A bug has been affecting Apple MacBook users involving USB-C hubs rendering their laptops useless. An event that is, for the moment, unrecoverable for the affected units.
Originally reported by ZDNet, it has been occurring for a few months now as reports popped up around the web with users complaining that their MacBooks simply stopped responding after plugging in a third-party USB-C hub.
Specifically, it seems to be models that offer power delivery, which allows the hub to double as a charging solution for the MacBook itself, while also providing additional ports. There is no word from Apple just yet on how exactly these hubs are having such an effect on the laptops.
At this time, a solution has not been provided for users experiencing this on how they could recover their MacBook. However, an update is available for everyone else to address this so that it can be prevented. Again, the specific cause isn’t mentioned, but Apple does describe that the update helps to prevent “damage” to 2019 (or later) models caused by the use of third-party hubs.
The update is “macOS Big Sur 11.2.2” and it is highly recommended that you download it as soon as possible if your model falls within the description of models affected (MacBook models, 2019 or later). For those who have been affected, be sure to reach out to Apple for an advised solution. Since no information is available yet on if this is an issue with the affected MacBook models or the lack of safety implementation by third-party companies (for their hubs), it is hard to say who would be at fault (if anyone).
