Apple Releases Firmware Update for Older MacBooks

Apple has released a firmware update for older MacBooks and MacBook Pros to ensure compatibility with the latest version of MagSafe power adapters. Apple had redesigned its MagSafe adapters recently and found that older Mac notebooks were having difficulties in using them, in several cases so far as failing to recharge.

The MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.4 is intended for Mac notebooks released in 2007 and 2008 and weighs in at only 880K. The update requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.6.4 and can be downloaded from Apple’s support website.

The affected MacBooks are:

• MacBook (13-inch, late 2007)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, early 2008)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch early 2008)
• MacBook (13-inch, early 2008)
• MacBook (13-inch, late 2008)

The new adapters are more similar to the one for MacBook Air with the cable positioned to go around the back rather than coming in from the side of the notebook. If you intend to use the newer adapters, this firmware update needs to be installed. The firmware is not intended for MacBooks other than the ones listed above.