Apple on Thursday released a critical macOS update that might save your MacBook from being damaged by a misbehaving USB-C hub or dock. The problem is severe enough that macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 was rushed out solely to fix this problem.
This new version might not be available for all users, as it affects only certain models.
Apple’s official release notes for this update say:
“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.”
This was an urgent enough of a problem that this version never underwent into developer or public testing. It went straight to release. There’s been discussion of the matter on Apple’s support website, with users reporting that powered hubs bricked their laptops to the lint they required significant repairs.
The new version come two weeks after macOS Big Sur 11.2.1, which fixed a bug that prevented some MacBook Pro models from charging. Apple is already testing macOS Big Sur 11.3.
Install macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 today
Anyone running macOS Mojave or later can get the latest version of macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. Another option is to install the new version from the App Store.
