MacBook Pro trackpad haptics not working after Tahoe update

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro trackpad haptics not working after Tahoe update

I'm using a MacBook Pro 13-inch, M1, 2020, Tahoe 26.4.1 (25E253).

Since Tahoe update (not specifically 26.4.1, which didn't solve the problem), the trackpad's haptic feedback has stopped working. All other functions are still working, except for the haptic feedback.

Here’s what’s happening:

- When I run ‘Erase Mac’ from the Support menu, the trackpad works fine until the OS is activated via Wi-Fi.

- I’ve already fully formatted the Mac (for some seconds, I got my trackpad fully working and haptic vibrating as new), but after the OS is activated, the haptic feedback stops working.

- I’ve already performed a DFU Revive from another Mac, but it didn’t solve the problem.

I realise that my trackpad have not a mechanical issue, as it works when I enter the “Erase Mac” menu, and that this maybe be a conflict between the firmware and the new Tahoe update.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 26.4

Posted on Apr 20, 2026 1:56 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 20, 2026 2:54 AM in response to filipe267

Did you try in Safe Mode? Does that work?

Did you try testing in a new user account?

And (sorry if that is too obvious, but...) are you sure that "Force Click and haptic feedback" is turned on?

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

105,845 points

Apr 20, 2026 2:23 AM in response to filipe267

M4 Desktop running Tahoe 26.4.1 so perhaps not a good comparison

On your desktop > > the Apple logo in top left of screen

Hold the “ Option “ key which should add “ System Information “ to the menus

Open System Information

In Left Top of System Information >> “ Hardware “

Then look to the right

I see “ System Firmware Version: 18000.101.7 “

In the same place and again on left

Look for Controller

I see “ Firmware Version: mBoot-18000.101.7 “

In you machine do the Two Firmwares Match and are Identical ?

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

105,845 points

Apr 20, 2026 3:42 AM in response to filipe267

Doing a little more digging on the Firmware issue

On Apple Silicon Macs, the trackpad (including its haptic engine) is controlled by low-level firmware and system controllers.

If there were a real mismatch between system firmware and mBoot, it could lead to odd hardware behaviour, but usually broader than just the trackpad.

A genuine mismatch (rare) is more likely to cause by Boot or startup issues, Sleep/wake problems, USB or peripheral glitches, Power management inconsistencies

A trackpad-only issue (like missing haptic feedback) is usually not the first symptom.

So you might follow the advice from my colleague @ Luis Sequeira1 before venturing down the rabbit hole of Firmware issues

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Answer 4

filipe267 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2026 1:32 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hi, Luis. Thanks for your reply. My first attempts involved going into the trackpad settings, then booting into Safe Mode, then running the Mac hardware test, and everything seemed to indicate that the hardware was fine.

I then reinstalled the Mac without deleting the files, but nothing changed. When I ran Erase Mac, the trackpad worked until the OS booted up via Wi-Fi. Apparently, when the Mac is in a state where the system hasn’t yet loaded or booted up, the trackpad works.

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