Tim Hardwick
Apple's latest macOS Sequoia 15.2 update contains a critical bug that prevents the popular backup utility SuperDuper from creating bootable backups, according to the app's lead developer Dave Nanyan of Shirt Pocket.
The issue is caused by a “Resource Busy” error that occurs during the final stages of the backup process when attempting to copy pre-boot or system restore files. While similar errors could be resolved in the past by keeping the system active during the backup, Ninian reports that this new bug appears to be more fundamental.
The issue stems from Apple's earlier decision to restrict third-party apps from directly copying the operating system, instead requiring them to use Apple's own replication tools. Since those tools are now broken in macOS 15.2, SuperDuper and potentially other backup utilities are unable to create full bootable backups.
As a workaround, SuperDuper users can still back up their apps, data, and settings using the app's “Backup All Files” option with “Smart Update” enabled. However, this method will not create a bootable backup that can be used to immediately restore your system.
Shirt Pocket has filed a bug report with Apple and is awaiting a resolution, but Nanyan points out that since the issue is with Apple’s system components, third-party developers cannot implement their own fixes.
The timing of this bug is particularly concerning for users who rely on bootable backups as part of their data protection strategy, especially given the recent release of macOS 15.2 and the possibility of other undetected issues. Are you affected by this bug? Let us know in the comments.
Related Review: macOS SequoiaRelated Forum: macOS Sequoia[ 76 comments ]
