Unable to install macOS Sequoia update 15.4 on my MacBook Pro

If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS - Apple Support

Sub Section " Install from macOS Recovery "

" To ensure that no other software on your Mac can interfere with installation, "

Hi,

Just restart the device in safe mode and it will allow the install.

Bottom Line Up Front: The process below didn't work and resulted in the same failure we've all been experiencing. It returned me to Sonoma 14.7.5 with an error report. Sharing so folks know this probably won't work, and might save some folks time.

Process

I downloaded the Sequoia 15.4 file from the App Store, loaded it to a "bootable" SSD, then restarted with "Startup Options" and booted from the bootable installer. (Instructions Here: Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support). Everything went as expected until the computer restarted, and returned the same "Kernel Panic" message I've gotten using every other attempt. I am still running Sonoma 14.7.5.

Here's the solution: update to Sequoia 15.3.2, as 15.4 looks broken, at least on the M1 arch.

Here's how you can do this:

• Download the installer:

sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.3.2 --launch-installer -R

• Run the installer and wait for it to complete.

J4lambert wrote:

My macbook air is over 5 1/3 years old and it is due for replacement in the next few months since it cannot support the latest version of macos. In the meantime, I am planning to use the computer for as long as I possibly can.

The issue that I have is possibly an issue with the firmware.

Hi! You may like to try these procedures:-

1. Check for macOS and Firmware Updates

• Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
• Make sure you're fully up to date — BridgeOS gets silently updated with macOS.

2. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

On a T2 Mac, this means a full shutdown and restart:

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Power it back on normally

3. Reset NVRAM

• Reboot and immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds
• This clears some hardware-level settings

4. Run Apple Diagnostics

• Restart and hold D while booting to run a hardware check
• Look out for reference codes

5. Review Crash Frequency

• If this is a one-off, it might not be a major issue.
• If it’s recurring, a deeper investigation or Apple Support might be necessary.

Please advise.

Look Here: Install macOS on an external storage device and use it as a startup disk - Apple Support

I faced the same problem and I had to reinstalled macos to Sonoma. Terrible experience, I don't want to face it again. Back up and save return point before each update

Try booting to Safe mode and update the machine.

I made a restore via DFU today. Works fine.

I tried for fun to delete the partitions again and reinstall from web fails again.

Something is wrong with the webinstaller.

Apple should react on it!

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

restore it from another Mac.

It works!

sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.3.2 --launch-installer -R

I used Apple Configurator and successfully installed macOS Sequoia on a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro, Pro. It worked and I’m currently writing this message on the updated M1 Mac.

Hola

Tengo el mismo problema, después de actualizar a Sequoia 15.4

Cuando quiero realizar una instalación del sistema desde el recovery o una USB booteable, al finalizar la actualización me manda ese mensaje “Se necesita reinstalar MacOS”

La única forma de recuperar el sistema es con Apple Configurator usando otra Mac

Seguramente sea un error de la nueva version

Hi darrieus179. The 'fetch full installer' terminal command did not work for me. Have no idea why. Could have been a glitch with the servers that day. Honestly, I would bear the cost of the DFU restore. It's so quick. The troubleshooting route ends up costing way more in time. You can still do a Time Machine restore after. I've faced issues with clean installs on every major MacOS release since the 2021 MBP redesign was released. I'm glad to see the base recovery image/software be updated as well.

I just had a terrible experience with my 14 Macbook Pro M1 Max, It was up-to-date and running 15.4 but had been having weird network issues where it would sporadically lose connection for a few minutes, either with ethernet or WiFi. The Macbook's WiFi would disconnect and start searching for a network. My iPhone and every other device have had zero issues.

So I decided to do a clean install and created a 15.4 USB installer just in case. I erased the HD and started the process just to be greeted with a message asking to select a start up disk and when I did it said the installed MacOS version needed to be reinstalled.

I re-installed multiple times and at this point panic was starting to set in, I took out and dusted off my old 2011 Mac Mini and started hunting for anything helpful, I came across a thread on MacRumors stating that 15.4 cannot be used as a USB installer due to an issue and 15.3 had to be used.

So I downloaded 15.3.2 and then created a new USB installer, and low and behold, it worked. I then decided to update to 15.4 and have been receiving the installation failed error.

Installation failed an error occurred while installing the selected updates. 

So I think I'm just going to wait until 15.5. I was going to try creating another 15.4 USB installer and try since this time I'm not erasing the HD, but I don't think it's worth the hassle.

Also, I haven't had any network issues since the clean install.