Thunderbolt Firmware Update Addresses Performance, Stability

Apple released its first Thunderbolt Firmware Update late on Monday. The update addresses performance and stability issues on Thunderbolt-equipped Macs, which currently includes the most recent MacBook Pro and iMac models.

Thunderbolt port on MacBook ProApple’s MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt port

Thunderbolt is a new high-speed expansion port that uses the same connector as Apple’s Mini Display Port video adapter and can currently support up to six devices in a chain. The port offers dual-channel 10 gb/s data throughput, supports hard drives and other peripherals as well as displays, along with FireWire, USB and Gigabit Ethernet devices with adapters.

The firmware update requires Mac OS X 10.6.8, and an iMac or MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt port. The update is available via the Software Update application, or as a downloadable installer at the Apple Support Web site.