Experiencing sudden app crashes can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it affects daily productivity tools like Chrome, Microsoft Teams, or Upwork Desktop. Many users with Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, and M3 series) have reported frequent crashes of Chromium-based applications immediately after updating to the latest version of macOS. If you’re one of the affected users, this article will walk you through the root causes, troubleshooting steps, and potential permanent fixes for this issue.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
After updating to the latest macOS version, many M-Series Mac users faced unexpected crashes in Chromium-based apps including Chrome, Teams, and Upwork. The issue is primarily related to compatibility conflicts between Chromium architecture and macOS updates, particularly on ARM-based (Apple Silicon) systems. Workarounds include disabling certain experimental browser flags, switching to Rosetta mode, or reinstalling specific versions. A definitive solution often appears with future patches, but temporary fixes can restore basic functionality.
Understanding the Problem
Shortly after recent macOS updates—often to versions like macOS Ventura or Sonoma—users of Apple Silicon devices began reporting issues across various Chromium-powered applications. These apps include but are not limited to:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Teams (newer versions based on Chromium)
- Upwork Desktop App
A common symptom includes applications unexpectedly closing upon launch or during use, often without an error message or with crash logs showing GPU or rendering process failures. This issue seems isolated primarily to M1, M2, and M3 Macs running Apple-native (ARM64) versions of these apps.
Why Is This Happening?
The crash issues often stem from compatibility changes in how macOS handles rendering processes with hardware acceleration on ARM-based chips. Because Chromium is a large, constantly evolving project, certain beta or recently implemented features clash with Apple’s latest APIs or deprecate functionality that older builds depended on.
Additionally, Chromium-based apps may not always be immediately optimized for brand-new macOS versions. For users who adopt system updates early, a lag in compatibility updates can foster problems like app instability or crashes.
Immediate Fixes and Workarounds
If you’re affected by these crashes, don’t panic—there are both temporary and more stable solutions available. Some will restore immediate functionality, while others are more strategic long-term fixes.
1. Run the App Using Rosetta
One effective workaround is to use Rosetta 2, Apple’s x86-to-ARM translation layer. This allows users to run Intel-based versions of apps on their M-Series Macs. Doing so can resolve incompatibility bugs related to ARM-native execution.
Steps:
- Locate the app in your /Applications folder
- Right-click and select Get Info
- Check “Open using Rosetta”
- Close the info window and relaunch the app
This strategy temporarily circumvents bugs in the ARM branch of Chromium builds.
2. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Another commonly effective fix is turning off hardware acceleration. This prevents the app from using your Mac’s GPU for certain tasks, often eliminating instability introduced by rendering conflicts.
Chrome:
- Open Chrome (use Rosetta if needed)
- Go to chrome://settings
- Scroll down and click Advanced
- Under System, disable “Use hardware acceleration when available”
- Restart the browser
Similar steps can be followed for any Chromium-based app with graphics settings in the preferences menu.
3. Use a Stable or Older Version
Reverting to an earlier version of the crashing application can avoid newly introduced bugs. Most developers host previous app builds or provide direct download links upon request.
Use trusted sources or directly contact support (e.g., Chrome Canary versus Stable version, or Upwork forums) to obtain a version prior to the crash-inducing update. Uninstall your current build completely before installing the older version.
4. Launch in Incognito or Guest Mode
Sometimes, faulty configurations or plugins cause the crash, particularly after macOS updates. Opening Chrome or other apps in a temporary user session (like Incognito or Guest mode) can isolate the problem.
- Open Chrome
- Click the Profile icon
- Select Guest or New Incognito Window
If it works normally in Guest mode, try disabling extensions or resetting user profile data.
Advanced Technical Fixes
For users comfortable accessing deeper configurations, these fixes may solve persistent crash issues:
Clear User Data and Cache
Corrupted cache or preference files often prevent Chromium-based apps from launching properly. Here’s how to clear them:
- Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/
- Delete the folder corresponding to your app (e.g., Google/Chrome)
- Empty the Trash
- Reboot your Mac and relaunch the app
Note: You’ll lose settings, so back up bookmarks and extensions if needed.
Modify Chromium Launch Flags
Developers can experiment with launching Chromium-based apps using flags:
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --disable-gpu --disable-software-rasterizer
This disables GPU processes known for causing render crashes.
Permanent Solutions
Eventually, developers of Chrome, Teams, and Upwork release patches that accommodate new macOS versions. Always keep an eye on:
- App’s official release notes
- Developer forums
- System updates (macOS patches often fix third-party compatibility issues)
Make systematic updates a habit, but wait a few days after release to confirm stability via community feedback.
Prevention Strategies for the Future
To avoid running into similar problems after future system updates, consider these practices:
- Wait before Updating macOS: Let early adopters test new builds and see if issues arise.
- Use Beta Channels Cautiously: Avoid Canary or Beta versions of Chromium apps on production devices.
- Regular Backups: Time Machine or cloud backups let you easily revert if an update breaks critical apps.
FAQ
Q: Why do Chromium-based apps crash only on M-Series Macs after macOS updates?
A: Apple Silicon uses a different processor architecture (ARM64), and after updates, certain macOS changes may conflict with how Chromium handles rendering or hardware acceleration. Intel-based Macs often don’t face the same issue due to architectural differences.
Q: Is using Rosetta a permanent fix?
A: No, using Rosetta is a temporary workaround that allows x86 apps to run on ARM hardware. While effective, native performance and features may be limited compared to ARM-native apps.
Q: Can disabling hardware acceleration reduce app performance?
A: Yes, turning off GPU acceleration might cause slower video playback or rendering. However, it’s a fair trade-off for achieving stability until a patch is released.
Q: Is it safe to install older versions of Chrome or Teams?
A: As long as they come from reputable sources (e.g., official archives or trusted mirrors), yes. However, be aware that older versions may lack security patches.
Q: When will a permanent fix be released?
A: There’s no fixed timeline, but app developers typically prioritize issues affecting a large user base. Monitoring official support forums and changelogs is the best way to stay updated.
In conclusion, while the frequent crashing of Chromium-based apps on M-Series Macs can be aggravating, multiple workarounds and preventive strategies are available. From switching temporary execution methods to disabling troubling features, users can find a balance between productivity and system stability until a permanent fix arrives through patches and updates.
