MacOS Upgrades: Difference between revisions
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macOS 27 Golden Gate |
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Swarthmore ITS is committed to supporting the most recent versions of macOS when they are released, and recommends running one of the two most recent versions of macOS for security and compatibility. To keep up with security and compatibility trends, eligible College-owned computers are scheduled to be automatically updated to the most recent operating system (OS) every summer. If you would like to manually update your macOS during the school year, please follow the following instructions. | Swarthmore ITS is committed to supporting the most recent versions of macOS when they are released, and recommends running one of the two most recent versions of macOS for security and compatibility. To keep up with security and compatibility trends, eligible College-owned computers are scheduled to be automatically updated to the most recent operating system (OS) every summer. If you would like to manually update your macOS during the school year, please follow the following instructions. | ||
== macOS | == macOS 27 Golden Gate (latest version) == | ||
Even though macOS 27 was released on September 14, 2026, the previous macOS 26 will remain our recommendation throughout the 2026-27 academic year. To allow time for Apple to fix any problems, we recommend waiting at least a month after Apple releases a new version of macOS before updating your computer unless you wish to make use of specific software or features that require the new version. | |||
'''''NOTE:''' | '''''NOTE:''' You may need to reinstall Rosetta for legacy software apps after upgrading to macOS 27.'' https://support.apple.com/en-us/102527 | ||
== | == macOS 26 Tahoe (currently recommended) == | ||
If you are not already running macOS 26, you can update macOS on your College-owned computer using the Self Service app in your Applications folder. If you do not see the Self Service app on your College-owned computer, contact the Help Desk and request that your system be enrolled in our Apple software management system. | |||
# Save any unsaved documents and close any open programs. If you are updating a MacBook, plug the laptop into AC power. | # Save any unsaved documents and close any open programs. If you are updating a MacBook, plug the laptop into AC power. | ||
# Search for Self Service on your laptop and launch the program. [[File:MacOS Upgrades 1777580965056.png|thumb|alt=Search results for Self Service application in macOS Spotlight with app icon and details including version 10.21.0|center|486x486px]] | # Search for Self Service on your laptop and launch the program. [[File:MacOS Upgrades 1777580965056.png|thumb|alt=Search results for Self Service application in macOS Spotlight with app icon and details including version 10.21.0|center|486x486px]] | ||
# In Self Service, navigate to the "OS" section and click on '''macOS | # In Self Service, navigate to the "OS" section and click on '''macOS Tahoe Upgrade'''. Note that this option will only be available if you are running an older version of macOS. | ||
# You will be walked through the download and install process. The entire process will take about thirty minutes and will reboot the computer. | # You will be walked through the download and install process. The entire process will take about thirty minutes and will reboot the computer. | ||
Latest revision as of 20:44, 14 September 2026
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Description | Upgrades to macOS |
| Access | Faculty, Staff |
| Platform | macOS |
These update instructions are for college-owned computers only. All Swarthmore community members are encouraged to update their personal Macs through the App Store.
Support and Recommendations
Swarthmore ITS is committed to supporting the most recent versions of macOS when they are released, and recommends running one of the two most recent versions of macOS for security and compatibility. To keep up with security and compatibility trends, eligible College-owned computers are scheduled to be automatically updated to the most recent operating system (OS) every summer. If you would like to manually update your macOS during the school year, please follow the following instructions.
macOS 27 Golden Gate (latest version)
Even though macOS 27 was released on September 14, 2026, the previous macOS 26 will remain our recommendation throughout the 2026-27 academic year. To allow time for Apple to fix any problems, we recommend waiting at least a month after Apple releases a new version of macOS before updating your computer unless you wish to make use of specific software or features that require the new version.
NOTE: You may need to reinstall Rosetta for legacy software apps after upgrading to macOS 27. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102527
macOS 26 Tahoe (currently recommended)
If you are not already running macOS 26, you can update macOS on your College-owned computer using the Self Service app in your Applications folder. If you do not see the Self Service app on your College-owned computer, contact the Help Desk and request that your system be enrolled in our Apple software management system.
- Save any unsaved documents and close any open programs. If you are updating a MacBook, plug the laptop into AC power.
- Search for Self Service on your laptop and launch the program.

- In Self Service, navigate to the "OS" section and click on macOS Tahoe Upgrade. Note that this option will only be available if you are running an older version of macOS.
- You will be walked through the download and install process. The entire process will take about thirty minutes and will reboot the computer.