Apple Issues Important New SMC Firmware Update for MacBook Customers

Apple has released a SMC firmware update for its 2007-2008 notebooks addressing an issue with battery charging via new-model power adapters (MagSafe). Two separate versions of the update are available, one for the white, polycarbonate MacBook, another for MacBook Pro models sold in the above-mentioned timeframe.

Talking about the SMC Firmware Update 1.4 for MacBook and MacBook Pro, Apple notes that “This firmware update addresses an issue with certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models from 2007-2008 that prevents them from charging with new power adapters.”

On the Downloads area of its Support web site, the Mac maker proceeds to instruct customers on how to apply the update properly, saying “Your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source, or your battery must be at least 25% charged.”

“When your computer restarts a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update,” Apple continues.

“Your computer’s fans will run at full speed during the update but will return to normal speed once the update completes.”

“Do not disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update,” the set of instructions ends.

The tech-note in question also includes a link to one of Apple’s knowledge base articles where the issue lying at the heart of L-shaped MagSafe power adapters is described, complete with resolution.

There, Apple acknowledges that, “In certain situations when you connect a new 60W or 85W MagSafe power adapter to the MagSafe port of an older MacBook or MacBook Pro computer, the adapter may not charge the computer and the LED indicator light on the MagSafe connector of the adapter may not illuminate.”

The company provides an example of an L-shaped MagSafe power connector and adapter, and proceeds to enumerate the affected systems.

According to Apple, these 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).


“Resolution - To address these issues, apply the MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.4 or the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.4 to the affected computer,” Apple informs. A more detailed set of instructions is then offered.

Use the links below to grab the suitable version of the update for your MacBook computer.

Download MacBook SMC Firmware Update (Free)

Download MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update (Free)