This might call for a firmware update.
A number of iMac Pro and MacBook Pro users have reported macOS kernel panics, learning investigators to begin suspecting Apple’s T2 security chips.
Threads in Apple’s support forums discuss issues with the iMac Pro, and more recently the 2018 Touch Bar MacBook Pro. All describe how the Mac crashes, entering a kernel panic and requiring it to be restarted, or in some cases rebooting itself automatically.
A common trait found in the error messages is the mention of Bridge OS. The Bridge OS is an embedded operating system that is used by the T2 chip, which Apple uses to perform a variety of functions instead of making the processor handle the tasks.
The T2 also manages the image quality of the FaceTime camera, regulates boot safety, and handles boot security, encrypting and decrypting data sent to flash storage, fan speeds, speakers, and secures built-in microphones. It is also used to power “Hey Siri” vocal prompts for Apple’s digital assistant.
The details of the kernel panics themselves vary between users. Apple from its end, is seemingly aware of the issue and has been working on it since the start of 2018. One user notes the Kernel Version increase from 17.3.0 to 17.4.0 resulted in fewer panics, reducing the count from a daily occurrence to one that happens once or twice a week.
In certain cases, Apple has replaced the hardware, although the issue seemed to persist on the new machine as well, suggesting a software conflict.
In the posts, Apple support staff suggests iMac Pro users wipe and reinstall MacOS, disable FileVault, and disable Power Nap. For those not willing to perform those, other forum posts suggested crashes could be reduced by not daisy-chaining devices, not using a Thunderbolt 3-to-Thunderbolt 2 adapter, disable Secure Boot, turn off power management options, remove third-party kernel extensions, avoid leaving it to idle overnight, and to not unlock it with an Apple Watch.
If you’ve seen this issue on your end and have any feedback to offer about it, please let us know what you think in the comments.
Via AppleInsider and DigitalTrends