thunderbolt logoApple today released Thunderbolt Firmware Update, a small update offering "performance and stability fixes" for machines supporting the new high-speed data connectivity standard.

This update provides Thunderbolt performance and stability fixes.

When your computer restarts a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update.

Do not disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update.

There is no indication of exactly what the update does beyond the general note regarding "fixes". It is also unclear from Apple's description exactly which machines the update applies to, as Apple does not specify on the download page whether it applies to the company's latest MacBook Pros or iMacs or both, although the update page displays an image of a MacBook Pro. Consequently, all users of Thunderbolt-enabled machines should check Software Update to see if the update is available for their machines.

Thunderbolt Firmware Update weighs in at 486 KB and requires Mac OS X 10.6.8, which was released late last week.

Update: The firmware update does indeed apply to the current models of both the MacBook Pro and the iMac, Apple's only Thunderbolt-equipped Macs released thus far.

Top Rated Comments

jayhawk11 Avatar
191 months ago
Great! I've been having tons of performance issues with my Thunderbolt devices...


Oh, wait. That's right. I still can't buy any :rolleyes:
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Superman Y2K Avatar
191 months ago
If this updates blows the dust out of the port it might be effective.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TMar Avatar
191 months ago
And nobody even knew it was broken....
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Richdmoore Avatar
191 months ago
The only Thunderbolt update I want to have is one that makes thunderbolt drive bootable, like firewire & USB. Then when the prices come down I can upgrade to a SSD without cracking open my iMac and risking damage.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
191 months ago
This has to be one of the funniest software updates ever. :D

Apple should release 1 comedy software update a month... just for fun.

Here's some suggestions:

Tuesday Powerbook G5 Alert
Alerts the user whether Apple has released a G5 Powerbook or not every Tuesday.

Safari Snappiness Update
Addresses an issue in Safari, where the user may not feel the browser is as snappy as it might be.

Blu-ray Pain Bag Update
Displays a finely crafted on-screen icon in the shape of a bag full of 'hurt' when trying to resize an iTunes movie from 720p to 1080p
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
winston1236 Avatar
191 months ago
how will i know it worked?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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