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An update is a new minor-version release of your current major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 13.5.26, required OS version is 13.6.1). Apple typically releases new updates roughly every month, though sometimes sooner if urgent security patches are needed.
An upgrade is installing a newer major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 11.7.10, required OS version is 13.6.1). Apple releases a new major macOS version once per year, typically in September or October, but usually releases security patches for its three most recent major macOS versions.
In the screenshots below, the computer on the left needs an update, while the computer on the right needs an upgrade.
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Nudge is currently supported on four macOS versions: 11 (Big Sur), 12 (Monterey), 13 (Ventura), and 14 (Sonoma) when it releases on . However, when with macOS Sonoma is having released on , Apple will is no longer provide providing security updates for macOS 11 (Big Sur), meaning that Big Sur users will now be required to install a newer supported major OS version.
The table below outlines which version you’re required to be on, per Nudge policy:
If your computer uses... | Your required version is... | Update release date | Update deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
macOS 11 (Big Sur) | 14.1 |
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macOS 12 (Monterey) | 12.7.1 |
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macOS 13 (Ventura) | 13.6.1 |
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macOS 14 (Sonoma) | 14.01 |
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Steps to reach required OS version
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