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An update is a new minor-version release of your current major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 1314.6.1, required OS version is 1314.6.17). 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 1112.76.108, required OS version is 1314.6.17). 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), and 15 (Sequoia). However, with macOS Sonoma Sequoia having released on 26 2023, Apple is no longer providing security updates for macOS 11 12 (Big SurMonterey) and earlier, meaning that Big Sur Monterey users will now be required to install a newer supported major OS version.
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If your computer uses... | Your required version is... | Update release date | Update deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
macOS 11 12 (Big SurMonterey) | 14.67 | 29 Jul | 12 Aug |
macOS 12 13 (MontereyVentura) | 1213.7.6 | 29 Jul | 12 Aug |
macOS 13 14 (VenturaSonoma) | 1314.6.829 Jul 7 |
| 12 Aug |
macOS 14 15 (SonomaSequoia) | 1415.6.129 Jul 0 |
| 12 Aug |
Steps to reach required OS version
When Nudge prompts you to install a macOS security patch, you will see a window similar to the screenshots above. Click the blue Update Device button.
You will be taken to System Settings (or System Preferences if you run an macOS Monterey or older macOS version), where the required OS version will need to be downloaded for install.
When you are ready to install the required OS version, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now button to begin.
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