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Nasty macOS flaw is bricking MacBooks: Don't install this update (tomsguide.com)

607 points by Corrado · 2370 days ago · 424 comments on HN

Article summary

A recent macOS update is causing problems for some Mac users, including bricked MacBooks. The update was intended to fix issues created by a previous update, but it appears to have made things worse. Users are reporting a range of problems, including machines that won't boot and unresponsive USB-C ports. A possible fix involves using Recovery Mode to run Disk Utilities and then rebooting.

Main themes

  • macOS update problems
  • software complexity
  • automatic updates
  • device recovery
  • testing and quality assurance
  • user experience

What commenters say

  • The prevalence of software updates causing problems is increasing due to the complexity of modern systems and tight release cycles.
  • The term 'bricked' is often misused to describe devices that can still be recovered, and a more precise definition is needed.
  • The rise of automatic updates has increased the number of users affected by faulty updates.
  • Some argue that the frequency of updates and the lack of thorough testing are contributing to the problem.
  • Others believe that the issue is not new and that devices have always been prone to problems after updates.
  • The concept of 'bricked' is relative and depends on the user's skill level and willingness to attempt recovery.
  • The increasing complexity of devices and the lack of transparency in the update process are making it harder for users to troubleshoot and recover from problems.