IDE loses focus to Finder on any breakpoint hit in macOS Tahoe full-screen mode

[mshah21202]

Environment

• OS: macOS 26.3.1 (Tahoe)
• IDE: IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1

Steps to reproduce

1. Run IntelliJ IDEA in native full-screen mode
2. Start a debug session in a Flutter Desktop project
3. Hit a breakpoint

Expected result:

The IDE remains focused.

Actual result:

The IDE window flashes black and macOS switches focus to Finder, requiring a manual click to return. The same behavior occurs on every subsequent step (Step Over, Step Into, etc.).

The Debug tool window still opens on breakpoint hit, but the IDE does not attempt to steal OS-level focus, avoiding the macOS Space switch.

Alternatively, avoid using native macOS full-screen mode.

Attempted Fixes/Workarounds (Unsuccessful)

1. Repair IDE, Invalidate Caches, etc.
2. Restart IDE
3. Restart machine
4. Uncheck "Focus application on breakpoint" & "Show debug window on breakpoint" under Settings | Build, Execution, Deployment | Debugger

Successful Workarounds

1. Don't use native full-screen when using breakpoints

Additional information

• Reproduces when debugging a Flutter/Dart project
• Does NOT reproduce when the IDE is not in full-screen mode

Note about the video: I know it shows an exception being thrown, but it's the same thing as a breakpoint being hit and suspending the program. I reported this problem to IntelliJ's team, and they pointed out it's a Flutter/IntelliJ issue here

Screen.Recording.2026-04-14.at.11.44.41.AM.mov

[helin24]

Super weird! I'm able to reproduce in my environment as well. Looking into it.