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wang45
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Music media control keys have 5-15 second delay on MacBook

Hardware I'm Using: MacBook 14'' M4 Pro(Nov 2024), macOS Tahoe V26.6.2


When using Apple Music app with F7, F8, F9 media control keys, there is around 5-15 seconds of delays after pressing the keys. That's said, when a song is playing, no active background apps at all, I pressed F8(start/pause), the longest recorded delay before the song is actually paused is around 15 seconds, which I think should not have happened. Same with F7 and F9.


I also tried on my roommate's MacBook 16'' M4 Max, macOS Tahoe V26.6.2, same issue.


Seems like it's related to either the Apple Music or macOS Tahoe. Can someone help with this?

Posted on Sep 21, 2026 8:17 PM

1 reply

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Sep 21, 2026 9:34 PM in response to wang45

"Apple Music media control keys have 5-15 second delay on MacBook: Hardware I'm Using: MacBook 14'' M4 Pro(Nov 2024), macOS Tahoe V26.6.2". [...]I also tried on my roommate's MacBook 16'' M4 Max, macOS Tahoe V26.6.2, same issue. Seems like it's related to either the Apple Music or macOS Tahoe. Can someone help with this?"

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Seems you Have a Lagging App:


Media Control Keys Not Working:

Are these MP3 Files?

If these are mp3 files, then you should be just fine. But, if iTunes Store purchases, then you should use Family Sharing. Elsewise, having performed a login of your Appel Account on your friend's computer, they'll have to wait unto 90 days until they can log your out, and then associate it to their own Apple Account.


So, what Else To Try:


A. Rebuild the Spotlight index:

Go Here: About Spotlight Indexing and Search Results on Apple Devices - Apple Support. By rebuilding the Spotlight Index, locating items shown be quicker. It might be a few minutes wait.


B. Try Safe Mode:

Boot in Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Login Items do not open at log in, and only necessary items open. Go Here: Start Up your Mac in Safe Mode - Apple Support


C. Upgrade to macOS 27:

  • Start with a Time Machine Backup:

Important: Prior to the update or reinstallation, Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong, doing the install.

  • Then, Perform the Upgrade...
  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Select: System Settings
  3. Click: Software Update Available (Location: Top-left corner of the window, below your name)
  4. Click: Upgrade Now

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256362396