Install Thunderbolt Display Firmware v 1.2 under macOS Catalina

[Bla Goy]

Hello everyone, I just got a used Thunderbolt Display to use with my MacBook Pro 2019. The monitor works great and I am really happy with it, but unfortunately I don't seem to be able to update it to the latest firmware under Catalina. The regular Software Update utility does not find any updates. And when I download the Firmware Update 1.2 from the Apple website and try to install it, it says it's not compatible with this version of macOS. I assume it has something to do with the lack of 32-bit app support under Catalina. Does anyone of you had the same issue and can help me find out how to update it? Do I need an older device to make the update? Will it work with an older macOS under Parallels?

 

[Ne.si]

I have the same problem with MacBook Pro Early 2015... Apple Support said the update should start automaticlly.. Sadly it does not.

 

[wur10]

While this thread is old I ran into the same issue with Big Sur. My solution was the following:

Get an old OS image from here (I used Yosemite on my 2015 MBP): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683
Then create a bootable USB installer as described here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

Now boot from the newly created install stick and install yosemite onto another USB drive. When done boot into the OS.

Download the firmware update from here: https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1775?locale=de_AT
Execute it, reboot and you're done.

 

[zhpenn]

how to check the fw version of the display?

 

[wur10]

Thunderbolt Display Firmware Update v1.2 - Apple Support

Updated the firmware for the Thunderbolt Display to version 1.2

support.apple.com

1. Choose About This Mac from the Apple () menu.
2. Click System Report.
3. Click Thunderbolt in the list on the left and find the Thunderbolt Display section. The Firmware Version should be 26.2 and the Port Micro Firmware Version should be 2.0.7 after the update.