What is bridgeOSUpdateProxy?

bridgeOSUpdateProxy is a process that updates the firmware on your Mac's secondary chip.

What is bridgeOSUpdateProxy?

bridgeOSUpdateProxy handles updates to bridgeOS, the small operating system that runs on the T1 or T2 security chip in Intel Macs, or matching firmware on Apple Silicon Macs. This chip handles Touch ID, the Touch Bar, secure boot, and other security tasks apart from macOS.

What is bridgeOS?

Modern Macs have a dedicated security chip that runs its own small operating system:

• T1 chip (some 2016 to 2017 MacBooks): manages the Touch Bar and Touch ID
• T2 chip (2018 to 2020 Intel Macs): manages secure boot, encryption, Touch ID, camera, and audio
• Apple Silicon (M1 and later): folds these tasks into the main chip, but still runs separate firmware

bridgeOSUpdateProxy coordinates the update of this firmware alongside macOS updates.

When does it run?

The proxy runs during macOS system updates that include firmware updates for the security chip. You will not see it during normal use, only during the update process.

Can the firmware be updated on its own?

No. bridgeOS updates come bundled with macOS updates and are applied on their own. bridgeOSUpdateProxy makes sure the firmware update is lined up with the macOS update so both systems stay in step.

Should you worry?

No. It is a normal macOS process that keeps your Mac's security chip firmware up to date.

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