Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.7 on September 15, 2025, alongside updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. While the update brings important bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches, some Mac users are running into issues after installing it.
This guide covers the most common macOS Sequoia 15.7 problems and provides step‑by‑step fixes.
1. macOS Sequoia 15.7 Won’t Install or Update
Symptoms: The update gets stuck, fails to download, or shows an error.
Fixes:
- Ensure your Mac has at least 20GB of free space.
- Check your Wi‑Fi connection and switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
- Restart your Mac and try updating again from System Settings > General > Software Update.
- If it still fails, download the macOS Sequoia 15.7 Combo Update from Apple’s official website.
- Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift at startup) and retry the installation.
2. Mac Runs Slow After Updating
Symptoms: Apps take longer to open, fans spin loudly, or the system feels sluggish.
Fixes:
- Give your Mac time — Spotlight and Photos indexing can cause temporary slowdowns.
- Restart your Mac to clear cached processes.
- Go to Activity Monitor and check for processes like
corespotlightdormdseating CPU. If persistent, reset Spotlight by running:sudo mdutil -E / - Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC to clear system-level glitches.
3. Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth Not Working
Symptoms: Mac won’t connect to Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth devices drop frequently.
Fixes:
- Forget the Wi‑Fi network and reconnect.
- Delete Wi‑Fi configuration files:
- Go to
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ - Delete:
com.apple.airport.preferences.plistcom.apple.network.identification.plistNetworkInterfaces.plistpreferences.plist
- Restart your Mac.
- Go to
- For Bluetooth, reset by holding Shift + Option and clicking the Bluetooth icon > Reset Bluetooth Module.
4. Battery Drains Faster on macOS 15.7
Symptoms: MacBook battery life is noticeably worse after updating.
Fixes:
- Check System Settings > Battery > Battery Usage to spot power-hungry apps.
- Disable Background App Refresh for unnecessary apps.
- Reset SMC (handles battery management).
- If battery drain persists, install the next Apple patch — 15.7 may have a temporary power management bug.
5. Apps Not Working or Crashing
Symptoms: Third-party apps crash or refuse to launch.
Fixes:
- Update apps from the Mac App Store or developer websites.
- If the app is not optimized for Sequoia, run it in Rosetta 2 (right-click app > Get Info > check “Open using Rosetta”).
- Clear app caches by deleting files in:
~/Library/Caches
6. Mac Won’t Boot After Update
Symptoms: Stuck on Apple logo, black screen, or endless restart loop.
Fixes:
- Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift).
- Try Recovery Mode (hold Command + R) > run Disk Utility > First Aid.
- If still stuck, reinstall macOS Sequoia 15.7 via Recovery.
7. iPhone Mirroring or Continuity Features Not Working
Symptoms: iPhone Mirroring, Handoff, or Universal Control fail to connect.
Fixes:
- Ensure both devices are on the latest software (iOS 19.7 and macOS 15.7).
- Sign out and back into iCloud on both devices.
- Toggle off/on Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.
- Reset Network Settings on iPhone if needed.
8. Spotlight Search Bug
Some users report Spotlight indexing loops or CPU spikes from corespotlightd.
Fixes:
- Rebuild Spotlight index:
sudo mdutil -i off / sudo mdutil -E / sudo mdutil -i on / - Restart Mac after rebuilding.
9. External Displays or Peripherals Not Detected
Fixes:
- Disconnect and reconnect the display or accessory.
- Reset NVRAM.
- Check for firmware updates for docks or hubs.
- Use a different cable or port to rule out hardware issues.
10. General Stability Issues
If you face random crashes, freezes, or glitches:
- Run Disk Utility > First Aid.
- Boot into Safe Mode to test stability.
- Create a new macOS user account to see if the issue is profile-specific.
- As a last resort, back up with Time Machine and perform a clean install of macOS 15.7.
Final Thoughts
macOS Sequoia 15.7 is designed to improve stability and security, but like any major update, it can introduce new bugs. Apple typically releases quick 15.7.1 or 15.7.2 patches to resolve widespread issues.
If none of the fixes above work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.
