About This Firmware
macOS 12.3.1
(build 21E258) is an official Apple IPSW
for the MacBook Pro (M1 Max, 14-inch, 2021),
released on 2022-03-31.
The file is served directly from Apple's CDN.
This firmware is currently signed by Apple, so it can be used to restore or update your device via iTunes or Finder.
Verify the download using the checksums below.
Filename
UniversalMac_12.3.1_21E258_Restore.ipsw
Checksums
SHA-256
cb0443525571ea5e54aa5a8fd9c52774591892311405183741f4a02f993e18d5
SHA-1
81033c922c5d43f57907d063fb01865f4c856b37
MD5
6c943a751207e9e06ab018a7bb568d40
Direct URL
https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SpringFCS/fullrestores/002-79219/851BEDF0-19DB-4040-B765-0F4089D1530D/UniversalMac_12.3.1_21E258_Restore.ipsw
Other Devices
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5 Pro)
Mac17,9
Mac Studio (2025)
Mac16,9
Mac Studio (2025)
Mac15,14
Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024)
Mac16,11
MacBook Pro (M1 Pro, 14-inch, 2021)
MacBookPro18,3
MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)
Mac16,12
How to Restore with This IPSW
iTunes / Finder
macOS & Windows- Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
- Connect your MacBook Pro (M1 Max, 14-inch, 2021) via USB.
- Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
- Update (keep data): hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Update, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Restore (erase & install): hold Option / Shift and click Restore iPhone…, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Wait for the process to finish - do not disconnect.
Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up first.
3uTools
Windows- Download and install 3uTools from 3u.com.
- Connect your MacBook Pro (M1 Max, 14-inch, 2021) via USB and trust the computer on the device.
- Go to Flash & JB > Easy Flash.
- Click Import and select the downloaded .ipsw file.
- Choose Flash mode: Update keeps data, Restore wipes the device.
- Click Flash and wait for the progress bar to complete - do not disconnect.
Only flash firmware that matches your exact device model.
DFU Mode
Recovery tipIf your device is stuck in a boot loop or iTunes/Finder does not recognise it, enter DFU mode first, then select the .ipsw file as normal.
iPhone 8 / X and later
- Quickly press & release Volume Up
- Quickly press & release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until screen goes black
- Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
- Release Side, hold Volume Down 5 more s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 6s and earlier
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active