Have a 2012 MacBook Air? Apple has a firmware update and possible replacement drive for you!

By Rene Ritchie
last updated

Apple has been having problems with the solid state storage on 2012 MacBook Airs for a while now, so it's great to see they've released a firmware update, and replacement program, to address them. Here are the details from Apple (opens in new tab):

Apple has discovered that a small percentage of flash storage drives in these MacBook Air models have an issue that may result in data loss. This update tests your drive and, in the majority of cases, installs new firmware to resolve the issue. If your drive cannot be updated, Apple will replace it, free of charge

I've had the replacement done on my 2013 MacBook Air, which was still under AppleCare, but I haven't heard of any widespread issues with that model yet. If you have a 2012 model, get to updating, and let me know how how it goes for you.

Source: Apple

Rene Ritchie
Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.

8 Comments
  • They say this, *after* I replaced the SSD in my Macbook Air... At least I get the extra space.
  • I just installed the update on my 2012 MacBook Air and restarted the computer, it said that I have successfully installed the update so I take that to mean the drive is fine. Is that correct, do I not need to contact Apple?
  • I also updated and received the same message. I'd also like to know if I need to do anything else.
  • Installed, restarted, updated with new firmware message. That it? I'm good? Guess we need someone with an error to post it. Sent from the iMore App
  • Actually, re-reading the install notes it says "This update tests your drive and, in the majority of cases, installs new firmware to resolve the issue. If your drive cannot be updated, Apple will replace it, free of charge." So looks like if we got that upgrade we are good. Sent from the iMore App
  • my 2012 MBA died last week... has been the apple repair depot since then... this notice came out on week too late for my happy.. confident the repair will be covered tho
  • I have a 2012 MacBook Air, downloaded the update, tried to install it but it said it wasn't for my computer. Maybe it's only certain serial number ranges?
  • Amazing! Just amazing! My 2012 Macbook Air (I got it as a Christmas gift from my wife) crashed 3 weeks ago and I some how got it to restore with Time Machine on an external drive, but then again it crashed 3 times yesterday never to find the internal flash drive(harddrive?) again. Now I have to drive 2 1/2 hours to the nearest Apple Store to get it fixed. Hopefully it's covered under Apples Warranty???