# Backup Bugs in macOS 15.2 Sequoia: An In-Depth Look at the Problems Impacting Time Machine and Third-Party Tools
The launch of macOS 15.2 Sequoia has introduced a range of unforeseen difficulties, especially relating to backup capabilities. Users have reported notable problems with Apple’s Time Machine as well as well-known third-party programs like SuperDuper and Carbon Copy Cloner. This article delves into the characteristics of these issues, their ramifications, and the broader landscape of backup dependability on Mac computers.
## The Rise of Backup Challenges
Initially, reports suggested that the difficulties were mainly affecting bootable backups. However, as more users started encountering issues, it became evident that these bugs could be more extensive, potentially affecting various forms of backups on Mac systems.
### SuperDuper: The First to Sound the Alarm
The complications began with SuperDuper, a renowned backup tool created by Shirt Pocket. Traditionally, SuperDuper has depended on its own code to generate bootable backups of Mac drives. However, after Apple’s choice to confine developers to utilizing its own replication functionality, SuperDuper found itself reliant on Apple’s code.
Following user reports of failed bootable backup creations, Shirt Pocket investigated and discovered that the problem lay within Apple’s replication code implemented in macOS 15.2. According to the company, the failure happens near the conclusion of the replication process, especially when the system tries to copy the Preboot or Recovery volumes. This results in a “Resource Busy” error, which could previously be alleviated by keeping the system awake. Unfortunately, the new bug renders this workaround useless, leading to a total failure in the backup operation.
> “macOS 15.2 was launched a few days ago, and it came with a surprise. A horrible, dreadful surprise. Apple broke the replicator,” Shirt Pocket remarked in their blog.
The repercussions of this bug extend beyond singular users, as it has also been noted to impact bootable backups to Synology NAS devices, suggesting a wider effect on backup solutions.
### The Broader Effect on Time Machine and Carbon Copy Cloner
As events unfolded, users of Carbon Copy Cloner began to report related issues. While Carbon Copy Cloner is built to facilitate bootable backups, users discovered that even non-bootable Time Machine backups were failing. One user expressed frustration that their entire backup history was lost due to the faulty Time Machine.
> “macOS 15.2 disrupts Time Machine backups. A friend had his whole backup history erased by Time Machine,” a user noted on social media.
Curiously, these issues seem especially pronounced on Apple Silicon Macs, raising concerns about the compatibility and dependability of backup solutions on newer systems.
## The Significance of Reliable Backups
The dependability of backup systems is vital for users who rely on their Macs for both personal and professional purposes. The inability to create effective backups can lead to significant data loss, which can be catastrophic for both individuals and businesses.
As users navigate these challenges, skepticism regarding Apple’s backup infrastructure has emerged. With third-party developers like Shirt Pocket and Bombich Software (creators of Carbon Copy Cloner) facing constraints on their ability to offer strong solutions, users find themselves at the mercy of Apple’s updates.
## Conclusion and Future Directions
Currently, Apple has not publicly acknowledged the problems related to the backup bugs in macOS 15.2 Sequoia. Users are advised to remain alert and to consider alternative backup options until a resolution is provided.
For those depending on Time Machine and third-party programs, it might be wise to look into additional backup methods or to keep manual backups of essential data until the situation improves.
In the realm of technology, where data integrity is critical, the recent occurrences surrounding macOS 15.2 serve as a vivid reminder of the necessity for reliable backup systems and the potential fallout when they fail.
Stay tuned for updates as we anticipate a response from Apple regarding these pressing issues.
