diff --git a/macos/Sources/Features/Terminal/BaseTerminalController.swift b/macos/Sources/Features/Terminal/BaseTerminalController.swift
index 51d6a263d..d4b0ac080 100644
--- a/macos/Sources/Features/Terminal/BaseTerminalController.swift
+++ b/macos/Sources/Features/Terminal/BaseTerminalController.swift
@@ -1239,9 +1239,11 @@ class BaseTerminalController: NSWindowController,
             }
         }
 
-        // Becoming/losing key means we have to notify our surface(s) that we have focus
-        // so things like cursors blink, pty events are sent, etc.
-        self.syncFocusToSurfaceTree()
+        // Becoming key can race with responder updates when activating a window.
+        // Sync on the next runloop so split focus has settled first.
+        DispatchQueue.main.async {
+            self.syncFocusToSurfaceTree()
+        }
     }
 
     func windowDidResignKey(_ notification: Notification) {