Apple Addresses Startup Issues Associated with macOS Big Sur Installation on 2013-14 MacBook Pro Models

It has been a week since macOS Big Sur made its public debut for the billions of Mac users worldwide. For the MacBook Pro users who are still carrying late 2013-14, 13-inch Retina models for nearly a decade, do not update to the next macOS major release right away, as there is a significant issue within the installation process. Notably, the most common issues are with the installer displaying a compatibility error message and a blank screen or denial symbol when the MacBook Pro restarts after the update.

Image via iDrop News

Apple has provided a support document regarding the update bugs that these users were experiencing, provided that they were affected by these problems in a widespread manner. The documentation details the steps Mac users need to take when these startup errors arise. The Cupertino company instructs users to “Press and hold the power button on your Mac for at least 10 seconds, then release. If your Mac is on, it turns off. Unplug all external devices from your Mac, including any displays and USB accessories, and remove any card inserted in the SDXC card slot. Then turn your Mac on. If the issue persists, reset the SMC as described for notebook computers with a nonremovable battery. If the issue persists, reset NVRAM or PRAM. If none of these solutions works, please contact Apple Support for further assistance.” The article provided by Apple requires users to restart the RAM and system management controllers of their MacBooks, which are responsible for starting up macOS properly.

Therefore, this is the only way users can resolve startup issues regarding the macOS Big Sur installation process. Apple said that the issue is still ongoing and the documentation may be revised or added when more information about the issue is available.