diff --git a/host/py_module/py_bindings.cpp b/host/py_module/py_bindings.cpp
index f83638e78..dc0db1818 100644
--- a/host/py_module/py_bindings.cpp
+++ b/host/py_module/py_bindings.cpp
@@ -306,6 +306,9 @@ bool soft_deinit_device()
 
 bool deinit_device()
 {
+#ifdef __APPLE__
+    _exit(0); //workaround for Xlink nullptr error on deinit
+#endif
     wdog_stop();       
     g_xlink = nullptr;
     g_disparity_post_proc = nullptr;