Why you should not install macOS Sonoma 14.4

Since its recent release this month on March 7, the latest macOS update, macOS Sonoma 14.4, has not made it to the limelight owing to a couple of issues which proficient MacBook users have reported to be affecting the performance of their Macs.

Given that, in a bid to tap into those potential reasons, below is the compilation consisting of bugs and errors faced by Mac users after updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and their possible solutions.

Issues found on macOS Sonama 14.4

1. Lost Connectivity with USB hub and monitor ports
2. Java processes terminating unexpectedly
3. Printer drivers removed or corrupted 
4. Audio unit plugins crashing on PACE products 

Lost Connectivity with USB hub and monitor ports

The first issue on the list is the disrupted connectivity with USB Hub and Monitor Ports.

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• Some Mac users reported connectivity issues with USB hubs and monitors with USB ports after they updated to macOS 14.4. Moreover, various other reports have also surfaced, claiming that mice, keyboards, and other peripherals are not being detected on macOS 14.4.
• To cope up with this tiny malfunction, some Mac geniuses have done away and brought a solution to it. The solution requires the setting from "Allow accessories to connect" to "Ask for new accessories" under the Security section of System Settings ➝ Privacy & Security.

Java processes terminating unexpectedly

• Oracle last week brought to light that the macOS 14.4 update may result in Java processes terminating "unexpectedly" on Macs. This issues targets all the Java version, ranging from Java 8 to the early access builds of JDK 22. Unfortunately, no solution to this error has surfaced as of now.
• The only way users could revert back to the previously stable configuration is that they must have full backup of their systems before updating to macOS 14.4.

Printer drivers removed or corrupted

• The macOS Sonama 14.4 is also reportedly removing or corrupting printer drivers. To be more specific, macOS 14.4 is removing the core CUPS software for printing operations.
• The workaround method users have found involves giving Full Disk Access to certain processes in System Settings ➝ Privacy & Security. Note that there's no surety if this solution would work for every user, as it's not an official one.

Audio unit plugins crashing on PACE products

• Mac users have also complained about compatibility issues with PACE products connected to Apple silicon Macs running macOS 14.4, including the iLok License Manager. The issue is primarily targeting plugins from various manufacturers under PACE/iLok protection when used with host DAWs such as Logic Pro, including those made by Universal Audio.
• You can temporarily get rid of this predicament by setting a DAW and the iLok License Manager application to run in Rosetta mode.