Apple late Thursday released an important update for owners of the mid-2012 MacBook Air, addressing an issue with the model’s flash storage. MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1 looks for a recently discovered issue with the computer’s SSDs that “may result in data loss,” updates the drives’ firmware, and alerts users who need to have their flash storage replaced.
The issue reportedly affects models with certain 64 and 128GB drives only, specifically the Toshiba TS064E and TS128E. All mid-2012 MacBook Air owners are encouraged to download and run the update; those with unaffected flash storage models will be informed that they do not need the update. In all other cases, the update will attempt to fix the problem. If it can’t, it will direct users to the MacBook Air Flash Storage Drive Replacement Program and provide instructions on how they can obtain a free replacement, regardless of warranty status.
Due to the danger of data loss, Apple strongly recommends that users back up their data “on a regular basis” and refrain from installing operating system updates or new applications until the issue can diagnosed and addressed. Users who need to have their drives replaced can obtain service from any Apple Retail Store, Apple-authorized service provider, or through the mail via Apple Technical Support.
The mid-2012 MacBook Air launched in June 2012 in both 11- and 13-inch models and was sold until June 2013 when it was replaced by the 2013 model. Standard storage configurations included 64 or 128GB on the 11-inch Air and 128 or 256GB on the 13-inch model. Both models could be built-to-order with up to 512GB of storage.