Apple Releases MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update to Test for Data Loss Issue [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update to Test for Data Loss Issue [Updated]

by

macbook air 13 20121Apple today released MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1 for the mid–2012 MacBook Air. The update tests the flash storage drives in these models to look for an issue that "may result in data loss" for 64 and 128GB models.

In most cases, the update merely installs new firmware, but in some cases Apple will replace the drive free of cost.

This firmware update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models.

Apple has discovered that a small percentage of flash storage drives in these MacBook Air models have an issue that may result in data loss. This update tests your drive and, in the majority of cases, installs new firmware to resolve the issue. If your drive cannot be updated, Apple will replace it, free of charge.

The firmware update should be available on the Mac App Store for mid–2012 MacBook Airs and can also be downloaded from the Apple Support site.

Update: Apple has also initiated a Flash Storage Drive Replacement Program, which details how to get a faulty drive replaced. Users with an affected MacBook Air will be directed to the page after installing the firmware update.

Top Rated Comments

Zellio Avatar
163 months ago
People always have problems with the displays, ssd's, etc, that aren't made by samsung..
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
I would expect that something as important as a SSD replacement program is worth a front page post, and not just a Mac Blog.

Anyways, it's of course bad that faulty hardware has been used, but it is good to see that Apple is taking care of it, even outside of AppleCare.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GenesisST Avatar
163 months ago
Samsung must've screwed Apple with some of their flawed SSDs... :)

I should save this message to quote it if I ever see you post "Haters gonna hate"... (not that I will ever check)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
Update installed successfully.. Scared me for a second, it restarted like 4 times and on the final restart it hung and I had to hit the power button.

Same behavior for me, but once I hit the power button it started up and told me the firmware update had been successfully applied. I wonder if it just shuts it down instead of doing a restart at the end? If so, it would be nice to get some warning in advance. That was quite a nerve-wracking minute or so.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
So do I get a refund for the drive I had to pay to replace now?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThE.MeSsEnGeR Avatar
163 months ago
seriously.... this comes now?! just a couple weeks ago, exactly a few days after the 1-year warranty ended on my MBA, my SSD just died on me, and since I live in Lebanon and Apple refuses to have an official Apple Store here, Apple-related prices are sky high. So I had to pay $500+ for a replacement (mind you, I went for the 512GB once and for all). but still... :mad:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

macworld iphone 18 pro colors

iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry'

Friday April 17, 2026 3:50 am PDT by
A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain today revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable iPhone. Image via Macworld. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a...
macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

macOS 27 Will Mark the End of an Era

Saturday April 18, 2026 6:45 am PDT by
During its Platforms State of the Union segment at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe is the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. The upcoming macOS 27 release will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. macOS 27 should be available...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Saturday April 18, 2026 5:59 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...