macOS Sequoia: The reality behind the promise
macOS Sequoia. The latest update that was supposed to make your Mac faster. But your printer stops working. Apps crash. Your battery drains like water through a sieve. Yet millions of users diligently install every new version. They buy new accessories to stay compatible. They upgrade their AirPods for the latest features.
But what if the problem isn't with your old stuff? What if Apple's annual update cycle is designed to keep you constantly playing catch-up? This guide shows you how to truly make macOS Sequoia yours. Without having to replace your entire setup. Because the best solutions are often the simplest—if you know where to look.
Useful links
- Refurbished MacBook collection - for systems that work perfectly with macOS Sequoia
- iPad collection - for seamless integration with Universal Control
- Apple Watch collection - for the complete Apple ecosystem
The most common macOS Sequoia problems solved instantly
macOS Sequoia promises a lot, but the reality is more challenging. Many users experience workflow issues immediately after installation. The cause? Apple's aggressive update policy, which ignores older hardware and software. Here you'll find concrete solutions for the most persistent issues.
Printer not working after update
The classic problem: your printer worked fine under the previous macOS version, but now it refuses to work. This is because Apple often removes support for older printer drivers without warning.
Solution:
- First, completely remove your printer via System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- Download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer (not via Apple)
- Reinstall the printer as an AirPrint device if possible
- As a workaround, use the generic PostScript driver
If this doesn't work, consider an AirPrint-compatible printer. These remain supported longer because they use Apple's proprietary protocol.
Battery drains much faster
A fresh install of macOS Sequoia can halve your battery life. This is especially true on older MacBook models from 2018 onwards. The system runs background processes that aren't optimized for older hardware.
Direct actions:
- Temporarily disable Spotlight indexing (first 48 hours after installation)
- Pause Photos Sync
- Check Activity Monitor for high energy consumption processes
- Reset the SMC (System Management Controller) on Intel Macs
On Apple Silicon Macs, you can reset power management by shutting down the Mac completely, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting it. This often restores normal battery life.
Apps that constantly crash
Professional software like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and development tools, in particular, struggle with macOS Sequoia. The reason? Stricter security measures that restrict access to system resources.
Quick fixes for crashing apps
Before moving on to more complex solutions, start with these steps:
- Give the app full disk access via Privacy & Security
- Run the app in Rosetta mode (right click > Get info > Open with Rosetta)
- Delete app caches via ~/Library/Caches/
- Reinstall with a fresh download, not from Time Machine
For developers: Xcode and command line tools should always be reinstalled after a major macOS update. The old versions are incompatible with newer kernel extensions.
External screens not working properly
Multi-monitor setups are a known issue with macOS Sequoia. Screens aren't recognized, resolutions are incorrect, or the display stutters.
Systematic approach:
- Use only certified cables (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C with DisplayPort)
- Reset NVRAM/PRAM by holding Option+Command+P+R during startup
- Temporarily disable HDR in System Preferences > Displays
- Force the correct resolution with tools like SwitchResX or BetterDisplay
WiFi and Bluetooth connection issues
The new networking stack in macOS Sequoia interferes with older routers and Bluetooth devices. Symptoms: slow connections, random disconnections, and AirDrop not working.
Proven solutions:
- Remove all network locations and create one new one
- Reset Bluetooth module via Shift+Option click on Bluetooth icon
- Set WiFi to 5GHz only if your router supports this
- Disable Private Relay for local networks
Performance optimizations that really work
macOS Sequoia runs poorly on machines with 8GB of RAM or less. The system is designed for the latest hardware, but with these adjustments you can achieve acceptable performance:
- Disable visual effects via Accessibility > Display
- Limit the number of Spaces/desktop spaces to a maximum of 3
- Use Safari instead of Chrome (50% less memory usage)
- Set Time Machine to manual backups
Memory management for older Macs
macOS Sequoia's new memory management is more aggressive than ever. Apps are written to swap faster, leading to noticeable slowdowns on systems with traditional SSDs.
Practical tips:
- Reboot daily to free up memory
- Use AppCleaner to completely remove unused apps
- Limit the number of menu bar apps to a minimum
- Consider upgrading to 16GB of RAM for future-proofing
The real solution: hardware that can handle it
Sometimes the best solution is simply hardware designed for macOS Sequoia. A refurbished MacBook with an M1 chip or later will run the system smoothly. These models not only offer better performance, but also longer battery life and better compatibility with modern accessories.
For professionals who rely on specific software: test thoroughly on a colleague's machine or at an Apple Store first. Not all professional software is optimized for the latest system architecture.
When Downgrading Is the Best Choice
Sometimes reverting to a previous macOS version is the wisest choice. This is especially true for:
- Machines older than 2019 with mechanical components
- Systems with critical legacy software
- Production environments where stability is paramount
The downgrade process requires a complete reinstallation from a Time Machine backup or bootable installer. Make this choice within 30 days of the upgrade, otherwise some user data will become unreadable for older versions.
macOS Sequoia isn't a bad update, but Apple's priorities clearly lie with new hardware. These solutions will help you get the most out of the system, regardless of your hardware. The choice is yours: muddle through with workarounds, invest in compatible hardware, or stick with what works.
The Truth About Apple's Update Cycle
macOS Sequoia demonstrates that Apple's annual update cycle is primarily about selling new hardware . Most issues can be resolved with a little patience and the right workarounds, but the question is whether that's really necessary. For pre-2020 machines, downgrading is often more sensible than muddling through.
Do you want the latest features? Then a refurbished MacBook with Apple Silicon works best – they're built for this system. Ultimately, you decide whether you want to keep up with Apple's pace or forge your own path.
