Sonoma cursor transparency issue

I have a 2023 16" MacBook Pro M2 Max with 64GB memory and am running Sonoma 14.2.1 but I recall this issue happening with previous versions of Sonoma.


The issue: If I let my computer's battery run out, upon plugging in and restarting my cursor seems to be slightly transparent, i.e., the white outline (which makes it easier to follow on my 'night mode' display) drifts to grey/transparent.


I have tried adjusting settings under System Settings> Accessibility> Display for both pointer size and pointer colours and then resetting them, but the bug still occurs. Once I have restarted the computer the cursor works like 'normal' again. However, once I unplug my laptop the cursor drifts into transparency again.


I would like to keep the default size cursor and no-transparency, but this doesn't seem to possible without restarting (an annoyance more than an issue). I have tried adjusting other settings (increase contrast, reduce transparency, differentiate without colour) but nothing works. I have also noticed that playing with accessibility settings for pointer size, specifically going larger, makes the cursor back to non-transparent, but going back to smaller makes it transparent again.


So, any explanations or fixes? Have I missed a setting somewhere?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.2

Posted on Feb 13, 2024 8:36 AM

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7 replies

Feb 13, 2024 9:37 AM in response to clifford190

Use wrote " I have a 2023 16" MacBook Pro M2 Max with 64GB memory and am running Sonoma 14.2.1 but I recall this issue happening with previous versions of Sonoma "


Would start by updating to Current Sonoma 14.3.1


Keep your Mac up to date


Apple security releases


Then Test if this issue persists


User wrote " The issue: If I let my computer's battery run out, "


An aside and in friendly manner.


Letting the Battery to get that low to shut Off , is doing no good to the battery and may actually shorten its' lifespan


Feb 16, 2024 9:15 AM in response to clifford190

So beyond me to why one would " letting computer run out of battery and then plugged back in "


Then have a few suggestions ;


Start now and open an Apple Support Ticket as they are PAID  Apple Employees to deal will these types of issues . 


Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions


Make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer


Other Locations


 Contact Apple for support and service

Feb 13, 2024 11:04 AM in response to Owl-53

Mac is on auto update. Will manually update later today. No idea why it hasn't auto-updated yet, as I leave my computer on almost all the time (and am in front of it quite a lot, also).


I usually let my battery only get to 3-10% and then recharge, but sometimes I leave it on overnight (unintentionally) and it shuts off. I've read that you should let the computer run on battery every so often rather than keeping it plugged in all the time, so I vacillate between plugged in and letting it run down, as I use my computer mostly at home (though I do take it with at least once or twice a week). But yes, I try not to let it deplete the battery enough to shutdown because this also isn't good for my attached external drives.

Feb 13, 2024 11:12 AM in response to clifford190

clifford190 wrote:

Mac is on auto update. Will manually update later today. No idea why it hasn't auto-updated yet, as I leave my computer on almost all the time (and am in front of it quite a lot, also).

I usually let my battery only get to 3-10% and then recharge, but sometimes I leave it on overnight (unintentionally) and it shuts off.

I've read that you should let the computer run on battery every so often rather than keeping it plugged in all the time,

so I vacillate between plugged in and letting it run down, as I use my computer mostly at home (though I do take it with at least once or twice a week). But yes, I try not to let it deplete the battery enough to shutdown because this also isn't good for my attached external drives.


I would not let it run down past 20% +



Note the rule of thumb—if you are near the mains leave it plugged in, if you need the portability then run on the battery only—this is how you help optimize your battery charging and extend the working life of your battery by reducing the cycle count.

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Sonoma cursor transparency issue

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