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BT5.3 on M2 Air

 1 year ago
source link: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/bt5-3-on-m2-air.2392606/
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magicMac

macrumors 6502a

Original poster

Apr 13, 2010 UK
After last weeks event, the M2 Air is now showing BT5.3 on the tech specs, for both the 15.3" and the 13.6" model, whereas before the 13.6" model was listing BT5.0 in the tech specs. I'm really curious if those ordering a 13.6" model this week, if they are now getting units with a different SKU and slight revision of the BT chip inside, or if the newer bluetooth version is simply coming from a software update.

I have an M2 Air 13.6 as a work laptop (~9 months old), so in theory I should be able to find out in some way. The chip in my model is BCM_4387 (from system information -> Bluetooth). It looks like the chip might be upgradable to 5.3.

So if anyone has ordered a M2 MacBook Air (13.6" or 15.3") this week, when it arrives please share with us if the chip is still BCM_4387, thanks!

Longplays

macrumors 6502a
May 30, 2023
After last weeks event, the M2 Air is now showing BT5.3 on the tech specs, for both the 15.3" and the 13.6" model, whereas before the 13.6" model was listing BT5.0 in the tech specs. I'm really curious if those ordering a 13.6" model this week, if they are now getting units with a different SKU and slight revision of the BT chip inside, or if the newer bluetooth version is simply coming from a software update.

I have an M2 Air 13.6 as a work laptop (~9 months old), so in theory I should be able to find out in some way. The chip in my model is BCM_4387 (from system information -> Bluetooth). It looks like the chip might be upgradable to 5.3.

So if anyone has ordered a M2 MacBook Air (13.6" or 15.3") this week, when it arrives please share with us if the chip is still BCM_4387, thanks!
When the chip allows it I recall Apple being able to update them to a newer standard. In the past Apple had to charge a nominal fee to do this due to accounting legal reasons.

Here's to hoping you get it for free too with a version macOS Software Update.
Reactions: magicMac

G46&Fbnth5

macrumors regular
Mar 10, 2021
Couldn't it be just a mistake in the tech specs page?
Reactions: frqunzfltr

frqunzfltr

macrumors member
May 5, 2023
Couldn't it be just a mistake in the tech specs page?
Wouldn't be the first time.

StoneJack

macrumors 68000
Dec 19, 2009 1,991 1,036
After last weeks event, the M2 Air is now showing BT5.3 on the tech specs, for both the 15.3" and the 13.6" model, whereas before the 13.6" model was listing BT5.0 in the tech specs. I'm really curious if those ordering a 13.6" model this week, if they are now getting units with a different SKU and slight revision of the BT chip inside, or if the newer bluetooth version is simply coming from a software update.

I have an M2 Air 13.6 as a work laptop (~9 months old), so in theory I should be able to find out in some way. The chip in my model is BCM_4387 (from system information -> Bluetooth). It looks like the chip might be upgradable to 5.3.

So if anyone has ordered a M2 MacBook Air (13.6" or 15.3") this week, when it arrives please share with us if the chip is still BCM_4387, thanks!
why would they update 2022 model?

magicMac

macrumors 6502a

Original poster

Apr 13, 2010 UK
Couldn't it be just a mistake in the tech specs page?
I suspect this is most likely the case !

Bluetooth launch studio doesn’t list the new 15” air yet. Whereas the new Mac Studio and Mac Pro are now showing up - listed on the same entry as the 2023 Mac Mini and 14/16” MacBook Pros.

Sowelu

macrumors 6502a
Aug 15, 2008 New York City
The Bluetooth chip in my 15" M2 Air is: BCM_4387

So maybe it was a typo and the 15" Air is also BT5.0 - or the chip is upgradable as you suggested (this is not my area of expertise).
Reactions: magicMac

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009 12,616 6,024
The Bluetooth chip in my 15" M2 Air is: BCM_4387

So maybe it was a typo and the 15" Air is also BT5.0 - or the chip is upgradable as you suggested (this is not my area of expertise).
The Broadcom 4387 does now support Bluetooth 5.3: https://device.report/broadcom/bcm4387
Reactions: magicMac

Chancha

macrumors 68000
Mar 19, 2014 1,663 1,452
The Broadcom 4387 does now support Bluetooth 5.3: https://device.report/broadcom/bcm4387
The real question then now becomes: since when did Apple start shipping 13" with the updated chip, or, if it was at all possible to simply update firmware on existing 13" to "retrofit" BT 5.3?
Reactions: Saturn007

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009 12,616 6,024
The real question then now becomes: since when did Apple start shipping 13" with the updated chip, or, if it was at all possible to simply update firmware on existing 13" to "retrofit" BT 5.3?
I think it's just a driver change on the chip.

Chancha

macrumors 68000
Mar 19, 2014 1,663 1,452
I think it's just a driver change on the chip.
It makes total sense now.

Because when the WWDC event was done and the store went online, I checked the 13" spec sheet and already saw the BT 5.3 there. But buying the base model shows next day shipping or same day pickup at retail store, this means there must be no real physical SKU change.
Reactions: magicMac and uller6

magicMac

macrumors 6502a

Original poster

Apr 13, 2010 UK
Good information people, and great reason for these forums, cheers!

Seems then new driver must have been bundled in a recent macOS update, apple really need to get better at release notes !

my M2 MacBook Air 13.6" from October '23 : BCM_4387
M2 MacBook Air 15.6" : BCM_4387 (reported by Sowelu)

Same chip so the even older 13" models should now have 5.3 in theory. Indeed here is the certification of the chip (but not the MacBook): Not a big deal, but it would be further interesting if macOS on a MacBook Air uses LC3 audio codec with the AirPods Pro (or other 5.3 headset) during a call / HFP profile! This can be checked on the macOS console filtering bluetoothaudiod. I know apple isn't doing anything with LE audio profile yet though.
Last edited: Friday at 11:46 PM

G46&Fbnth5

macrumors regular
Mar 10, 2021
Isn’t BCM4387 the same chip used in all Macs since 2020?

Honza1

macrumors 6502a
Nov 30, 2013 US
Isn’t BCM4387 the same chip used in all Macs since 2020?
My 2021, 16inch M1 MBP has BCM4387. No idea how to find out what version of BT I am running, though.
Reactions: magicMac

magicMac

macrumors 6502a

Original poster

Apr 13, 2010 UK
Isn’t BCM4387 the same chip used in all Macs since 2020?
The chip came out in 2020 , so quite possibly!

The Cockney Rebel

macrumors 68000
Nov 16, 2018 1,609 1,308
The Bluetooth chip in my 15" M2 Air is: BCM_4387

So maybe it was a typo and the 15" Air is also BT5.0 - or the chip is upgradable as you suggested (this is not my area of expertise).
My 13" MBA also shows as Chipset: BCM_4387.

Don't know how to find out the bluetooth version, though?

My MBA was delivered on 12 December.
Last edited: 28 minutes ago

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