Apple has posted the second SMC firmware update for the month, this time addressing compatibility with the latest service replacement batteries for MacBook Air computers. The update is free to download and install on all MacBook Air models.

As power users should know, SMC firmware updates refer to the System Management Controller (SMC) firmware update for Intel-based computers. The micro-controller existing on the computers’ logic board known as the SMC controls the power functions for the respective machine, including power and thermal management, the Sleep LED, and battery, as well as the fans, the Sudden Motion Sensor, ALS, and the power switch.

As for this SMC firmware update in particular, Apple reports adding compatibility for the latest service replacement batteries. To complete the firmware update process, Apple asks users to follow the instructions in the updater application (/Application/Utilities/MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update.app). As soon as they download the new firmware via Software Update, the updater will launch automatically when the installer closes. Alternately, MacBook Air owners can choose to download and install new firmware manually (using the link at the bottom of this piece).

MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update Version: 1.2, posted on June 29, 2009 is 623KB in size, requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 and supports languages including Deutsch, English, Français, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Português Brasileiro, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Installation instructions
· close any open applications before starting the installation process;
· double-click the SMC Update.pkg file;
· click Continue after reading the licensing agreement, then click Agree if you accept the terms;
· click Install to install the update application.

Note: This update requires a Macintosh-formatted disk or partition.

Download MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.2 (Free)