM	#23
cRuNcHiE macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2007	I installed the EFI update and all went fine. Installed the SMC update and as it updates (during the reboot) the fans went on full blast. It rebooted on completion and now back in leopard the fans seem to be running faster than usual at idle on the left side of the keyboard. I presume this is where the GFX card is.

Dec 10, 2008, 05:52 PM	#24
teknishn macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2006	Re: firmware updates Interesting... I just tried to apply both new updates to my new mbp that I received Monday. It came back saying my system already had the updates applied. Appears that they have had this update done for at least a week then. Aside from that, I have absolutely ZERO complaints about this new rig. I love it, and its absolutely fantastic.

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