MacBook m4 max has basically stopped loading files, using system preferences, etc. since sequoia 15.5 update. What to do?

This is the word from ChatGPT… (system freezes on MacBook Pro M4 Max, the first on the list, is my main issue)


Yes, macOS Sequoia 15.5 has introduced several issues that have been reported by users, particularly those using MacBook Pro models with the M4 Max chip. Here’s an overview of the most common problems and potential solutions:



🖥️ System Freezes and Performance Issues


Some users have experienced system freezes and lag after updating to macOS 15.5. These issues are often linked to the corespotlightd process consuming excessive CPU resources. Apple Support has suggested rebuilding the Spotlight index and reinstalling macOS, but these steps haven’t resolved the problem for all users. 


📄 Application Launch Errors

There have been reports of errors when opening files, such as PDFs, resulting in messages like “The application ‘Preview’ can’t be opened. -36.” This issue persists even when attempting to open files with different applications. A workaround is to open the application first and then access the file from within the app. 


🎶 Audio Production Software Crashes


Users running audio production software like Native Instruments’ Kontakt and Reaktor have reported kernel panics and system crashes on M4 Max Macs with macOS Sequoia. Despite troubleshooting efforts, including reinstalling macOS and testing without external devices, the issue remains unresolved. Native Instruments is investigating the problem in collaboration with Apple. 


🎛️ Logic Pro Stability Issues


Some users have encountered frequent crashes and unresponsiveness in Logic Pro after updating to macOS 15.5. These issues persist despite attempts to resolve them using Disk Utility, Onyx, and OS reinstalls. However, not all users are affected, indicating that the problem may be system-specific. 


🖥️ Display Calibration Fixes


On a positive note, macOS 15.5 addresses previous issues where calibrating displays on 14” or 16” M4 MacBook Pros caused sudden reboots. With this update, users can safely calibrate their screens without encountering crashes. 



🛠️ General Troubleshooting Tips


If you’re experiencing issues after updating to macOS 15.5, consider the following steps:



  1. Rebuild Spotlight Index: Open Terminal and run the command sudo mdutil -E / to rebuild the Spotlight index. 
  2. Reset NVRAM and SMC: Restart your Mac and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds to reset NVRAM. For Intel Macs, reset the SMC as well. 
  3. Check for App Updates: Ensure all your applications are updated to their latest versions, as developers may have released patches for compatibility with macOS 15.5.
  4. Free Up Disk Space: Ensure you have sufficient free disk space, as low storage can lead to performance issues.
  5. Create a New User Account: Set up a new user account to determine if the issue is user-specific. 
  6. Contact Apple Support: If problems persist, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 4, 2025 8:08 AM

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MacBook m4 max has basically stopped loading files, using system preferences, etc. since sequoia 15.5 update. What to do?

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