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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 26 Sep 2023. However, when with macOS Sonoma is having released on 26 Sep 2023, 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:

Steps to reach required OS version

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• Customers with Macs equipped with Apple Silicon may be prompted to enter an administrator password to install the update; please see Using the Privileges app to gain temporary administrative rights on your Apple computer to learn how to gain administrator rights, if needed

• Updates typically take 20 minutes to download (depending on network speed) and another 20-30 minutes to install. Please budget your time accordingly.

• As a CIT-defined deadline to install a required macOS version approaches, Nudge will become increasingly persistent until the installation occurs.

• To minimize disruption during lectures, presentations, and meetings, Nudge will not interrupt active Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Keynote windows.

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