Overview
After you move to the unified Apple device management service, you may see notifications and notices you have not encountered before. Updates in the service take a lighter, less intrusive approach. When you see a prompt that an update is available, you may update your device or applications immediately or defer it until a more convenient time.
Information about the new MacOS Update Tool
• 30 days to update your macOS from the time your computer detects a new update from Apple
• Unlimited deferrals within the 30-day period
• Delay notifications for: 4 hours, 1 day, or 3 days (until your 30-day deferral period has ended)
• A date and time deadline will be provided
• If the timer deferral timer expires and no time was selected, you will automatically defer (*Only if 30-day deferral is not expired)
• Only minor updates are currently being enforced (example: macOS 14.4 => 14.5, not 14 =>15)
Apple Computers with Intel Processors vs. Apple Silicon
Intel
- Apple computers with Intel processors will be automatically updated once they hit the 30-deferral period, if no action is taken.
- You can still choose when to update the operating system within the 30-day period.
Apple Silicon
- Apple computers with Apple Silicon processors will require authentication with their password update their macOS.
- You can still choose when to update the operating system within the 30-day period.
Example notification of a macOS device with an Apple Silicon processor requiring authentication:
Example notification of a macOS device with an Apple Silicon processor which either the password was incorrect or the time to enter a password expired:
Insufficient Storage Notification
Update Requires Power Source Notification
Application Installs and Updates:
Third-party applications will be silently patched in the background with no disruption to you. However, if an application has not been patched in over 30 days because it has been continuously open, you will be prompted to close it and the update will be applied. You will have time to save your work before the app is closed.
Check for App Updates (On-demand):
If you would like to proactively check for updates, open the Self-Service Hub. Search for Check for App Updates. This will start a process that looks for third-party application updates that are managed centrally.
You may also check for third-party application updates in the Support Hub located on your Mac’s Menu Bar. Click on the Gig’em icon to open the Support Hub and select the Check for Updates button.
This will open the Self-Service Hub with a pop-up letting you know the process has started. Click Ok.
At the end you will receive a pop-up letting you know the update process is done. Click Ok.
If an application that you currently have open on your computer needs an update, you will get a notification telling you to close the application.
You will be able to save what you are doing before clicking the Quit and Update button. Once you click the button, the update for that application will begin.