Apple released macOS Monterey last week, but users are already reporting problems. Specifically, this new version of macOS is bricking older Macs, including Intel-based models just purchased in 2020.

As reported by MacRumors, there are 10 Apple Community Support threads highlighting the issue, and users on social media like Twitter have also complained. While there is no confirmation yet, it appears that Macs with Intel chips are affected. So far, no one using a Mac with an M1 has reported such an issue.

The reported problem seems to be simple, as reported by Twitter user @Taltos, whose Mac shuts down and won't turn on during the update:

Twitter user Freddy Mini reported that Monterey has bricked the 2020 16-inch MacBook Pro (the Intel-based predecessor to the MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch)). Another user (who apparently misspelled 2018 as 2108) has hit this problem with a 4-port 13-inch MacBook Pro.

"Same thing happened to my 2017 iMac," wrote Reddit user u/pravinba9495, who continued, "I was told I needed to reboot. It did not reboot. Waited a few hours and tried a power cycle. Was told I needed to reboot. [Told me I needed a reboot, tried a couple of times to install it on my 2015 Mac Air. It seems to be working, but I am at a loss as to what to do with imac [sic]. I unplugged it and headed to work. I hope to find some kind of solution tonight so that I can resolve it in the morning."

In its support documentation, Apple offers a possible solution to this problem. It states, "In very rare circumstances, such as a power loss during a macOS update or upgrade, the Mac may become unresponsive and therefore require the firmware to be restored or reinstated. More information can be found here, but please be aware that the "restore" process will erase all data on your Mac.

Even last year's macOS Big Sur update reportedly bricked older model Macs. what is happening with macOS Monterey does not appear to be as widespread, but enough users have reported problems that this is genuine concern material.

Apple will no doubt provide updates and patches for macOS Monterey in the coming weeks and months, as they do for all operating systems. At least one will hopefully address this issue. As it stands, those with Intel-based Macs may want to hold off on updating.