macOS 15.2 Bug Disables SuperDuper Bootable Backups

Apple’s latest macOS Sequoia 15.2 update has introduced a significant issue impacting the widely used backup tool SuperDuper, according to Shirt Pocket Software’s lead developer, Dave Nanian.

As reported by MacRumors, this bug prevents SuperDuper from creating bootable backups, leaving many macOS users searching for alternative backup solutions for reliable system recovery.

The issue occurs during the final stages of the backup process, where an error labeled “Resource Busy” blocks the copying of critical system preboot or recovery files. This malfunction deviates from previous minor issues with SuperDuper, which could often be resolved by keeping the system awake during backup operations.

Instead, this bug appears to stem from deeper issues within Apple’s operating system framework. The root cause lies in Apple’s decision to limit third-party backup utilities from directly replicating macOS files.

In recent macOS iterations, Apple required tools like SuperDuper to rely on its proprietary system replication frameworks. However, in macOS 15.2, these internal tools have become unreliable, leaving applications like SuperDuper incapable of generating complete, bootable system backups.

Despite the setback, Shirt Pocket offers a partial workaround for affected users. By enabling the “Backup – all files” option with “Smart Update” mode in SuperDuper, users can create backups that include applications, data, and settings. However, these backups won’t produce a bootable drive.

Shirt Pocket has filed an official bug report with Apple, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. However, since the problem originates within Apple’s system-level tools, there is little third-party developers like Shirt Pocket can do to implement their own fixes.

The bug not only affects SuperDuper but potentially impacts other backup utilities that rely on Apple’s replication tools. It remains to be seen how quickly Apple will resolve the issue and restore full backup functionality.