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)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...