Category: macOS

I’m experiencing a strange issue with my email. The send button is grayed out, which is quite puzzling.

To make matters more interesting, I came across a suggestion to try sending an email with an attachment. After I added a file to my email, the send function became operational again.

Although it isn’t completely flawless, I can send emails now. I followed common troubleshooting advice, such as rebooting my Mac.

Throughout my time using versions 15.4 and 15.5—especially from the beta version—I never encountered any problems, even with multiple email providers. Additionally, I would recommend utilizing Maintenance features found in OnyX as part of your routine maintenance.

OnyX is a multifunctional utility that helps in verifying your startup disk, cleaning up system files, and tweaking hidden settings within Apple applications, which could contribute to smoother performance. Interestingly, I stumbled upon a helpful tip that resolved the quirky emailing behavior I had been experiencing.

A client faced a similar issue, and despite trying various fixes, we eventually found a solution. By navigating to Mail Settings, then Composing, and checking the spelling option, we discovered that it was set to ‘when you click send.’ Changing it to ‘never’ or ‘as you type’ resolved the problem in an instant.

The issue was reproducible, serving as an intriguing bug. Over the past two weeks, I’ve made several calls to Apple Support, but I’ve received no effective solutions.

However, the tip that worked for me was immediately effective!

I own a 2018 Intel Mac mini with a T2 chip. It comes equipped with a 256 GB internal SSD, which is non-upgradable. Unfortunately, this storage is nearly full, and I’ve found it challenging to delete unnecessary files.

My Adobe applications, Parallels, and the contents of my user folder consume a significant portion of the space. Additionally, I have noticed that the Apple “System Data” is taking up around 58.49 GB, which I cannot seem to remove. Currently, I’m running macOS Monterey 12.5.1 on this device.

To address the storage issue, I recently purchased a 1TB Samsung external SSD, which connects via USB-C.

Now, I am contemplating whether to run my entire operating system off the external SSD or simply relocate my user folder to it. I have prior experience with running a user folder on an external drive, and I found that it occasionally felt buggy. Therefore, I’m seeking practical insights regarding either setup from those who have tried it.

Would transferring the user folder alleviate the storage problem while maintaining system performance, or would it be more effective to operate the entire system from the external SSD? I would greatly appreciate any real-world experiences or advice regarding these options. Thanks for your help!

Doug

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Build Number: 25A5306g

Apple Silicon System Firmware Version: 13822.0.194.0.3

T2 BridgeOS System Firmware Version: Pending

The absence of the update in Settings may be due to Apple not releasing Rosetta 26 Beta 3 at this time. If you have Rosetta installed, you will need to delete it to access the update. New Features & Changes: Users are encouraged to contribute by pressing “Edit” at the bottom of this post to share any new findings.

Resolved Issues: No specifics listed. Users can report issues by clicking “Edit.” New and Remaining Issues: Users can identify and add any encountered problems by using the “Edit” button.

Untested Issues: There are known potential issues, including alarm notifications not playing when the display has been asleep for an extended duration (FB10086690). To temporarily resolve this, adjust your display settings in Settings > Lock Screen to prevent the display from sleeping. This issue has persisted since macOS 13.0.

Additional Notes: This is a DEVELOPER BETA, and it is recommended to install it on a second device or separate volume, as it is not suitable for everyday use and certain applications may not function properly. Memory management can be problematic across all operating systems. If you suspect a memory leak, restarting your device can often alleviate the issue.

When a new macOS version is released, all existing issues are categorized as “Untested” until validated. Any issue remaining in the “Untested” category for three releases will be removed from future threads. macOS 26 Tahoe will utilize a Delta Update for installation, which means it cannot be installed using an installer.

Supported devices include recent models of MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. Unsupported devices will not receive this update. Users seeking to run macOS 26 on older Macs should refer to relevant discussions for guidance.

When a key is continuously held down on a Mac, an interesting phenomenon occurs—CPU usage can increase significantly over time. I have observed that after about 20 minutes of holding a key, the CPU can utilize nearly an entire core. While I lack the patience to test how long it would take to max out all available cores, I have managed to push the CPU usage to approximately 400% simply by keeping a key pressed.

This rise in CPU usage raises a question: What is macOS doing in the background as the key remains pressed? It seems evident that the operating system is engaged in processing the increasingly lengthy “word” generated by each keystroke. However, the specifics of this process are not immediately clear.

As the key is held down, macOS appears to be accumulating the input over time, effectively creating a string of repeated characters. This ongoing input may lead to a series of actions that the system must handle as the word grows longer, increasing the demand on CPU resources. The sustained input requires continuous processing, including managing character encoding, updating the display, and potentially triggering additional functions or applications that rely on keyboard input.

Overall, it’s intriguing to consider how a simple action like holding down a key can place such a load on the CPU. It highlights the complexities of how operating systems manage input and the resources needed to maintain responsiveness and functionality in user interaction scenarios.

I am excited to announce that after five months of hard work, my first app, RM2000 Tape Recorder, is now available on the Mac App Store! RM2000 Tape Recorder simplifies audio sampling.

Users can easily record sound, assign a title and tags, and the file is instantly saved for use in any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or production software. The idea for the app came to me one night while making music.

I wanted to capture a sample from a YouTube video, but the process was cumbersome. I had to configure Screenflow, set up desktop recording, crop the audio, export it as an mp4, and then convert it to mp3.

I realized there had to be a more efficient way, so I created this app to streamline the process. The app has been a game-changer for my workflow, especially when I listen to college radio and hear something that sparks my creativity.

I often want to quickly record a snippet for future reference, and with RM2000 Tape Recorder, I can do just that. It functions similarly to the tools and services I often use, such as PureRef, Are.na, and Pinterest, but for audio.

I dedicated a significant amount of time to the app’s design. My first computer was an iBook G4 running Tiger when I was in first grade, and that nostalgia influenced my design choices.

I believe that user interface design peaked during that era, and I wanted to reflect that in RM2000 Tape Recorder. Thank you for your time!

I welcome any questions, concerns, or feedback. I look forward to sharing more about my project, and I have included some screenshots for you to check out!

Hello everyone,

A question recently came up that I think many Mac users might find relevant. Just like in Windows, where you can delete temporary files and clear cache to improve system performance, is there a similar option in macOS? Additionally, is it really necessary to perform such actions on a Mac? The answer is yes; there are ways to free up space and enhance your Mac’s responsiveness.

While macOS typically manages storage effectively on its own, occasional maintenance can still help optimize performance. Clearing cache files and temporary files can lead to a snappier experience, especially if you have not done it in a while. If you’re looking for applications to help with this task, there are several options available. The most popular choices include CleanMyMac, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools for cleaning up system junk, and OnyX, a free utility that provides more in-depth maintenance features.

These apps enable users to safely remove unnecessary files and optimize their systems. In conclusion, while macOS generally handles storage and performance efficiently, utilizing third-party apps can still aid in maintaining your device. Regularly reviewing and clearing out unnecessary files could lead to a more responsive system and ultimately improve your overall experience. If you have any recommendations or experiences with such apps, feel free to share!

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago, I purchased my first Mac, specifically a Mac Mini M4. Since then, I’ve been getting familiar with its features and capabilities. One of the first things I did was set up Time Machine for hourly backups on an external SSD. It’s great to know that my data is being backed up regularly.

I have a question regarding backups within macOS. Apart from Time Machine, does macOS perform any automatic backups or snapshots on its own? I’m curious whether there are built-in features for data protection that I should be aware of. Thank you for any insights you can provide!

I recently encountered a significant system issue with my MacStudio, which ultimately forced me to perform a complete system wipe and reinstall from a Time Machine backup using the Migration Assistant. However, this process has inadvertently broken ApplePay on my device.

After contacting Apple Support, I opened an AppleCare+ case and received two potential solutions. The options presented to me are as follows: first, I could wipe the system again and manually transfer my files without using the Migration Assistant.

Second, I could choose to wait and hope for a future software update that resolves the ApplePay issue. Having been a long-time user of macOS for over 15 years and accumulated numerous updates and upgrades, I realize that my system might contain a lot of unnecessary software.

This awareness leads me to consider whether a fresh start might actually be beneficial in the long run. As I weigh my choices, I’m eager to hear from the community regarding which path would be less painful or if contemplating these options is misguided.

In my exploration of potential solutions, I’ve come across various tools and methods including Arq, SuperDuper, Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC), and Time Machine’s drag-and-drop feature. Despite the potential inconvenience of these methods, I feel compelled to gather as much information as possible before proceeding.

In conclusion, while I recognize this might create more trouble than it’s worth, I’m facing the choice between a drastic solution and waiting indefinitely for a fix. I appreciate any insights or experiences you may share on this matter.

Thank you!

The second developer beta of macOS Tahoe has been released for testing, introducing several new features and modifications for Mac users. One of the notable changes is the redesign of the Finder app icon. In the first beta, the colors of the icon were inverted, leading to some user dissatisfaction.

Apple has responded to this feedback by restoring the iconic design in the latest beta, much to the relief of its users. In addition, the Migration Assistant app icon has also received a refreshing update. This redesign maintains the trend of visual improvements across the operating system.

Another significant update is the addition of a “Show menu bar background” option under the System Settings for the menu bar. In previous versions, Apple had removed the frosted background by default as part of the Liquid Glass redesign. This new option allows users to revert to the frosted style if they prefer.

The beta also introduces AirPods beta firmware updates directly accessible from a Mac. Users can enroll their AirPods for beta testing by connecting them to their Mac and navigating to the Bluetooth settings in System Settings. This feature will soon be expanded to include public betas starting in July.

Apple’s release notes highlight other changes, including the new Recovery Assistant feature, designed to aid users experiencing startup issues. Additionally, a notification feature has been added to inform users when their Macs have received updates. Developers can now test their apps without dependency on Rosetta 2, which will be phased out starting with macOS 28.

The public beta of macOS Tahoe is expected to launch in July, with a general release anticipated in September.

Apple is set to enhance user experience across its devices with the introduction of the Phone app in iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. This marks the first time Apple’s Phone app will be available on these platforms, allowing users to make phone calls from their iPads and Macs via Wi-Fi calling features.

While it might seem unusual for these devices to have a dedicated Phone app, this functionality opens up new communication avenues for users. The Phone app on both iPad and Mac integrates all incoming calls, voicemails, contacts, and FaceTime calls, mirroring the features of the iPhone’s Phone app.

Notable new functionalities include Call Screening, where unknown callers are prompted to identify themselves before the call is connected, allowing users to filter calls effectively. Another highlight is the Live Translation feature, which provides real-time translations between users speaking different languages.

Additionally, Hold Assist is an innovative feature that keeps the user’s place in line when on hold, notifying them when an agent is available. These features operate through Apple’s Continuity system, which ensures seamless interoperability between devices.

Developers can access these updates now, with public betas expected in July and a full launch in September. In related news, rumors are circulating regarding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with expected changes including an aluminum frame instead of titanium.

Meanwhile, iOS 26 introduces an opt-in Adaptive Power Mode, enhancing battery life through minor performance adjustments. As developments unfold in Apple’s product lineup, anticipation continues to grow among technology enthusiasts.