Keeping your Mac's software up to date is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your data and your business. Each macOS update patches real security vulnerabilities – sometimes dozens of them.

The window between a patch's release and when attackers begin exploiting unpatched systems can be very short, so Apple distributes important security fixes quickly – particularly when a vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

To keep your devices working without unexpected interruptions, we first test each macOS software update and then schedule it using Apple's Declarative Device Management (DDM).

This gives you the protection of timely updates while ensuring installations happen on a predictable schedule you can count on.

Ahead of the software update deadline, your Mac will notify you of a scheduled update, and you can choose to install it sooner at your convenience.

Typically these macOS software updates are installed automatically on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM local time.

Background Security Improvements

Beyond the updates you see in System Settings, your Mac also automatically receives background security improvements and security-configuration updates that identify malicious software, prevent its installation, and can even remove threats that are already present. Staying current means all of these layers work together as intended.