This is an article about recognizing notifications for updating your MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS and then updating them. You may encounter slightly different prompts from your notifications than what is listed in the article, yet they should have similar effects.
The importance of updating your Operating System (OS) is crucial in many respects. It can allow new features to be installed on your system, potentially bug fix some problem that is happening, possibly upgrade performance, and/or patch/fix security vulnerabilities.
You shall need an internet connection to install an update.
Most updates require a minimum battery level before installation can begin, and it's recommended (sometimes required) to keep your device plugged in during the process.
Updates typically take 10–30 minutes, but larger updates (or slower machines) can take significantly longer.
MacOS
When your Mac is ready for a MacOS update, you'll usually see a notification in the top-right corner of your screen. It may say something like "A new macOS update is available” or offer the options to Install Now, Later, and Details.
If you're not doing anything time-sensitive, it's generally a good idea to click Install Now.
This will open the System Settings and show more information about the update.
Next click on Update Now to begin downloading and installing the update.
Once completed your computer may need a restart to complete, this is normal.
What to do if you miss the notification
If you miss the notification, (or if you don’t see one but want to check if your MacOS needs an update,) then we can still update it manually.
Go into your System Settings.
Click General in the left-hand sidebar.
Select Software Update.
If an update is available, click Update Now to start.
If you don’t see an update, then please select the Check for Updates button.
You can also follow Apple’s official guide for more information.
iOS
When your iPhone is ready for an iOS update, you’ll usually see a notification indicating that an update is ready, which you can select either Install Tonight or Remind Me Later.
If you tap Install Tonight your iPhone should automatically update during a set time, (as long as it is connected to the internet and plugged in.)
If you select Remind Me Later then you have the option to schedule a time for the update.
What to do if you don’t see a notification
If you miss the notification, (or if you don’t see one but want to check if your iOS needs an update,) then we can still update it manually.
Go to Settings.
Select General.
Then tap Software Update.
Some details should appear, select either Update Now or Update Tonight.
If you don’t see an update, then please select the Check for Updates button.
You can also follow Apple’s official guide for more information.
iPadOS
When your iPad is ready for an iPadOS update, you’ll usually see a notification indicating that you have a software update available. You can select Download and Install, Install Tonight, or Details.
Selecting Download and Install will begin the update process immediately and is generally recommended.
Selecting Install Tonight will update your iPad during a set time automatically, (as long as it is connected to the internet and plugged in.)
Selecting Details shall send you to the Software Update menu under Settings.
What to do if you don’t see a notification
If you miss the notification, (or if you don’t see one but want to check if your iPadOS needs an update,) then we can still update it manually.
Go to Settings.
Select General.
Then tap Software Update.
Then you should see a new update available with the options Update Now and Update Tonight under it.
Select whichever is appropriate for you.
If you don’t see an update, then please select the Check for Updates button.
You can also follow Apple’s official guide for more information.
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