Apple and other application developers consistently make it easy to discover and install software updates. Outside of the App Store, which manages updates for apps delivered through that channel, there is often a command in the Application menu or Help menu to check for updates. And, operating systems have a place of their own as well.
Many of my clients resist updates because of underlying concerns that significant visual changes will complicate their computing experience. However, updates commonly fix bugs, plug security holes, and add meaningful improvements in device operating systems and applications.
Frequently, installing software updates eliminates annoyances when thorough troubleshooting cannot find any other resolution. Sometimes, a little learning is simply necessary to move forward with confidence.
Client Notes
A couple months ago, I responded to Ilana’s inquiry on Facebook on what new computer to get and encouraged her to buy her first Mac to best satisfy her needs. Incredibly, while in New Orleans 10 days ago, I was able to visit and help them get acquainted.
Last week, I revealed to Rochelle that dirty glasses can cause Face ID to malfunction and recovered over 600GB on Felix’s Mac from old device backups. I also resolved an issue with Lynn’s SpamSieve caused by an incompatibility with Mail’s built-in junk filter and surfaced the app’s own filtering commands.
Software Updates in Settings
In System Settings on Mac and Settings on iPhone and iPad, navigate to General > Software Update. On iPhone and iPad, tap Automatic Updates for specific setting choices. On Mac, click ⓘ or Advanced.
I generally recommend allowing a device to download new OS software updates when available but not install them automatically. I prefer to be in control of installing an update that requires restarting my device.
Additionally, I don’t want my device upgrading to a new major version without my explicit permission, let alone before I complete a backup. My clients often ask me for the go-ahead to install these and I routinely encourage waiting until the first or second minor update comes out.
However, it’s vital to allow your device to automatically install Security Responses and System Files. One of the benefits of this is that it can enable Apple Pay to work on your Mac.
If you see a message on your Mac that “Apple Pay has been disabled because the security settings of this Mac were modified,” try disabling Install Security Responses and System Files, restart your Mac, and enable the setting again, per this discussion thread.
If the setting is already disabled, enable it and restart your Mac to see if Apple Pay works again. Or, install available software updates, too.
App Store Updates
On both Mac and mobile, there is an App Store where you can learn about and install applications reviewed by Apple that adhere to specific standards. In most of the world, this is the only way to install apps on iPhone and iPad.
You can also easily learn about software updates to the extent that developers have chosen to document and share their release notes.
When permitted to check for updates, the App Store does so periodically in the background. However, if you open its Updates screen, it doesn’t instantly refresh its memory.
On Mac:
- Open App Store (such as from menu)
- Go to Updates
- Choose Store > Reload Page or press Command+R
On iPhone and iPad:
- Open App Store
- Tap your profile in the top right
- Pull down on the list of updates and release
It’s usually fine to allow App Store updates to install on their own. On Mac, you can set this in the Software Update settings pane mentioned earlier. On iPhone and iPad, this setting is in Settings > [Apps] > App Store > App Updates.
For all devices, the refresh command or gesture mimics the experience in a web browser, so you can try it out there, too, and see what happens. Also, a shortcut on mobile devices is to long-press the App Store icon and choose Updates from the Quick Action menu.
Updates in Individual Mac Applications
Mac apps not delivered through the App Store generally have their own independent checks for software updates. In most cases, there is a Check for Updates command in the application menu. Sometimes, the developer instead puts this in the Help menu.
Additionally, many apps have a checkbox or other control in their settings to indicate whether they should periodically check for updates. Some can install these automatically in the background, prompt for installation on launch, or sometimes offer to install on quit.
Some folks I know prefer to install all software updates manually so they can read the release notes first. This can be a boon for experts who want to be able to inform users about bug-fixes and new features. For others, simply becoming aware of possible interface changes might settle their fears of increased complications.
However, some apps will stop working if not updated for too long. Therefore, I recommend checking periodically and installing them. If you don’t want to be bothered by this manual experience, you can usually allow updates to occur automatically and consistently welcome newness into your life.
Yet, sometimes update notifications fail and you must still invest in a periodic check of your own and/or use a third-party tool, such as MacUpdater, that handles this for you. This doesn’t check for macOS updates, though, so open Settings once a month and see what’s new. You might even discover other issues that need to be resolved.
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