MacBook Pro (Late 2013 / Mid 2014) becoming “Bricked” with macOS 11.0 Big Sur update

Nov 18, 2020

Reports are popping up from the MacRumors and Apple Support forums of macOS 11.0 causing MacBook Pro (Late 2013 / Mid 2014) to become unresponsive with the display turning black. None of the usual power cycling, PRAM or SMC resets appear to correct the issue leaving it “bricked”.

Some users are reporting successfully resolving the issue by disconnecting the battery and holding the power button for 30 seconds. As the battery is not a user serviceable part on these models it requires a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the bottom case in order to disconnect the battery.

Users with these models should exercise caution before upgrading to macOS Big Sur, perhaps waiting for a couple of months for the incremental updates to iron out the bugs.