macOS Sonoma 14.4: Reasons Not to Update

[MacRumors]

Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow.

This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available.

USB Hub and Monitor Ports
Lost Connectivity
Some users have experienced connectivity issues with USB hubs and monitors with USB ports since updating to macOS 14.4, with several reports of mice, keyboards, and other peripherals no longer being detected. While Apple works on a fix, a handful of users have had some success by changing the setting "Allow accessories to connect" to "Ask for new accessories" under the Security section of System Settings ➝ Privacy & Security.

Java Processes
Unexpected Terminations
Oracle last week warned that the macOS 14.4 update can cause Java processes to "terminate unexpectedly" on Macs. The issue affects all Java versions from Java 8 to the early access builds of JDK 22, and there is no workaround available. Affected users might be unable to return to a stable configuration unless they have a complete backup of their systems prior to the OS update.

Printer Operation
Removed or Corrupted Drivers
The update may remove or corrupt printer drivers. Specifically, the core CUPS software for printing operations over a network seems to be removed. HP printers in particular appear to be affected, but the exact commonalities between the reports, such as the use of Microsoft Defender or JAMF mobile device management software, are not entirely clear. Some users have found a workaround by granting Full Disk Access to certain processes in System Settings ➝ Privacy & Security. Despite these attempts, a comprehensive solution has not yet been found.

PACE/iLok Protections
Audio Unit Plugins Crash
There have been reports of compatibility issues with PACE products, including the iLok License Manager, connected to Apple silicon Macs running macOS 14.4. The problem specifically impacts plugins from various manufacturers that are safeguarded by PACE/iLok, including those made by Universal Audio, when used with host DAWs such as Logic Pro. Temporarily setting a DAW and the iLok License Manager application to run in Rosetta mode appears to circumvent the issue.

iCloud Drive
Destroys Saved Versions
Users running macOS 14.4 that have "Optimize Mac Storage" enabled should be aware that they are at risk of losing all previously saved versions of a file if they opt to remove it from iCloud Drive local storage. Versions are normally created automatically when users save files using apps that work with the version system in macOS. If you have already updated, either do not save files to iCloud Drive at all, or turning off Optimize Mac Storage. To perform the latter in System Settings, click your Apple ID, select iCloud, and then toggle off the switch next to "Optimize Mac Storage."

Consider Not Updating

If you anticipate that any of these problems could significantly impact your daily operations or productivity, it may be prudent to delay updating to the latest version of macOS Sonoma until Apple addresses these concerns with a subsequent fix. Have you identified any other issues since updating? Let us know in the comments and we might include them here if they turn out to be commonplace.

Article Link: macOS Sonoma 14.4: Reasons Not to Update

 

[Fuchal]

I don't upgrade because I hate security. You forgot to mention that.

 

[transpo1]

I almost always wait until the first .1 to update my Mac. It’s just not worth it. Recently made the mistake of updating my iPhone to 17.4 and it broke the AirPlay connection to my girlfriend’s TV.

 

[Moka Akashiya]

The problem is that with each version dozens of small bugs appear, which are then never fixed. And even if you upgrade to a three-year-old version that already only receives security patches, you will likely encounter new unfixed problems. And every year it gets worse in terms of attention to detail. And soon another redesign disaster awaits us...

 

[Danilamak]

Apple, you had one job

 

[Fuzzball84]

I think this is where it can be smart not to rely entirely on one platform or device. If anything breaks your system such that you cant do your work… you have an alternative you can jump on.

This is one reason why i have for the past 18 years or so had both one windows device and one mac device. And if you do have two macs… stagger the updates (by a few days at least). So that if anything is broken by an update, and it affects your work… you can keep going.

I think Apple just considers some issues not that important…because they are targeting consumers, and not businesses. The quality control would be another level if they had a corporate version.

I have to say tho… they need to do better on not breaking things 😅

 

[jz0309]

Running stable on my Studio and also on my M1 MBA running the public beta… but I do t use USB hub nor Java, so YMMV

 

[AAPLGeek]

Reason no. 1:

It looks like a toyOS, behaves like a toyOS and now it even works like a broken toyOS.

 

[ChrisA]

Java Processes
Unexpected Terminations

The entire Jet Brains ecosystem runs on Java. So many (most?) software developers should say away for 14.4

It seems that anyone who uses a USB drive that is not directly plugged into the Mac needs to wait a while before upgrading.

These bugs are so fundamental that I wonder if Apple is even bothering to test their releases

 

[MichaelDroste]

Yes DO NOT UPGRADE - really messing with the pro audio industry

 

[Realityck]

Been running 14.4 without any issues for awhile as none of these reported issues effects my normal usage.

 

[n-evo]

No issues whatsoever here with v14.4. Except for Calendar that keeps asking for location permissions. But that's been happening on macOS Sonoma since day one.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I don't upgrade because I hate security. You forgot to mention that.

This is why Microsoft splits up their feature and security updates.

 

[ElectricPotato]

not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported

Oh. The humanity.

 

[kagharaht]

I guess I’m lucky. Things have been improving with my iMac M3 with the latest Sonoma.

 

[Antes]

Since updating has anyone’s Magic Trackpad stopped force clicking? i turn it off then back on and it works for a few seconds and then goes back to not clicking. Settings are fine. Only thing that has changed since this has started is the update :/

 

[Anaxarxes]

what about iOS 17.4?

Cellular connectivity loss, calls getting dropped, eSIM second line not getting reception and 5G speeds are 10% of whast they supposed to.

 

[RenegadfeMonste]

The entire Jet Brains ecosystem runs on Java. So many (most?) software developers should say away for 14.4

It seems that anyone who uses a USB drive that is not directly plugged into the Mac needs to wait a while before upgrading.

These bugs are so fundamental that I wonder if Apple is even bothering to test their releases

PHPStorm crashed about twice a day for a couple of days after first upgrading my Mac to 14.4, but has been fine for a solid few days now. No issues to report with WebStorm as of yet.

 

[Truben]

I am having problems with Logic Pro and their plugins since late January, so the next beta that works, I'm out of the dev program for good.

 

[sax6575]

macOS 14.4 has possibly made this issue more prevalent for people, including myself, as well: https://github.com/waydabber/BetterDisplay/discussions/2622#discussioncomment-8816298

Kernel panics introduced because of a monitor connection...

 

[jbachandouris]

Too late for many of us.

 

[neuropsychguy]

No issues at all for me with it. My USB C hub works, my Thunderbolt dock works, my connections to printers (Canon) work. Completely smooth upgrade.

 

[AppleGuy RL]

What's not yet mentioned is that launchctl kickstart is not available for users anymore unless SIP is disabled, causing many commands, even built-in ones, like sudo nfsd restart to break and not work. As previously it was adviced to restart services using launchctl kickstart. Many scripts and development environments rely on this.

 

[BlairMALL]

I almost always wait until the first .1 to update my Mac. It’s just not worth it. Recently made the mistake of updating my iPhone to 17.4 and it broke the AirPlay connection to my girlfriend’s TV.

Maybe you should update your girlfriend...

Totally joking. It is good advice to wait until the first .1... and I from my vantage you're making good relationship decisions.

 

[mikeszf]

The problem is that with each version dozens of small bugs appear, which are then never fixed. And even if you upgrade to a three-year-old version that already only receives security patches, you will likely encounter new unfixed problems. And every year it gets worse in terms of attention to detail. And soon another redesign disaster awaits us...

This, I downgraded to Ventura because the speaking rate slider on Sonoma resets on reboot, something that was working perfectly on Ventura. Now the slider is also broken on Ventura, but at least in this case is only the UI as the setting persists.