Apple has released a macOS update to prevent damage from third-party dongles, docks

Apple has released an update that is going to prevent the charging problem that was killing MacBooks. 2019 MacBook Pros and later and 2020 and later MacBook Airs were getting damaged when they were connected to third-party USB-C hubs and docks, according to reports.

It is not clear how widespread this issue was but a Reddit poll found out that 74 out of the 221 respondents reported that their M1 MacBook Air and/or M1 MacBook Pro had failed after using a third-party hub. While polls are not always clear statements on whether the issue is widespread or not, particularly in this case, the results indicate that some people at least were experiencing issues.

Most of these issues stemmed from using a third-party dock. While some of the docks used came from pretty obscure brands there were also some recognisable brands among them that reportedly killed laptops. Apple has called them all “non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks” in its new update notes.

Apple has been having some issues with power delivery recently and the last 11.2.1 update was released to fix an issue for users who were unable to re-charge their computers if they got drained to 0%. Apple also issued a recall for other MacBook Pro batteries that would not charge past 1% and another recall for a small number of Apple Watches that just would not charge after an update.

If you do plug your MacBook into a dock or hub of any sort, it’s best you get this update downloaded and installed right away. Especially if you own one of the models that are susceptible to getting affected (2019 MacBook Pros and later and 2020 and later MacBook Airs).

And use an official Apple power brick.