PSA: macOS Sequoia is reportedly causing frustrating USB issues for some users
If you recently upgraded your Mac to the just-released macOS 15, you may have encountered problems using USB devices.
If so, apparently you’re not alone: other Mac users are facing the same kinds of problems when connecting USB devices.
Apple Insider Notes that some users are experiencing issues with drive connectivity, and that when you plug USB drives or chargers into the Mac’s ports, the system doesn’t immediately detect these devices. Sometimes they take quite some time to connect, and sometimes macOS 15 worryingly doesn’t find them at all.
As you may recall, macOS Sequoia was released earlier this month, on September 16, and it’s no surprise that any major operating system release comes with teething problems. This appears to be one of them, at least judging by multiple reports on the likes of Reddit and Apple’s support forum, and there are other issues beyond those highlighted in our overview of common issues with macOS 15.
Where things stand and what you can do next
Apple Insider further notes that the USB-related bug appears on several Mac models, including the MacBook Air and iMac, and on devices equipped with various processors, including M1, M2, and M3 Apple chips.
That said, the tech site also notes that it couldn’t reproduce the problem on any of its devices, and that the faulty USB problem doesn’t appear to be that widespread – although certainly some of those upgrading to macOS 15 are affected . , based on the reports mentioned.
So far, Apple has not commented on this matter, and we are still waiting to see if the company will respond to these reports.
If you’ve been experiencing misbehaving USB devices with macOS Sequoia, your best bet is to contact Apple support, describe what you’re experiencing, and hopefully Apple will acknowledge you and perhaps even prepare a fix in the future macOS 15 update .
The more reports (especially with evidence such as screenshots) that Apple receives about a specific issue, the more likely Apple is to respond and implement a fix.