My Macbook pro M4 Pro Max has become unusable after updating to Tahoe. It runs out of application memory when performing super-simple tasks. Seems to be a memory leak. Should I downgrade? Or what's the solution for this?
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.1
Re: "Macbook pro M4 Pro Max running out of application memory after upgrading to Tahoe. It runs out of application memory when performing super-simple tasks. Seems to be a memory leak.
Tahoe was a major upgrade, and much re-indexing etc., may be going on in the background to complete the upgrade process ... using memory and power etc.
If more than a few days have elapsed after upgrading, and you haven't already: You could try restarting Mac (Apple menu > Restart) deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes etc, and often rtores order if something is not working as expoected..
Else: Wondering whether your Mac's remaining memory / storage space is adequate. Eg: A Mac usually needs around 50 Gb free in order to operate smoothly, and perform all the tasks required of it. (Storage space in iCloud is different from Mac storage space.)
If needed: How to: See used and available storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
__________________
Should I downgrade?
Seems the way forward is generally to keep updating / upgrading.
___________________________
Or what's the solution for this?
If Mac is short of storage space ... you may want to back-up files (eg: to an external storage drive) and then delete old, unused, or large files to reclaim space. Tips to : Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support
If it is not the upgrade process completing, or a storage issue ... we need more info. to find out what is causing the problem in order to provide a solution.
One way to find out more: View information about Mac processes in Activity Monitor - Apple Support
If you use third-party (non-Apple) apps on your Mac:
There may be interference issues with your Apple apps.
✽ Unnecessary apps like ad-blockers, virus checkers, cleaners and the like (even VPN) often cause issues. If installed, you can try turning them off (or use uninstallers from their developers) to see if that helps.
✽ Out-of-date browser extensions can also cause issues ... turn off / uninstall / or update if possible.
✽ Ensure no excessive amounts of blocked contacts have accrued from a third-party app.
✽ Any third-party apps you find necessary may need updating in order to remain compatible, and not cause issues:
Re: "Macbook pro M4 Pro Max running out of application memory after upgrading to Tahoe. It runs out of application memory when performing super-simple tasks. Seems to be a memory leak.
Tahoe was a major upgrade, and much re-indexing etc., may be going on in the background to complete the upgrade process ... using memory and power etc.
If more than a few days have elapsed after upgrading, and you haven't already: You could try restarting Mac (Apple menu > Restart) deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes etc, and often rtores order if something is not working as expoected..
Else: Wondering whether your Mac's remaining memory / storage space is adequate. Eg: A Mac usually needs around 50 Gb free in order to operate smoothly, and perform all the tasks required of it. (Storage space in iCloud is different from Mac storage space.)
If needed: How to: See used and available storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
__________________
Should I downgrade?
Seems the way forward is generally to keep updating / upgrading.
___________________________
Or what's the solution for this?
If Mac is short of storage space ... you may want to back-up files (eg: to an external storage drive) and then delete old, unused, or large files to reclaim space. Tips to : Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support
If it is not the upgrade process completing, or a storage issue ... we need more info. to find out what is causing the problem in order to provide a solution.
One way to find out more: View information about Mac processes in Activity Monitor - Apple Support
If you use third-party (non-Apple) apps on your Mac:
There may be interference issues with your Apple apps.
✽ Unnecessary apps like ad-blockers, virus checkers, cleaners and the like (even VPN) often cause issues. If installed, you can try turning them off (or use uninstallers from their developers) to see if that helps.
✽ Out-of-date browser extensions can also cause issues ... turn off / uninstall / or update if possible.
✽ Ensure no excessive amounts of blocked contacts have accrued from a third-party app.
✽ Any third-party apps you find necessary may need updating in order to remain compatible, and not cause issues:
According to that display, adobe Premiere Pro is using more than TWICE the total RAM in your computer (103.51 GB). That seems excessive.
That appears to be an issue related to Adobe Premier Pro.
Thank you for your reply.
I restarted the computer many times, even started it in safe mode.
I have 250 GB of free space on my disk.
My Mac is a MacBook Pro M4 Max - 2TB - 64 GB of memory
I have seen other users complaining about the same problem. And they all got it since upgrading to Tahoe. And that's crazy cause my 5000 dollar computer suddenly became unusable.
Here is a picture of my activity monitor and the running out of application memory message.
This came up just after opening Premiere Pro and starting to import some videos to it. Nothing big or too heavy, just normal workflow for a computer like this.
Is there anything else I could do besides downgrading? ... I'm very disappointed with this Tahoe problem, what an error it was to "upgrade" to it.
Thank you kindly for your careful attention, Bioma, and for your thoughtful reply with added info.
Thank you too to Grant Bennet-Alder, for joining the discussion and for pinpointing the imbalance between the RAM requirements of the video- import you attempted on Premiere Pro and the RAM available on the Mac.
Adobe's system requirements for Premiere Pro say 8 Gb RAM minimum 16 GB unified memory recommended.
Wondering if there's an update for Premiere Pro you could install ... eg: the requirements listed (dated 20 Oct 25) relate to recent versions ... up to 24.6.
Macbook pro M4 Pro Max running out of application memory after upgrading to Tahoe.
