Don’t Update Your Old Apple MacBooks to The Latest macOS

Recently, Apple started rolling out the latest macOS Big Sur software update for the Mac lineup. Unfortunately, the start was rather turbulent since, due to a server problem on Apple’s end, many users failed to download the update on its release date. Nevertheless, the issue was acknowledged by Cupertino and fixed in urgency.

Now, several old MacBook users are complaining that the latest update bricked their devices. Many old MacBook Pro users have taken to MacRumors forums, Reddit, and Apple’s support communities to report the problem.

According to a Reddit user, the affected devices mostly include the 2013 and 2014 launched 13-inch MacBook Pros. He wrote,

A word of caution about updating to Big Sur: it seems to have bricked my mid-2014 13” MBP. I’ve found others online with the same problem, and they seem to all be mid-2014 13” models. I’m getting a black screen with backlight when I power on, can’t enter recovery mode, no startup sound, nothing. Not impressed at all. Apple support tried getting me to reset the PRAM, SMC, etc. When that didn’t work, they asked me to take it for in-person servicing.

After installing the update, users cannot access the NVRAM, SMC, safe mode, and internet recovery. Hence, they have no way of bypassing the black screen after the macOS Big Sur has been completed.

Strangely, all the users reporting the issue to Apple support were asked to bring in their machines for service. However, since a large number of late 2013 and mid-2014 13-inch MacBook Pro owners are reporting the same issue, Apple most likely is aware of the problem and will likely devise a solution sooner than later.