MacBook Air (M2, 2023) Randomly Freezes After Sleep – Black Screen with Cursor Only

Since a recent macOS update (around one month ago), I’ve been experiencing a random issue on my MacBook Air (2023, M2). After the device enters sleep mode and I try to wake it, sometimes the screen stays black with only the cursor visible. The issue occurs randomly — not every time — but frequently enough to impact daily use. The system becomes completely unresponsive, and the only recovery method is a forced restart (holding the power button).

Steps to Reproduce: 1. Leave the MacBook idle until it enters sleep automatically. 2. Wait for 10–30+ minutes. 3. Attempt to wake it using the keyboard, trackpad, or by opening the lid. 4. Randomly, the system fails to wake properly: screen turns on, shows a black background with a movable cursor, but nothing else appears.

Expected Result: The system wakes normally and restores to the previous desktop session.

Actual Result: The system randomly freezes on a black screen with a visible cursor. No user interface or login prompt appears. Requires a hard restart.

System Information: • Device: MacBook Air 13”, M2, 2023 • macOS Version: [Insert exact version, e.g., macOS Sonoma 14.5] • Issue Since: Around one month ago (possibly after latest macOS update) • Peripherals: [Mention any external devices if applicable] • Reproducibility: Random (approximately 30–50% of the time after longer sleep)

Additional Notes: • Issue is not consistent; sometimes the system wakes as expected. • Occurs regardless of whether on battery or plugged in. • No external monitors or USB accessories are connected when this happens.

I would recommend submitting a bug report in Feedback Assistant so that your issue gets directed to the Apple engineers.

MacBook Air (M2, 2023) Randomly Freezes After Sleep – Black Screen with Cursor Only
 
 
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