How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

Mac App Store is the simplest way to find and download apps for your Mac. To download apps from the Mac App Store, you need a Mac with OS X 10.6.6 or later. Mac apps have been around for decades. They've included the giants of the industry like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, the best of the best of indie software developers like Bungie and Omni Group, and of course Apple's own apps like iWork and iLife, and pro apps like Final Cut, Logic, and Aperture. Traditionally they were sold on floppy disks and later CDs.

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
   
2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
   
3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How to get updates for earlier macOS versions

If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:

1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
4. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.

To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.

* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu  > Software Update.

How to get updates for iOS

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.

Learn more

• Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
• Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
• You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
• Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.

Mac apps have been around for decades. They've included the giants of the industry like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, the best of the best of indie software developers like Bungie and Omni Group, and of course Apple's own apps like iWork and iLife, and pro apps like Final Cut, Logic, and Aperture. Traditionally they were sold on floppy disks and later CDs and DVDs. Now we're in the age of downloads. Traditionally they were sold on a company by company basis. Now we're in the age of the Mac App Store. All that history, all that diversity, all that power can make Mac apps even more complicated to choose between. There aren't as many Mac apps as there are iOS apps, but there's just as much variety and maybe more. If you're new to the Mac, how do you figure out which OS X apps you need to download immediately? If you're a seasoned Mac pro but are looking for something specific for work or for play, for school or for fun, how do you know which app is the very best?

In short — you look here. Based on years of experience and countless tests and comparisons, these are the apps and games we consider must-haves and recommend you download now. These are the best apps for the Mac.

2015 Mac Books

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