macOS Sequoia 15.2 Breaks SuperDuper Bootable Backups
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Apple's latest macOS Sequoia 15.2 update has introduced a
critical bug that prevents the popular backup utility
SuperDuper from creating bootable backups, according to
the app's chief developer, Shirt Pocket's Dave Nanian.

The issue stems from a "Resource Busy" error that occurs
during the final stages of the backup process when
attempting to copy system preboot or recovery files. While
similar errors in the past could be resolved by keeping
the system awake during backup, Ninian reports that this
new bug appears to be more fundamental.

The problem originates 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. With these tools now malfunctioning
in macOS 15.2, SuperDuper and potentially other backup
utilities are unable to create complete bootable backups.

As a temporary workaround, SuperDuper users can still back
up their applications, data, and settings using the app's
"Backup - all files" option with "Smart Update" enabled.
However, this method won't create a bootable backup that
can be used for immediate system recovery.

Shirt Pocket has filed a bug report with Apple and is
awaiting a resolution, but Nanian is keen to emphasize that
since the issue lies within 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 potential for other undiscovered issues.

<https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/17/macos-15-2-breaks-superduper-bootable-backups/>