In addition to various minor bug fixes, Apple's 11.2.2 update to macOS Big Sur addresses an issue where newer MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models could be damaged by dodgy third-party USB-C accessories.
Right after the release of the M1 MacBook Air and Pro, the team behind Pixelmator Pro released a compatibility version 2.0 with the huge redesign and underhood changes. Pixelmator calls it ‘the biggest update to Pixelmator Pro yet,’ and it includes an all-new design, support for Macs using Apple’s new M1 chip, full compatibility with the. While Apple appears to be committed to the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro for the time being as an entry-level model, having updated it with an M1 Apple silicon chip in November, the high-end 13.3-inch.
Per the update notes: 'macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.'
Apple didn't go into detail about how pervasive this issue is, or what manufacturers and models are responsible, although you wouldn't really expect it to within the context of a release note.
Still, user could easily find examples of people who bricked their machines after using pocket-friendly USB-C hubs that provide power delivery. A Reddit user griped about how a no-name hub with USB-C PD (Power Delivery) turned their M1 MacBook Air into a paperweight, forcing them to return the machine to Apple.
'I purchased an M1 Macbook Air in November 2020, and was using it as my main computer alongside a ZMUIPNG USB C hub. This was all working perfectly well and I had no issues. At Christmas, I got another ZMUIPNG USB C hub, but this one had power delivery.'
After a few months of usage, the hub suddenly went haywire, bricking the pricey MacBook Air in the process. 'The screen flashed for a brief second and then went black. Everything died. The Macbook refused to turn back on. I tried all the reset commands and got into contact with Apple first thing the next morning.'
It has always been a bad idea to gamble with cheap charging kit. There are just too many shoddy products out there. This is just as true for older conventional charging bricks (there are no shortage of stories about laptops being irreparably damaged by unofficial MagSafe chargers) as it is for the newer USB-C standard.
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READ MOREOne of the most egregious examples is the unfortunate Google engineer Benson Leung, whose 2015 Chromebook Pixel 2015 fell victim to an improperly wired USB-C cable from Amazon. Upon closer inspection, the cable had fried the board-level embedded controller responsible for managing charging.
Apple is expected to bring back MagSafe later this year. Those upgrading this year are well advised to stick with official (albeit stomach-churningly expensive) chargers.
In the meantime, those languishing in dongle purgatory should steer clear of cheap hubs and chargers, irrespective of this new patch. As with all things, you get what you pay for. ®
Overview
If you have problems connecting to Indiana University's wireless network, make sure your device's wireless software or drivers are up to date. Wireless manufacturers regularly release new driver updates to solve issues such as interoperability problems with access points from other vendors, or to address software bugs. Having the latest software or drivers for your wireless adapter will assure that you'll have the best performance, reliability, and functionality.
Follow the appropriate instructions for your device.
macOS (Macbook Pro, Air)
macOS will typically perform a weekly check for software updates automatically, provided you are connected to the internet. To manually check your macOS device for the latest updates, follow the instructions at http://www.apple.com/softwareupdate/.
iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
Follow the instructions at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204.
Android
- Navigate to your devices's Settings menu. On most Android devices, this can be done via the app menu or notification bar. Typically, the Settings app will have a cog or spanner logo.
- Scroll down the Settings menu, and click About Phone, About Tablet, System, or System Updates (depending on your device and version of Android). If you have a tabbed Settings menu, this option will appear in the General section.
- The menu can vary slightly from device to device, but click the Software Update, System Update, or similar button. This section of the menu will also detail which version of Android your device is running.
- Your phone or tablet will now search for an available update. If you are taken to another menu, select the Software update check button or similar.
- If an update is available for your device, you will be asked whether you wish to install it. If you select yes, the system will download and install the new software and then reboot.
Windows 10 or Windows 8.x
Many times, Windows Update does not provide the latest drivers for your wireless adapter. To get the most recent updates, you'll need to visit the website of your wireless adapter's manufacturer.
To find the manufacturer of your wireless adapter:
Software Update Macbook Pro
- Press Windows and Pause|Break, or right-click Computer and select Properties.
- From the left-hand menu, select Device Manager.
- The 'Device Manager' window will open. Expand Network Adapters. If the wireless card is identified, its name will be shown. If it is not identified, you might have an unknown device (for example, '(?) Network Controller') listed.
- To identify the device, right-click the listing under 'Network adapters', select Properties, and then click the Details tab. Under 'Property', select Hardware Ids.
Almost all manufacturers will have support pages where you can download files for your drivers as needed. If the driver on your computer is older than the driver on the manufacturer's website, download the newer versions.
Macbook Pro Latest Software Update
Links to some of the most popular Windows drivers:
- Intel: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect/
- Realtek: https://www.realtek.com/en/