# Mac beachballs or lagging performance? AI photo scanning may be the reason

> Source: <https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/03/mac-beachballs-or-lagging-performance-ai-photo-scanning-may-be-the-reason/>
> Published: 2026-06-03 11:30:33+00:00

Some users are experiencing beachballs or lagging performance on their [Macs](https://9to5mac.com/guides/mac/) on [macOS 26.5](https://9to5mac.com/guides/macos-26-5/), and it seems the culprit may be [Apple Intelligence](https://9to5mac.com/guides/apple-intelligence/) photo scanning in the background.

High battery usage also appears to be an issue for some of those seeing these symptoms …