MacOS Big Sur update does not play nice with late 2013 or mid 2014 13-inch MacBook Pro models and converts their ancient machines to a fetching black screen.

Nothing appears to solve the issue, including shortcuts to reset the NVRAM and SMC. Swearing does not help because Apple fanboys are not allowed to use the C word when their mother can hear them - which is most of the time.

An engineer investigating one customer’s problems appeared to have resolved the issue after removing an IC chip for the HDMI port, but it is not certain that’s the cause.

Apple has asked at least one owner to send their system in for service, while another said Apple’s engineering team was aware of the problem which must be reassuring. For now, at least, you might want to hold off on updating your older 13-inch MacBook Pro or feel it is now the time to buy a proper PC.

The known affected Macs are all well out of warranty, even if users were dumb enough to buy AppleCare. Apple might cover costs in the future, but it does mean that those who need a working system quickly will have to buy something new.