macOS Receives Critical Supplemental Update for MacBook Pro

Following on the heels of Apple’s most recent raft of updates, which included macOS Mojave 10.14.5, the company has released another smaller update targeting specific MacBook Pro users. Apple suggests that all macOS users download and install the new supplemental update in order to take advantage of the latest security protections.

What’s in this latest update? The details aren’t quite clear; after nearly a week since the patch was released, Apple has not updated its online security page with any details. Instead, the company merely said that the update corrects “firmware issues” in the T2 Security Chip found inside late model 15-inch MacBook Pros.

The T2 chip is a separate co-processor inside these MacBooks which uses its own secure system to offer a wide variety of important functions and features to users. The sensitive nature of the data it handles means it must remain locked down, similar to the way the Secure Enclave works on iOS devices. A firmware problem could potentially allow for arbitrary malicious code execution, the theft of secure user information, or other critical issues. While details remain under wraps at Apple, the update is available for download now.

macOS users on MacBook Pros should check for updates and install the supplementary patch as soon as possible to continue to maintain these critical defenses for their machine.