macOS

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MacOS Update

How to update macOS. How to check for macOS versions and update the Mac software. How to check and update macOS for the latest version.

Check for the latest macOS version

The latest Mac operating system is macOS 15 Sequoia (as of September 16, 2024). Wikipedia's macOS history shows version details. Apple has a help article that lists the latest macOS version. A new macOS version is released every year.

See the article

for several ways to check your macOS version.

How to update macOS

See the article

for instructions to update your macOS version.

If you are developing software on the Mac, you should update to the latest macOS version before you:

Before you get started

You'll need a terminal application to use the command line. Apple includes the Mac terminal but I prefer Warp Terminal. Warp is an easy-to-use terminal application, with AI assistance to help you learn and remember terminal commands. Download Warp Terminal now; it's FREE and worth a try.

About macOS

MacOS X, now simply referred to as macOS, has undergone various transformations over the years. Understanding its evolution helps you make informed decisions about updates.

  1. Historical Context:

    • Earlier versions were referred to as Mac OS X (e.g., Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard).
    • With version 10.12, Apple rebranded it to macOS to align with their other product lines (iOS, watchOS, and tvOS).

  2. Updating macOSX:

    • The process for updating has remained largely consistent, involving the steps to check for updates, download, and install as covered in earlier sections.

Update OSX

  1. Terminology:

    • OSX is a legacy term, but you'll still encounter it in some documentation or among long-time Mac users.
    • When discussing updates, "macOS" and "OSX" are essentially interchangeable in modern contexts.

  2. Compatibility:

    • Ensure your device is compatible with new updates. Older Macs may not support the latest macOS versions, so consult Apple’s compatibility lists before updating.

macOS Update Packages

  1. Combo Updates:

    • Combo updates are useful if you’re running an older macOS version and want to update directly without incremental updates.
    • These packages contain all changes from the original version to the latest, ensuring a comprehensive update.

  2. Delta Updates:

    • Delta updates include only the changes made since the last incremental update.
    • Apple Software Update usually handles these updates automatically.

macOS Updates

  1. Security Updates:

    • Apple frequently releases security updates to patch vulnerabilities.
    • Always prioritize installing these updates to keep your Mac secure from threats.

  2. Feature Updates:

    • These updates include new functionalities, apps, and tools designed to improve user experience.
    • Review the release notes to understand the new features.

Mac Updates

  1. App Updates:

    • macOS updates often include updates to built-in apps like Safari, Mail, and Preview.
    • Third-party apps installed through the App Store can be updated from the App Store’s “Updates” tab.

  2. Firmware Updates:

    • Occasionally, Apple releases firmware updates that provide low-level improvements and bug fixes.
    • These may be issued separately or bundled with macOS updates.

Mac Update Versions

  1. Version Naming:

    • macOS versions are named after California landmarks (e.g., Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey).
    • These names correspond to specific version numbers (e.g., macOS 12 Monterey).

  2. Checking Your Version:

    • You can check your current macOS version by clicking the Apple icon  in the top-left corner and selecting “About This Mac.”

  3. Historic Versions:

    • Familiarizing yourself with past macOS versions can be helpful for compatibility and troubleshooting.
      • For example, macOS 10.15 Catalina was a major update that dropped support for 32-bit apps.

How long does a Mac update take?

The time it takes to update your Mac can vary widely based on several factors such as the size of the update, your Internet speed, and the age and performance of your Mac. Full operating system updates that upgrade your Mac from one major version to another (for example, macOS Sonoma to macOS Sequoia) can take several hours.

  • Internet Speed. Faster internet speeds will reduce the time it takes to download the update file. Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible; it’s typically faster and more reliable than wifi.
  • Older Macs. Older Macs with less RAM and slower processors will generally take longer to update.
  • Disk Space. Insufficient disk space can slow down the update process or cause it to fail altogether.
  • Battery Life. Attempting an update on low battery can interrupt the process. Ensure your Mac is plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions.
  • Busy Servers. Apple’s servers may experience high traffic when a new update is released. Wait a few days until the congestion is relieved.

Other Software You May Need

When you update macOS, you may also want to install newer software on your Mac.

You'll need a web browser. You can use Safari, the default browser on the Mac. Developers often install Google Chrome or Firefox. I recommend a newer browser, Arc for its improved interface and AI enhancements.

For developing software on the Mac, I recommend:

What's next

My mac.install.guide is a trusted source of installation guides for professional developers. Take a look at the Mac Install Guide home page for tips and trends and see what to install next.