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2025-02-05
Apple’s macOS 15.2, codenamed Sequoia, has introduced significant problems for backup solutions, both proprietary and third-party, on Apple Silicon Macs. While the macOS backup system has traditionally been reliable, a new bug has emerged, affecting Apple’s own Time Machine utility, along with popular third-party apps such as SuperDuper and CarbonCopyCloner. These issues have raised concerns among users who rely on these tools to ensure their data remains secure. This article will summarize the ongoing problems, as well as provide a deeper analysis of what’s causing the disruption.
the Issue
Apple’s latest macOS update, version 15.2, has broken backup functionality for several applications that users depend on. Initially, this bug was isolated to bootable backups made using SuperDuper, a popular third-party backup tool. However, it soon became apparent that the issue was more widespread, affecting multiple backup methods, including Time Machine and non-bootable backups created by CarbonCopyCloner.
SuperDuper, which has long been a go-to solution for creating bootable backups on Mac, started failing after the release of macOS 15.2. The issue stems from a bug in Apple’s replicator code, which is now responsible for copying macOS volumes. Previously, SuperDuper relied on its own methods to create these backups, but after Apple enforced the use of their replicator code, the tool’s functionality has been disrupted. The error, often accompanied by a “Resource Busy” message, appears when trying to copy either the Preboot or Recovery volumes.
CarbonCopyCloner also saw a breakdown in its backup features, with users reporting failures when attempting to create bootable backups. Even Time Machine, Apple’s own backup utility, has been compromised in macOS 15.2. Reports surfaced that Time Machine backups would fail entirely, and in some cases, users lost their entire backup history.
These bugs seem to particularly affect Apple Silicon Macs, with Synology’s NAS systems also experiencing issues when users attempt bootable backups. The problem has raised alarms about the stability and reliability of Apple’s backup solutions in this version of macOS.
What Undercode Says:
The situation surrounding macOS 15.2 and its impact on backup tools offers a powerful reminder of how dependent modern computing systems have become on seamless backup solutions. The role of third-party tools like SuperDuper and CarbonCopyCloner, which were once vital to users’ peace of mind, has now been hindered by Apple’s new system restrictions. The company’s decision to control the replicator code and limit third-party developers’ access to it has made a potentially good feature into a source of frustration.
The “Resource Busy” error is a particularly troublesome bug, as it blocks users from completing their backups. For many, this is not just an inconvenience; it’s a failure of security infrastructure that could leave them vulnerable to data loss. While Apple took control of the replicator to simplify backup solutions and make them more reliable, this move seems to have backfired. The fact that Apple’s own Time Machine utility is also impacted by this bug demonstrates that the issue is rooted in the new system framework rather than a flaw in third-party applications.
In an era where data security is a critical concern, Apple’s failure to deliver on its promise of reliable backup solutions could have serious consequences for users. The fact that some users are reporting the complete loss of backup histories is alarming, especially since these tools are often the last line of defense against data loss.
This issue also raises broader questions about software ecosystem control and the balance between user autonomy and corporate oversight. By restricting third-party developers from building their own backup solutions, Apple risks alienating a segment of users who rely on customization and flexibility. Moreover, if Apple cannot ensure its own code works as intended, the very security that users expect from macOS is called into question.
What’s especially worrying is the lack of immediate acknowledgment from Apple, as the company has yet to release an official fix for these backup failures. It is unclear how widespread the issue is, and whether the fix will resolve all of the backup-related problems across the board. Users have reported various levels of severity, with some experiencing the failure only intermittently, while others face persistent errors that render their backups useless.
There is also the matter of accountability. Developers like Shirt Pocket, creators of SuperDuper, are left at the mercy of Apple’s updates, which leaves them unable to address these issues on their own. The complete loss of user backups is not just a technical glitch, but a failure of trust between the user and Apple. When a company as large as Apple cannot maintain a critical function like backups, the ripple effect of that failure can damage its reputation among its most loyal customers.
In summary, while Apple’s shift to control backup functionality under macOS 15.2 may have been motivated by a desire to improve user experience, it has instead introduced significant problems. With a lack of clarity on when or how the issue will be fixed, it’s crucial for Apple to provide clear communication and swift resolution. The backup system is a cornerstone of personal computing, and any failure here not only affects users’ ability to protect their data but also undermines confidence in the entire macOS ecosystem.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/05/macos-15-2-sequoia-backup-bugs-affecting-time-machine-ccc-and-more/
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