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Unable to update studio display firmware

After upgrading the studio to Sonoma, I tried to update the firmware to the studio display. It just gets stuck, and instructs me to contact Apple. This same thing happens whenever I’ve upgraded the firmware in the past. Is everyone else having this issue or did I buy a lemon?

Posted on Oct 6, 2023 7:45 PM

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Posted on Oct 10, 2023 8:40 AM

As has been mentioned, some people do not have a second display they can use to restore the affected display. In my case, an Apple-authorized repair shop was able to get my display working again (free under warranty), but I did have to drive over an hour to get it to the shop.


And then the day after I get it fixed, I'm looking at ANOTHER firmware update (v17.0) and there is NO WAY I am going to attempt it until I see in the release notes that it is meant to fix problems with firmware updates that brick the display.


APPLE, STOP RELEASING GARBAGE UPDATES!

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 10, 2023 8:40 AM in response to robertdownunder

As has been mentioned, some people do not have a second display they can use to restore the affected display. In my case, an Apple-authorized repair shop was able to get my display working again (free under warranty), but I did have to drive over an hour to get it to the shop.


And then the day after I get it fixed, I'm looking at ANOTHER firmware update (v17.0) and there is NO WAY I am going to attempt it until I see in the release notes that it is meant to fix problems with firmware updates that brick the display.


APPLE, STOP RELEASING GARBAGE UPDATES!

Oct 8, 2023 7:58 AM in response to arweber

In Summary:

  1. Restart
  2. Go to System Setting/General/Software Update
  3. Follow the prompts

I had the same problem and there was a lot of discussion in April 2022 about problems with Studio Display updates. It seems to be teething problems with the firmware updates rather than a bad lemon (or apple).

I had the firmware downloaded but it just wouldn't load. There was mention of a restart required so I tried that. The fail to update message was gone BUT I still had the same firmware: Version 16.4 (Build 20E246). Then when I checked for updates the Studio firmware was there and I clicked install now - a dialogue box came up with a countdown to restart or "Restart Now". Being impatient I restarted and got the usual "do not turn off" messages as the rest of the screen went blank and fairly promptly up came my login screen and I now have:

Display Firmware Version: Version 17.0 (Build 21A329).

I'm surprised it's that simple - I hope it is for you.

[Mac Studio M1, Studio Display, macOS 14.0]

Jan 15, 2024 5:39 AM in response to arweber

I see the update (the latest one - my display is still stuck on 15.5 because updates won't work). I get the 'Preparing Apple Studio Display' prompt, but then I get this:



The problem gets worse as the update no longer shows as being available under Software Update, so I can't try again. Very confusing.

Oct 8, 2023 4:32 PM in response to arweber

Exact problem with my Studio Display and Mac Studio (M1 Ultra). First upgraded to Sonoma and then was notified of a Studio Display update. The update bricked the display and Apple tech support was unable to offer a solution other than “wait fifteen minutes and see what happens.” I now have to take the display to an authorized repair shop and have them look at it.

Unable to update studio display firmware

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