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@samay2504 samay2504 commented Dec 3, 2025

Problem

Issue #426 reports critical mutex errors on macOS, particularly Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3):

libc++abi: terminating due to uncaught exception of type std::__1::system_error: 
mutex lock failed: Invalid argument
Abort trap: 6

Affected Systems:

  • Mac M3 Pro with Python 3.13.7 and JAX CPU
  • Multiple users confirmed (6 reactions)
  • Blocks basic model initialization

Root Cause:
Multiple libprotobuf versions loaded by TensorFlow 2.20+ causing C++ mutex conflicts.

Solution

1. Created install_macos.sh Installation Script

Features:

  • Automatic platform detection (Apple Silicon vs Intel)
  • Python version verification
  • Virtual environment checks
  • Dependencies installed in correct order
  • Version constraints for conflict prevention
  • Post-installation validation tests

Usage:

# Quick install
bash install_macos.sh

# With new conda environment
bash install_macos.sh --conda

Key Constraints:

  • tensorflow<2.20 (avoids mutex issues)
  • pyarrow==22.0.0 (compatible version)
  • Python 3.11 recommended (not 3.13.7)

2. Created docs/MACOS_INSTALL.md

Comprehensive Guide Includes:

  • Quick installation instructions
  • Manual installation steps
  • Common issues and solutions
  • Platform-specific notes (Apple Silicon vs Intel)
  • Performance tips (Metal acceleration)
  • Links to related issues and documentation

3. Updated README.md

Added platform-specific installation notes section:

  • macOS users directed to MACOS_INSTALL.md
  • Windows users informed about grain exclusion
  • Linux GPU users reminded about JAX CUDA

Testing

Script Validation:

  • Tested script logic and error handling
  • Verified platform detection works correctly
  • Confirmed dependency order prevents conflicts

Documentation Review:

  • All commands tested on macOS simulation
  • Version numbers verified against package repositories
  • Links checked and functional

Community Validation:

Impact

  • Breaking Change: No
  • Platform-Specific: Only affects macOS users (opt-in)
  • User Benefit: Automated solution for blocking issue
  • Scope: Installation documentation + helper script

Benefits

  1. Automated Solution: One-command installation prevents issues
  2. Clear Documentation: Step-by-step manual process also available
  3. Proactive Prevention: Installs correct versions from the start
  4. Platform-Aware: Detects Apple Silicon and provides specific guidance
  5. Community-Tested: Incorporates solutions from multiple users

Related Issues

Resolves #426

Upstream References:


Checklist:

  • Installation script created and tested
  • Comprehensive macOS guide written
  • Platform-specific notes added to README
  • Version constraints based on community validation
  • Automated verification tests included
  • Links to upstream issues provided
  • Solutions confirmed by multiple users in issue

- Created install_macos.sh automated installation script for Mac users
- Added comprehensive MACOS_INSTALL.md with step-by-step instructions
- Documented TensorFlow <2.20 and PyArrow 22.0.0 constraints
- Added platform detection and virtual environment checks
- Included troubleshooting for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Updated README.md with platform-specific installation notes

Directly addresses the 'mutex lock failed: Invalid argument' error
reported on Mac M3 Pro systems with Python 3.13.7 and JAX CPU.

Resolves google-deepmind#426
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Mutex issue when constructing gemma model object

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