`OS.create_instance` behaves strangely on MacOS

[zhengxiaoyao0716]

Tested versions

• Reproducible in v4.4.1.stable

System information

Godot v4.4.1.stable - macOS Sequoia (15.5.0) - Multi-window, 1 monitor - Metal (Forward+) - integrated Apple M4 (Apple9) - Apple M4 (10 threads)

Issue description

On my Win11 system, OS.create_instance([]) works fine, basically the same as OS.create_process(OS.get_executable_path(), []).

However, on MacOS, the OS.create_instance([]) method will create a new editor instance, instead of a new game process.

Steps to reproduce

extends Node


func _on_create_instance_pressed() -> void:
	OS.create_instance([scene_file_path])

func _on_create_process_pressed() -> void:
	OS.create_process(OS.get_executable_path(), [scene_file_path])

Minimal reproduction project (MRP)

demo_2025-06-12_02-10-36.zip

[bruvzg]

create_process directly runs the executable in the same working directory as your project, so it can read res:\\ path.

create_instance runs an isolated instance of the GUI app bundle, there's no such thing as working directory for a bundle (ing general bundle can't even know its own path, since Gatekeeper Path Randomization can be active), so it will only accept absolute path when running from editor. res:// path will work after export, since PCK is part of the exported bundle and not a part of the real file system.