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Aura SSDs: macOS 12.x Monterey Install Requirement

Created on: April 14, 2022
Last updated: October 7, 2022

Relevant Part Numbers (drive only):

(Aura Pro X2 SSDs)
OWCS3DAPT4MB02
OWCS3DAPT4MB05
OWCS3DAPT4MB10
OWCS3DAPT4MB20

(Aura N2 SSDs)
OWCS4DAB4MB02
OWCS4DAB4MB05
OWCS4DAB4MB10

In later 2019 iterations of macOS 10.x Apple's install failed to update firmware of systems using 3rd party NVMe storage even if the operating system macOS 10.x itself was installed properly. Unlike macOS 11.x “Big Sur” which required no firmware update, macOS 12.x “Monterey” will not successfully install (see image below) on a machine with an OWC SSD installed if the firmware is older than the fall-2019 macOS 10.15.x Catalina iteration.

Any users who might be encountering this issue should update their system firmware to the latest (4xx.0.0.0.0) before attempting to install macOS 12.x on their OWC NVMe SSD. We recommend confirming the current firmware version by obtaining a copy of the users System Report. Additionally, The host firmware version can be confirmed under System Report – Hardware Overview – System Firmware Version.

Error Message: "A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update."

The only way to address the above error is to re-install an Apple factory SSD and perform an install of the latest OS available for your Mac.

If the host system firmware has been updated to the fall-2019 release or later, macOS 12.x will install and the System firmware will update with an OWC SSD installed.

This firmware issue occurs regardless of install method:

  • OS updates via system preferences
  • Internet recovery install
  • Bootable install media

Please consult our Apple SSD Rental program SOP for customers who need to update the host prior to installing an Aura N2/Pro X2 but don’t have access to an Apple original SSD.