Years After Launching 24-Inch Display, Apple Releases Firmware Update

Three years after introducing the 24-inch Cinema Display, Apple has been forced to look into some screen flickering issues over Thunderbolt connections, and has released an update that hopes to address the problems.

Reports of flickering started coming in ever since the first Thunderbolt Macs were released this year. The Displays connect to these machines via their Thunderbolt port which doubles as a Mini DisplayPort (used by the older Cinema Displays).

Although Apple is already selling a 27-inch Display that connects via the Thunderbolt standard, customers stuck with older models are also a priority.

Although discontinued, the 24-inch Cinema Display launched by Apple in 2008 now requires a new firmware update to work over existing Thunderbolt connections.

According to MacRumors, users who’ve received said firmware update through the Apple Support Communities forum said they had to reboot their systems and power cycle their displays in order for the firmware to take effect.

Once mounted, the installer package presents users with full instructions on how to update, as well as some documentation, such as these important notes:

The 24-inch LED Cinema Display Firmware Update addresses an issue that may cause intermittent display flickering. This firmware will only install on the Apple 24-inch LED Cinema Display when it is connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac.

IMPORTANT:
This firmware update may not resolve the flickering issue if a Mini DisplayPort extender cable is used.

NOTE:
Some USB and FireWire devices may prevent firmware updates from installing correctly; disconnect non-essential devices and use only an Apple keyboard and mouse to apply the update.

Currently, Apple is not distributing the firmware officially, meaning the installer package cannot be obtained via Software Update, or through the Support Downloads section of the Mac maker’s web site.

Those of you who want to try it out, though, can download the package via the link below.

Download 24-inch LED Cinema Display Firmware Update 1.0 (Free)