macOS updates

Intended for:

Mac users

Scenario/Use case:

Install or update macOS.

Instructions:

Supported versions of macOS: 

• macOS Sequoia v15.6.1
• macOS Sonoma v14.7.8
• macOS Ventura v13.7.8 - end of life by 2025/10/31

How to install macOS updates:

Use System Settings > General > Software Update

See Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support for detailed instructions on installing updates.  Installing updates will require authenticating with your password even if your device is configured for Yubikey authentication.  The Service Desk can assist if you have forgotten it.

Why a local administrator password is required

Installing macOS updates makes significant changes to protected areas of the operating system, including system files, kernel extensions, and security frameworks. To safeguard the integrity of the computer, Apple requires administrator privileges to:

• Verify authorization – Ensures that only trusted users can approve system-level changes.
• Maintain system security – Prevents unauthorized modification of core operating system files.
• Comply with Apple’s security model – All system updates are signed and require elevated permissions to install correctly.
• Protect enterprise compliance – Requiring a password ensures accountability and aligns with security policies.
• Even if alternative authentication methods (such as YubiKey) are used for login, Apple’s update mechanism explicitly enforces password-based authorization for these privileged operations.

Current updates

See KB0010790 for a list of supported software.

Please refer to the table below for a list of macOS updates that the Information Technology Division will install on all Fermilab-owned centrally managed Mac computers.

This table will be updated as new Mac updates become available.

View details about Apple security updates.

You can also refer to the following table for past updates.

Past updates