Do I need an OS update or upgrade?

More importantly, what’s the difference between those two terms?

• An update is a new minor-version release of your current major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 14.6.1, required OS version is 14.7). 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 12.6.8, required OS version is 14.7). 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.

macOS update needed	macOS upgrade needed

macOS update needed	macOS upgrade needed
Open	Open

Nudge is currently supported on four macOS versions: 12 (Monterey), 13 (Ventura), 14 (Sonoma), and 15 (Sequoia). However, with macOS Sequoia having released on Sep 16, 2024, Apple is no longer providing security updates for macOS 12 (Monterey) and earlier, meaning that Monterey 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

1. 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.

2. You will be taken to System Settings (or System Preferences if you run macOS Monterey or older), where the required OS version will need to be downloaded for install.

3. When you are ready to install the required OS version, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now button to begin.

Determining where your required OS version is located within Software Update can be a little tricky. If you are not running the latest major macOS version, but your current major version is still supported, then you will be presented with both the upgrade and update options. In the screenshots below, you’ll see the difference:

Notes

• 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.