Some features coming to iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite are dependent on Bluetooth 4.0. Does your Mac have what it takes?
There are a lot of cool features coming to iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite this fall. One of the most hotly anticipated is Handoff, which enables you to pick up where you left off in an email, a document and other work between iOS and OS X devices. Handoff is elegantly choreographed dance between devices, operating systems and protocols. It's partly dependent on Bluetooth 4.0, the most recent widespread deployment of the popular short-distance wireless communication protocol, which includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BT LE). So, how can you tell if your Mac is properly equipped to take advantage of it?
This software makes changes to your bluetooth hardware (writes new MAC address into device's memory). This action may damage your bluetooth adapter and make it unusable. Use the software at your own risk. In no event shall the author be liable for any claim, damages or other liability. This is beta version and it expires in 12 months. Apr 19, 2016 The Bluetooth update for MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) improves compatibility with third party bluetooth devices, and is recommended for all users. Post Date: Apr 19. Bluetooth Software 1.5 for Mac OS X: Information and Download. This document contains the Bluetooth Updater 1.5 information and a link to the Bluetooth Updater 1.5 software. When you have a Bluetooth enabled Macintosh you can use Bluetooth technology to communicate wirelessly with devices such as mobile phones, printers, keyboards, PDAs.
Bluetooth 4.0 is included in most phones, iPod touches and iPads that will be capable of running iOS 8 when it comes out this fall. (The iPad 2 supports Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, but all other iOS 8-capable devices are equipped with Bluetooth 4.0.)
Unfortunately, it's not quite that clear cut on the Mac side of things. The cutoff starts somewhere in 2011:
- The Mac mini and MacBook Air were both updated with Bluetooth 4.0 support in 2011.
- The MacBook Pro and iMac added it a year later in 2012.
- The Mac Pro languished without it until the new black model debuted in December 2013.
You can check for yourself if you're not exactly sure which Mac model you have. It's a little convoluted, so bear with me and follow these instructions to find out.
To determine your Mac's Bluetooth version
- Click the  menu.
- Select About This Mac.
- Click on the More Info... button.
- Click on the System Report... button.
- Select Bluetooth from the sidebar on the left, underneath 'Hardware.'
- Scan down the list of information until you find 'LMP Version.'
If your Mac is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, LMP Version will say 0x6. Anything lower than that is an older version of Bluetooth.
Does your Mac come with Bluetooth 4.0, or are you going to need a new system to take full advantage of Yosemite and iOS 8 when they're released this fall? Post your thoughts in the comments.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Closed for 2020How To Connect Rk61 Bluetooth
Apple says its offices in the US will not fully reopen until at least 2021
Rk61 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning for its office and many of its retail workers to remain remote for the rest of the year.