macOS 26 (Tahoe): Electron apps reported to cause performance issues

Since the rollout of macOS 26 (Tahoe), a growing number of users have reported performance slowdowns when running certain Electron-based applications. Affected apps frequently mentioned include 1Password, Dropbox, Discord and Visual Studio Code. Reports say the apps can feel sluggish or unresponsive even when they appear idle in the background and Activity Monitor shows low CPU usage.

The issue appears to be linked to how some Electron apps interact with the new macOS runtime or hardware features, though definitive technical causes and an official fix have not been universally reported yet. Developers and users are troubleshooting with temporary workarounds while monitoring for updates.

What users are seeing

• App UI stutters or input lag when switching back to an Electron app.
• Delays in background tasks despite low reported system load in Activity Monitor.
• Some apps may consume more power or feel less responsive after the macOS update.

Suggested steps to try

• Make sure macOS is updated to the latest build (Apple often ships minor patches after major releases).
• Update affected apps to their newest versions — many developers publish macOS fixes quickly.
• Restart the Mac and test in Safe Mode to see if third-party extensions contribute to the problem.
• Try disabling hardware acceleration in app settings (common in Electron/Chromium apps) as a temporary workaround.
• Check Activity Monitor for energy or disk‑related spikes, and consider resetting app preferences or reinstalling the app.
• Report the issue to the app developer with repro steps and system logs to speed debugging.

Why developers and IT teams should care

Electron is a widely used cross-platform framework; many productivity and collaboration tools rely on it. Persistent performance regressions can affect user productivity and IT deployments — particularly in workplaces that standardize on a set of Electron apps.

Where to find more information

For background on Electron, see the official site: Electron. For general macOS support and updates, check Apple’s support pages: Apple Support. If you’re diagnosing performance, Apple’s Activity Monitor documentation can help: Activity Monitor guide.

Bottom line: If you updated to macOS Tahoe and use Electron apps heavily, watch for lag and keep apps and macOS patched. Temporary workarounds exist, but a permanent fix may require updates from app developers or Apple.

Discussion: Have you noticed performance issues with Electron apps after updating to macOS 26? What fixes or workarounds helped you?