Credit: Unsplash
The new update doesn’t like Macs that have been repaired.
Yesterday, Apple released the newest update to their macOS operating system, macOS 12.3. The new update adds some nifty new features, like improved spatial audio and the new Universal Control feature for running multiple Apple devices in concert with one another. Unfortunately, this new update has also brought with it a nasty complication: full bricking for an unlucky few.
A small percentage of Mac users have reported that downloading the new macOS update has completely disabled their computers, necessitating full repairs in order to access them again. As it turns out, the source of this problem actually lies within the act of repair itself. Specifically, the new update doesn’t get along well with Mac computers that have had their logic boards repaired or replaced. Attempting to update to the new macOS with a replaced logic board can lead to endless error messages, looping restarts, or complete lockouts.
Reports of repaired M1 Macs being bricked by Monterey 12.3 update https://t.co/63e6JOX1VN by @benlovejoy
— 9to5Mac.com (@9to5mac) March 17, 2022
Those who have repaired Macs and haven’t updated their OS yet are being advised not to do so until Apple releases a concrete fix for this problem. For those who have already encountered some manner of critical error, it is recommended that you reboot your device in device firmware upgrade mode and restore the OS to a previous version, though this will require the use of a second Apple device.
