Can erasing macOS really lead to a hardware replacement?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can erasing macOS really lead to a hardware replacement?

Hi everyone,

I recently erased my MacBook Pro M1 (2020) using Disk Utility in Recovery Mode because I wanted to downgrade from macOS 26 beta to a stable version. After I erased the internal disk, the device *** stuck in an Apple logo boot loop and wouldn’t start up again.

I contacted Apple Support, and they told me it was a hardware issue and insisted on replacing the logic board. I was really surprised because I only erased the disk — no physical damage, no spills, and no failed installs.

Is it really possible that simply erasing the internal disk could corrupt hardware or require a logic board replacement?

Posted on Jul 6, 2025 09:32 AM

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Answer 1

etresoft

Level 9

55,358 points

Jul 6, 2025 11:28 AM in response to paing64

Only install a beta operating system on a device you can afford to dispose of.

You may be able to correct the problem by using a bootable USB or by using DFU restore. Both methods will require a different, functional, similar computer.

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Answer 2

Jul 6, 2025 09:38 AM in response to paing64

Sounds like coincidence rather than cause and affect.

Hardware can fail at any time.

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Answer 3

Jul 6, 2025 09:51 AM in response to paing64

What you describe is a correlation between your actions and an unexpected outcome.

What you are assuming is a cause and effect.

There is not enough evidence to suggest a cause and effect.

I agree with BobTheFisherman. This is is FAR more likely to be a coincidence.

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Answer 4

paing64 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 6, 2025 11:11 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

It could be a coincidence, but I had been using it without any issues. The problem only started right after I erased the disk. Later, when I went to the Apple Store for a restore, they just told me it was a hardware issue without explaining the details. That’s what really bothers me.

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Answer 5

HWTech

Level 9

66,986 points

Jul 7, 2025 02:49 PM in response to paing64

Follow @etresoft's advice regarding a DFU Firmware Restore since that is the only way to restore the required hidden system APFS Containers which contain critical boot files that were formerly stored in the system firmware of the Intel Macs. Unfortunately the DFU Firmware Restore currently requires access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia......this will change once macOS 26 Tahoe is released and macOS 26 will be required by the host Mac when performing a DFU Firmware Restore.

While Apple does somewhat protect those two hidden critical & required system APFS Containers, I guess they are not 100% protected.

Unless there is an actual hardware issue with the computer that just so happened to coincide with your erasing the whole physical internal SSD, there is no need to have any hardware replaced for this issue. It is a design defect & oversight by Apple (in more ways than one).

FYI, keep in mind that many Apple online support agents are clueless about the products they are supporting....they have their Apple provided scripts and that is all most of them know. Even the "techs" at an Apple Store may unaware of some of the ways to "fix" an issue such as you've described here. Apple has made some things way more complicated than they need to be where even their own support personnel are unable to understand all the options. Always get a second opinion before spending lots of money.

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