Doesn't work with macOS Tahoe 26 RC (release candidate)

[jimratliff]

In the release candidate of macOS 26, in Settings » Wallpaper » Screen Saver…, the Matrix effect is clearly working in the preview window.

However, whether I trigger screen saver by either (a) hot corner or (b) passage of time, (a) the screen does darken but (b) the Matrix effect never appears.

[tr1s]

Same here. Hoping for a Tahoe fix!

[danielkimGH]

Observing the same issue on my M2 MacBook Air (macOS 26). I've noticed the screensaver only works once after restarting/turning off-on my laptop but will never work again after that, it'll be a black screen without the falling characters. I do see the animation on the preview window and the option button doesn't work.

I found this Apple developer forum post where they've been discussing this issue since June 2025...🫤

[TheSin-]

I got it working by turning off the legacy fix check mark, but I will admit it only works like 70% of the time. but better than zero.

[vinnytroia]

what "legacy fix" checkmark?

[TheSin-]

[mrkrsl]

No joy on Tahoe 26.1 (25B78). Black screen. I toggled all the settings: Renderer, Options, Glyph size and legacyScreenSaver fix - no luck.

[mrkrsl]

No joy on Tahoe 26.1 (25B78). Black screen. I toggled all the settings: Renderer, Options, Glyph size and legacyScreenSaver fix - no luck.

Follow-up: It does actually work on elapsed time, though the preview doesn't work at all.

[TheSin-]

it's hit an miss, preview is like 10-20% works, normal use is like 80% work. I really need to take the time to debug this I just haven't had time, maybe I can make a PR if I have time.

[jimratliff]

Update (macOS 26.2): The screensaver seems to work fine when trigged by elapsed time, but all I get is a blank screen when I try to trigger the screensaver via hot corner. (When I change the screensaver to "automatic," instead of "custom," the default screensaver does kick in when triggered via hot corner.)

[jgavris]

🙏 Hope to get this back up and running soon, let me know if I can help!