Apple plans macOS software fix for M1 Mac Bluetooth connectivity issues

Apple is working on a fix for a bug in macOS Big Sur running on M1-equipped Macs that affects Bluetooth, one that causes peripherals including keyboards and mice to randomly disconnect.

Since the release of the M1 Mac mini, M1 13-inch MacBook Pro, and M1 MacBook Air, users have encountered issues connecting their Bluetooth devices to the Apple Silicon hardware. The problem, which included disconnections and even preventing some hardware from working at all, affected both third-party peripherals and Apple's accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard.

While it is possible to reset the Bluetooth in macOS Big Sur, there's no guarantee that it will solve the connectivity issue at hand.

In a tweet from The Atlantic writer Ian Bogost spotted by The 8-Bit, Apple is aware that there are connectivity issues, and that it is working on a solution. Bogost claims "Apple tells me a macOS fix is in progress and forthcoming just about anytime," which suggests an update is on the way, but not advising when it will be available.

Solved my M1 Mac Bluetooth issues by plugging in my keyboard and buying a Logitech mouse with its own Bluetooth dongle.

(Apple tells me a MacOS fix is in progress and forthcoming just about anytime. But jeez.)
— Ian Bogost (@ibogost) January 10, 2021

Apple is currently beta-testing macOS Big Sur 11.2, which would be a probable avenue for the update to be distributed, but it's also possible for a separate update to be issued as part of a smaller update.

For the moment, users have to come up with temporary work-arounds, including using extra Bluetooth dongles to get around the built-in chip, though again these are apparently having mixed results.

14 Comments

DoomFreak 19 comments · 6 Years

About 3 years ago

Apple needs to have a better testing process. This is a giant oversight. I would fully expect to be fired. Recommend automated testing procedures.

perfectionist 18 comments · 14 Years

Apple's Bluetooth always was problematic. I have random disconnections of apple keyboard and touchpad even on my 2015 MBP. Never fixed despite being reported.

Their bluetooth audio support is a joke. Even with airPods they are unable to make proper stereo sound AND mic work at the same time (mic goes to 8Ghz mode) because their implementation has only two channels for this. It works fine with any bluetooth dongle. Even the cheapest Chinese bluetooth dongle is able to do it better than Apple.

After all these years they are still not able to make proper stable bluetooth support. Disappointing...

xyzzy01 143 comments · 15 Years

I had massive problems with this on my 27" 2020 imac as well - while the 2013 imac it replaced never had an issue.

I researched and tried a lot of workarounds for the disconnects - what worked for me, and fixed the issue completely was turning off the handoff functionality. I've never had this issue since I did that.

CarmB 91 comments · 4 Years

My M1 Mac Mini is working reasonably well with a magic keyboard and magic trackpad. I am finding that often there is a delay from when I input on the keyboard or trackpad to try to awaken the computer. It sometimes takes about five seconds or so for the computer to respond. Once it does awaken, though, the connection is solid, certainly no different from how bluetooth worked on the 2011 mini this new machine has replaced. My guess is that location could matter.