To check for Mac software updates, open the App Store app on your Mac, then click Updates in the toolbar. If updates are available, click the Update buttons to download and install them.
The Mac App Store shows updates for Mac, not updates for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you don't have the App Store on your Mac, get OS X updates by choosing Software Update from the Apple () menu.
If you don't see an expected Mac update:
- Install any updates that are available, then check for updates again. Some updates appear only after installing other updates, and some updates are part of other updates. For example, updates for Safari don't appear, because you get them as part of OS X updates.
- Use the Search field in the toolbar to search for the app that you want to update.
- Click Purchased in the toolbar to see the apps that you got from Mac App Store. If you got an app from somewhere else, check with the maker of the app for updates.
- If you're using Snow Leopard or Lion, get OS X updates by choosing Software Update from the Apple menu. You can still get app updates from the Mac App Store.
Learn more
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of OS X, which includes the latest version of Safari and the Mac App Store.
- Your Mac can automatically check for updates and install them. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, click App Store, then select the settings that you want. Automatic updates don't occur when your Mac is using a Personal Hotspot. If your business or school network doesn't allow secure connection to Apple's software-update servers, you might need to download updates manually.