How to patch macOS
Apple · Operating system · 5 steps · macOS security status → · updated June 2026
macOS is patched through Software Update. Apple delivers regular security updates plus fast Rapid Security Responses; only the latest macOS releases receive complete security coverage.
macOS has 43 actively-exploited vulnerabilities on the CISA KEV list — patching is urgent.
Check your current version first
Before you patch, record what you're running (Terminal / menu):
sw_vers —or— menu → About This MacOr paste your version into the checker for an instant verdict.
Step by step
Run sw_vers (or menu → About This Mac) to record your macOS version.
System Settings → General → Software Update. Install any pending update (or "Upgrade Now" for a new major release).
List updates with softwareupdate -l, then apply with sudo softwareupdate -ia --restart.
Turn on automatic updates and install Rapid Security Responses promptly — they patch actively-exploited bugs between full releases.
Reboot to finish, then confirm with sw_vers.
- Only the current macOS (and to a lesser extent the prior one or two) get full security fixes — upgrade if you are on an unsupported release.
- For managed Macs, use MDM to schedule and enforce updates.
Official sources
- Advisory: Apple security releases ↗
- Download: Apple Software Update ↗
Don't patch blind. macOS has 43 actively-exploited vulnerabilities on the CISA KEV list — patching is urgent. See exactly which versions are safe and what you're exposed to.
macOS security status →Stay ahead of the next one
- macOS security status & health score — score, open CVEs and safe version.
- macOS vulnerabilities — the full CVE list and what's exploited.
- macOS end-of-life dates — don't run a release that's stopped getting fixes.
- Monitor macOS — get an email alert the moment a new exploited vulnerability lands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the latest version of macOS?
As of June 2026, the latest supported macOS release we track is 26.5.1. Patch to the current release on your branch and confirm the version after updating.
How do I check which version of macOS I am running?
Use: sw_vers —or— menu → About This Mac (Terminal / menu). Record the result before and after patching to confirm the update applied.
Is macOS being actively exploited right now?
Yes — 43 macOS vulnerabilities are on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list, so attackers are using them in the wild. Patch promptly. See the exploitation radar.
How do I patch macOS safely without breaking production?
Always test in a non-production environment first, take a backup or snapshot, follow the official vendor advisory, and have a tested rollback. Patch one node at a time for clustered or high-availability setups.
Patch steps are general, well-established guidance for macOS — always test in a non-production environment first and follow the official Apple advisory for your exact version. IsItPatched is independent and not affiliated with Apple; this is not a substitute for vendor documentation. See our disclaimer.