What happens to BridgeOS when you install a beta (and when you uninstall it)?

[mikethebigo]

So I'm considering running the Big Sur public beta on my Mac, probably in a different APFS container. One thing I was wondering about is how the beta process affects BridgeOS. Will the T2 chip be updated with the beta? And if so, if I choose to then wipe the partition and go back to just Catalina, is BridgeOS reverted or downgraded, or would it continue to use a beta version even if I just wiped and went back to Catalina full time?

I'm sort of confused about all this and want to make sure that if I wanted to, I could fully revert to my current running environment without any beta code lingering and running in the hardware.

Thanks!

 

[Planey28]

Will the T2 chip be updated with the beta

Yes.

is BridgeOS reverted or downgraded, or would it continue to use a beta version even if I just wiped and went back to Catalina full time?

It will continue to use the beta version until it's updated again. Once you install the release version of Big Sur, the T2 firmware will update to the stable version as well.

It was a big problem with Catalina last year as it introduced Activation Lock to the T2 firmware, and caused issues with internet recovery. Doesn't seem as big of a worry this time around.

 

[mikethebigo]

Yes.



It will continue to use the beta version until it's updated again. Once you install the release version of Big Sur, the T2 firmware will update to the stable version as well.

It was a big problem with Catalina last year as it introduced Activation Lock to the T2 firmware, and caused issues with internet recovery. Doesn't seem as big of a worry this time around.

Thanks for the info. You called the Big Sur release version the “stable” version, is the beta version currently considered buggy? And how frequently do new beta releases include BridgeOS updates? Is it every time (eg pub beta 2 will have a different release version than beta 1)?

 

[Planey28]

Sorry should have been clearer. Once the final version of Big Sur is out in the autumn you’ll get back onto stable T2 firmware with it.
The firmware updates with each beta release usually.
The beta is buggy, if you’re worried it might be best to wait a bit later into the cycle. However I wouldn’t worry too much about the T2 firmware, while it’s not finalised yet and is in a beta state it doesn’t seem to be as buggy as Big Sur.

You can also restore the T2 firmware if something goes horribly wrong but you need a second Mac, or an Apple store!

 

[projectle]

You can absolutely restore and downgrade BridgeOS. It’s just an involved process.

How to Restore BridgeOS on a T2 Mac + Boot a Mac to DFU Mode

macOS Update brick your Mac? This article will show you how boot to DFU Mode and restore BridgeOS on a T2 MacBook Pro, Air, iMac Pro, Mac Mini & Mac Pro!

mrmacintosh.com

They implemented significant changes this year to account for new install and update processes, changes to security, and replacing of Boot Keys with a single “hold power button” boot options menu.

in a month or so, they should offer a final version, but it will absolutely be a different behavior and experience than you’re used to with previous versions.

 

[xgman]

I went back and just deleted the extra empty partition, and other than the startup chime coming on, everything else seems fine.

 

[Peadogie]

I went back and just deleted the extra empty partition, and other than the startup chime coming on, everything else seems fine.

Are you able to boot into Recovery?

 

[MrMacintoshBlog]

I just posted a new article which is an update to the article above. It explains the BridgeOS beta process and how you can downgrade to a Catalina Native BridgeOS version now.

How To Downgrade T2 BridgeOS Beta to a Production Version

Use Apple Configurator 2.12.1 to downgrade Big Sur BridgeOS Beta to a Catalina Production version of if you are having problems. Info inside!

mrmacintosh.com

 

[uller6]

I made the mistake of trying one of the early Big Sur betas on my 2020 13" MBP. I installed the beta on an external hard drive, which I thought would be safe. Bridge OS was updated, and ever since even though I've removed the beta the machine randomly hangs and crashes when waking from sleep. I'll never make that mistake again.

 

[mikethebigo]

I just posted a new article which is an update to the article above. It explains the BridgeOS beta process and how you can downgrade to a Catalina Native BridgeOS version now.

How To Downgrade T2 BridgeOS Beta to a Production Version

Use Apple Configurator 2.12.1 to downgrade Big Sur BridgeOS Beta to a Catalina Production version of if you are having problems. Info inside!

mrmacintosh.com

Are you Mr Macintosh? That's cool! I used your article pretty extensively when I was dealing with this. Summoned up the courage to try a downgrade and all went well . Thanks for putting out an updated article!