I've got an early 2011 MacBook Pro (8,1) and I am trying to install the newest EFI firmware upgrade, however it only supports 10.8.5 and 10.9.5.
Unfortunately I have no clue as to what the best course of action would be to get this installed. I really need this firmware upgrade, to get access to Apple's Internet Recovery system.
Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Best Answer
First check your current Firmware and SMC version About your Mac -> More -> System Report. Check the Boot ROM and the SMC version. It should look similar to this:
The latest Boot ROM version for your MacBookPro8,1 (Early 2011) is MBP81.0047.B2A and the latest SMC version 1.69f4 (SMC 1.7).
If you get the same versions the latest EFI updates are already installed.
The most secure method is to swap the internal hard disk with a spare 2.5" drive and install Mountain Lion or Mavericks.
Then download Mac EFI Security Update 2015-001 and install it.
After a reboot the firmware will be updated. Shut down your Mac after the successful update and swap the drives again.
Recheck the Boot ROM version and the SMC version.