Content caching speeds up the Apple software downloads that are distributed over the Internet. Content caching stores local copies of the software on your Mac, so the downloads are faster for connected clients.
Content types supported by the caching service
macOS includes built-in support for caching the following software.
macOS
- macOS updates and Internet Recovery images (macOS 10.13.5 or later)
- Apps and app updates from the Mac App Store
- GarageBand downloadable content
- iCloud data caching (photos and documents)
- Apple Books content
- Xcode downloadable components such as simulators (Xcode 10.2 or later)
iOS 7 and later and Apple TV
- iOS updates (over the air)
- Apple TV updates (over the air)
- Apple TV screensavers (tvOS 12.2 or later)
- iOS apps, Apple TV apps, and app updates
- On-demand resources support for iOS 10 and later and tvOS 10 and later.
- iCloud data caching (photos and documents) for iOS 9 and later
- iTunes U course materials from the iOS App Store and Apple Books, as well as uploaded instructor materials such as audio, video, iWork, and iBooks Author files
- Apple Books content
- Certain mobile assets, such as Siri high quality voices, language dictionaries, and more
Country and region restrictions
- Not all content is cached in all regions.
- As of December 2013, iTunes downloads are not cached in Brazil, Mexico, China mainland, or Portugal. Apple Books downloads are not cached in Canada.
Learn more
Learn more about content caching.