| Cult of Mac

Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates

By

Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
AirPods firmware updates shouldn’t be so frustrating.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

What’s in that firmware update for a couple of AirPods that came out Tuesday. Who the hell knows?!? Apple doesn’t announce updates for its truly wireless headphones — and won’t tell anyone what’s in them. It’s very frustrating.

Apple’s attempt at making AirPods firmware updates simple instead makes them way more complicated than necessary. Currently, they happen in the background, but what’s really needed is an “Update Now” button.

Brilliant completes HomeKit rollout with updated smart plug and wall switch

By

Brilliant's smart plug and wall switch now work with HomeKit.
Brilliant's smart plug and wall switch now work with HomeKit.
Photo: Brilliant

San Mateo, California-based smart home equipment maker Brilliant completed its HomeKit rollout with updates adding Apple’s smart home platform to a smart plug and a wall switch.

Brilliant sells a variety of smart products, including wall panels, dimmer switches, smart plugs and related parts.

AirPods users hope firmware update lets them use replacement buds

By

Airpods 2
An AirPods 2 firmware update benefits everyone who uses these earbuds, but some people should be extra happy.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple on Tuesday introduced the first firmware update for second-generation AirPods since late last year.

This should benefit those who received a replacement AirPods bud last month with unreleased firmware. They can now update both to the same firmware version so they’re usable again.

MacBook Pro firmware update fixes T2 security chip problem

By

The Apple T2 chip could be the source of mysterious crashes afflicting two of Apple's newest computers.
A new version of the macOS 10.14.4 just for last year’s 15-inch MacBook Pro is for the T2 co-processor.
Photo: IFIXIT

Users of recent 15-inch MacBook Pro models need to install an updated version of macOS that was just released this morning. Details are scanty, but Apple says this fixes an unspecified firmware issue related to the T2 security chip.

Apple Releases MacBook Firmware Update To Address Rare Battery Issue

By

new macbook pro 2012

Apple has released a new SMC firmware update for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. “This update addresses a rare issue on some Apple notebooks where a battery that has accumulated more than 1000 charge cycles may unexpectedly shut down or stop functioning,” according to Apple. This applies specifically to older batteries, but the update is recommended for all MacBook models.

You can find this new firmware update in the Mac App Store or download it directly from Apple’s website.

Source: Apple Support