Apple’s upcoming macOS 14 Sonoma update makes it easier to rescue or restore a Mac that is stuck in DFU mode. The new operating system allows users to initiate a Mac-to-Mac restoration process right from the Finder app.
In macOS Ventura and earlier, reviving or restoring a Mac requires a second Mac that has the Apple Configurator app installed, but in macOS Sonoma, Apple Configurator is no longer required.
DFU mode can kick in when a power failure occurs during an update or upgrade to macOS, making a Mac unresponsive. A second Mac is required to restore the DFU’ed Mac back to a functional state.
New in macOS Sonoma: You can now use one Mac to revive or restore another Mac that's in DFU mode right from Finder.
Previously you needed to install Apple Configurator to do this but now it's built in!
Accidentally stumbled upon this while playing around with some stuff. pic.twitter.com/NaUdGuTFZl
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 15, 2023
The process for restoring or reviving a Mac using Finder follows the same basic process as restoring a Mac with Configurator but without the need for additional software. The Macs will need to be connected via a USB-C cable, following the same steps as previously. Both Macs will need to have Sonoma installed to be able to use Finder to restore.
macOS 14 Sonoma is currently being beta tested and is expected to launch this fall.
