After installing the update to macOS 13.2 that Apple released on January 23, there are massive problems with certain external optical drives. According to the manufacturer Pioneer, all current models are simply no longer recognized. “We are currently investigating this symptom.”
Device is no longer recognized
The affected models include BDR-XD08UMB, BDR-XD08 and BDR-XS07, each in their different color variants (recognizable by the last letter). Pioneer recommends that all users who have these models wait before updating to macOS 13.2. This can be difficult because the update brings useful new features like security key support that many users would like to try. In addition, macOS 13.2 fixes numerous security problems that should not be left open if possible.
The Pioneer drives are combined reading and writing devices for Blu-ray (BD), DVD and CD. Apple itself stopped offering Macs with optical drives in 2016, although external SuperDrives are still sold but don’t have Blu-ray support. Users therefore like to turn to alternative providers such as Pioneer.
So far only reports from Pioneer
It is currently still unclear whether the bug, which apparently disrupts the entire connectivity to the devices connected via USB, also affects hardware from other manufacturers. An optical drive from Asus with Blu-Ray and CD/DVD support in the Mac & i editorial office could continue to be used under macOS 13.2.
The new community for administrators, developers and other Mac professionals that Mac & i has set up is also dealing with the problem: A thread has already been opened on Mac & i Pro. They’re also experimenting with a possible workaround by changing the security policies for the startup disk to Full Security in the macOS recovery system. According to initial feedback, this should cause external drives to show up in the Finder again. Affected Mac professionals are welcome to join the discussion.
(bsc)
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