Apple patches CPU power consumption bug in 2012 MacBooks

Apple has issued an update that addresses CPU-related power consumption issues with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models released in June, including the 15-inch Retina display model. Details are slim on the 76.64MB update, but CNET reports that it contains new versions of the I/O kernel extensions and frameworks, the Dock application, and shared resources such as desktop pictures, user icons and system sounds. The patch also improves compatibility with certain USB devices interfering with Wi-Fi signals and causing other issues.

Unaddressed by today's update is an audio issue that arises when a 2012 MacBook is connected to an external display via Thunderbolt. A thread on Apple's support forum was created nearly a month ago and has accumulated over 100 replies with various related complaints. Users note that the MacBook's integrated speakers work fine, but they complain of intermittent static and crackling from the speakers in Apple's Thunderbolt Display.

Most of the complaints involve the 11 and 13-inch MacBook Air, though at least one person claims to have the issue with the Retina-equipped MacBook Pro. An exact cause remains unknown, but some folks believe that the adapter connecting Apple's new MagSafe 2 power connector to the Thunderbolt Display's power cord may be at fault. Others note that switching between audio outputs, reattaching all connections and/or restarting the offending program serves as a temporary workaround, but nobody has discovered a permanent solution.