Apple's latest and greatest software update for Mac is out now. If you want to wait for it to automatically update, make sure your Mac is connected to power and be patient. If you just can't wait for all of the new features, here's how to update to the latest macOS version.
Update July 5, 2017: Apple has just released macOS Sierra 10.12.6 beta 6 for developers. If you already have the macOS Sierra beta installed, head to Mac App Store Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for beta 6 to start testing macOS 10.12.6, keep reading and we'll walk you through the setup! Download macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Combo Update – The macOS Sierra 10.12.6 update improves the security, stability, and compatibility of your Mac, and is recommended for all users. This update:: Resolves an issue that prevents making certain SMB connections from the Finder. Fixes an issue that causes Xsan clients to unexpectedly restart when moving a file within a relation point on a Quantum. Oct 18, 2019 Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later. To upgrade from Lion or Mountain Lion, first upgrade to El Capitan, then upgrade to Catalina. To find your macOS version, Mac model, memory, and storage space, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu. If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Catalina, the installer will let you know.
What's new in macOS Catalina:
October 29, 2019: Apple releases macOS Catalina 10.15.1
Apple has released macOS Catalina 10.15.1 to the public. This upate brings new emoji, as well as support for AirPods Pro.
October 21, 2019: Apple releases second macOS Catalina supplemental update
Apple has released a second supplemental update to macOS Catalina. This update fixes a few major bugs, including an issue that prevented people from accepting iCloud terms and conditions when multiple iCloud accounts were logged in, as well as a bug that cause problems with game save data in Game Center.
October 15, 2019: Apple releases macOS Catalina supplemental update
Apple has released a supplemental update to macOS Catalina. This update fixes a few major bugs, including an issue that prevented people from accepting iCloud terms and conditions when multiple iCloud accounts were logged in, as well as a bug that cause problems with game save data in Game Center.
October 7, 2019: Apple releases macOS Catalina
Apple has released macOS Catalina to the public for compatible Macs. Highlights of macOS 10.15 include the breakup of iTunes into separate Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, the introduction of Sidecar for increased interoperability with the iPad, updates to Notes and Reminders, and updates for macOS security
September 26, 2019: Apple releases another macOS 10.14.6 supplemental update with security upgrades
Apple has released another supplemental update to macOS 10.14.6. A minor update, this one contains security upgrades for macOS Mojave ahead of Apple's expected launch of macOS Catalina sometime in October.
August 26, 2019: Apple releases macOS 10.14.6 supplemental update with several bugfixes
Apple has released another supplemental update to macOS 10.14.6. This update fixes a bug that would cause some Mac notebooks to shutdown while asleep, along with bugs that could cause degraded performance while working with large files and an issue that could prevent Apple's Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iMovie, and GarageBand apps from updating.
August 1, 2019: Apple releases macOS 10.14.6 supplemental update with 'wake from sleep' bugfix
Apple has released a supplemental update to macOS 10.14.6. This update contains a fix for a bug found in the 'wake from sleep' feature.
July 22, 2019: Apple releases macOS 10.14.6 update with bug fixes
Apple has released macOS 10.14.6, which contains updates to the News+ experience, as well as a minor slate of bug fixes and performance improvements.
June 13, 2019: Apple releases supplemental macOS 10.14.5 update to fix Boot Camp bug
Apple has released a supplemental update to macOS 10.14.5 for the iMac and Mac mini that addresses a bug that prevented a Boot Camp volume from being created on a Fusion drive-equipped iMac or Mac mini.
May 22, 2019: Apple releases supplemental macOS 10.14.15 update for 2018, 2019 MacBook Pros
Apple has released a supplemental update to macOS 10.14.5, specifically for the 15-inch models of both the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Pro. This update addresses a firmware issue for these two T2-chip-sporting computers.
May 13, 2019: macOS 10.14.5 arrives with AirPlay 2 and News+ improvements
Apple has released macOS 10.14.5, which brings the Apple News+ improvements, as well as AirPlay 2 support for sharing photos, videos, and other media directly with an AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV.
March 25, 2019: macOS 10.14.4 arrives with News+ and automatic dark mode support for Safari
Apple has released macOS 10.14.4, which brings the Apple News+ subscription service to the News app, along with automatic dark mode support for sites that support custom color schemes. This update also brings support for Apple's second-generation AirPods.
January 22, 2019: macOS 10.14.3 arrives with bug fixes and performance improvements
Apple has released macOS 10.14.3, the latest update to Mojave with fixes for some bugs and improved performance.
December 5, 2018: macOS 10.14.2 arrives with bug fixes and performance improvements
Apple has released macOS 10.14.2, the latest update to Mojave with fixes for some bugs and improved performance.
October 30, 2018: macOS 10.14.1 arrives with group FaceTime call, new emoji, and more!
Apple has released macOS 10.14.1, the latest update to Mojave with support for group FaceTime calling, more than 70 new emoji, and more.
September 24, 2018: macOS Mojave is live!
Today, Apple launched the official public release of macOS Mojave, which brings dark mode, a new Mac App Store, desktop icon stacks, new Finder and Preview features, more privacy controls, the Home app for Mac, and a whole lot more. If you're wondering what all is new, we've got all the details.
Here's Apple's summary:
macOS Mojave delivers new features inspired by its most powerful users but designed for everyone. Stay focused on your work using Dark Mode. Organize your desktop using Stacks. Experience three new built-in apps. And discover new apps in the reimagined Mac App Store.
Dark Mode
- Experience a dramatic new look for your Mac that puts your content front and centre while controls recede into the background.
- Enjoy new app designs that are easier on your eyes in dark environments.
Desktop
- View an ever-changing desktop picture with Dynamic Desktop.
- Automatically organize your desktop files by kind, date or tag using Stacks.
- Capture stills and video of your screen using the new Screenshot utility.
Finder
- Find your files visually using large previews in Gallery View.
- See full metadata for all file types in the Preview pane.
- Rotate an image, create a PDF and more — right in the Finder using Quick Actions.
- Mark up and sign PDFs, crop images, and trim audio and video files using Quick Look.
Continuity Camera
- Photograph an object or scan a document nearby using your iPhone, and it automatically appears on your Mac.
Mac App Store
- Browse handpicked apps in the new Discover, Create, Work and Play tabs.
- Discover the perfect app and make the most of those you have with stories, curated collections and videos.
iTunes
- Search with lyrics to find a song using a few of the words you remember.
- Start a personalized station of any artist's music from the enhanced artist pages.
- Enjoy the new Friends Mix, a playlist of songs your friends are listening to.
Safari
- Block Share and Like buttons, comment widgets and embedded content from tracking you without your permission with enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
- Prevent websites from tracking your Mac using a simplified system profile that makes you more anonymous online.
Stocks
- Create a customized watchlist and view interactive charts that sync across your Mac and iOS devices.
Voice Memos
- Make audio recordings, listen to them as you work with other apps, or use them in a podcast, song or video.
- Access audio clips from your iPhone on your Mac using iCloud.
Home
- Organize and control all of your HomeKit accessories from your desktop.
- Receive real-time notifications from your home devices while you work.
August 28, 2018: Apple releases second supplemental macOS update for 2018 MacBook Pro
The latest update to macOS 10.13.6 addresses reliability and stability issues in macOS running on the 2018 MacBook Pro.
July 24, 2018: Apple releases a supplemental update for macOS 10.13.6 to fix thermal throttling issues in 2018 MacBook Pro
The latest update to macOS 10.13.6 fixes a bug that caused the thermal management system in the new MacBook Pro models to drive down clock speeds under heavy thermal load in a way that was unintended by Apple.
How to download and install macOS updates
- Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.
- Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- Click Software Update.
- Click Update Now next to the macOS update.
- Your Mac will need to restart after the download has been installed, so make sure you save your progress for any program you are currently working in.
How to turn on automatic updates
You don't have to manually update macOS every time a new one launches. You can turn on automatic updates and it will download in the background.
- Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.
- Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- Click Software Update.
- Tick the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
Any macOS download or install questions?
Let us know in the comments!
Apple's Latest Software Updates
Main
Apple ArcadeSTELA for Apple Arcade is a shallow, sadistic, totally fun game
Can you outrun killer dark shadows? Take leaps of faith into the unknown? Traverse a world where nothing is what it seems? STELA will test your mettle.
So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.
A list of all Mac OS X versions
We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.
Cheetah 10.0 | Puma 10.1 | Jaguar 10.2 |
Panther 10.3 | Tiger 10.4 | Leopard 10.5 |
Snow Leopard 10.6 | Lion 10.7 | Mountain Lion 10.8 |
Mavericks 10.9 | Yosemite 10.10 | El Capitan 10.11 |
Sierra 10.12 | High Sierra 10.13 | Mojave 10.14 |
Catalina 10.15 |
STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation
Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.
Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:
- Uninstall large unused apps
- Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
- Locate the biggest files on your computer:
Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)
STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download
Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.
How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store
If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:
- Click the App Store icon.
- Click Purchases in the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
- Click Download.
This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.
Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer
If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.
Purchase an older version of Mac operating system
You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.
Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.
How to get macOS El Capitan download
Virus cleaner for mac free. If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:
1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”
If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. Office for mac. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.
But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.
After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.
STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive
The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.
- Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
- Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
- Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
- Select external drive as a source.
- Enter your Apple ID.
Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.
- Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
- Connect the external drive.
- Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.
Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.
How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions
If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina
Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).
Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version
If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.