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How to Update Apps on Mac: 2026 Guide for MacBook, Mini & More
Keeping apps up to date on your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or iMac is crucial for maintaining security, stability, and optimal performance. Yet many Mac users are unsure where updates come from or how to manage apps installed outside the App Store.
If you’re wondering how to update apps on Mac efficiently in 2026, this guide walks you through every reliable method, from built-in options to advanced batch updating tools.
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Part 1. Does Apple Automatically Update Apps
Yes, but only for App Store apps, and only if automatic updates are enabled. Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store update automatically in the background. However, apps installed from websites (such as Chrome, Microsoft Office, or Adobe tools) are not updated by the App Store. These apps require manual updates or third-party management.
Part 2. How to Update Apps from the Mac App Store (Built-in Method)
For many users, the Mac App Store remains the safest and most straightforward way to update apps. You can use this method if the apps were downloaded directly from the Mac App Store and you want Apple-verified updates only with minimal setup.
Related topic:
Steps to Update Apps from the Mac App Store
You can follow these steps to get updates on the App Store officially:
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Click the “Apple menu” in the top-left corner and select “App Store.
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In the sidebar, click “Updates” and review the list of available updates.
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Click “Update” next to individual apps, like Safari, for example, or “Update All.
App Store updates do not cover third-party apps installed from third-party sources, and if an app does not appear in Updates, it may already be current.
Part 3. How to Update Apps on Mac without App Store?
Apps installed from websites require different update methods. Below are three proven approaches.
1. Use Tenorshare Cleamio's Mac App Updater for Batch App Updates (Fastest for Beginners)
Tenorshare Cleamio is an all-in-one Mac maintenance tool that includes a dedicated Mac App Updater designed specifically for apps installed outside the App Store. It automatically scans your Mac, detects outdated third-party applications, and allows you to update multiple apps at once from a single interface.
This method removes the need to manually check each app, making it ideal for beginners who want a fast, safe, and centralized Mac app updater experience.
Steps to batch update multiple apps on Mac using Cleamio
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Download and install Cleamio on your Mac and then open it. Now, go to the "App Management" feature and click the "Start" button to begin.
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Click “App Updates” and check-mark the apps to check for updates if available.
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Click "Update" to begin updating the selected apps, and if Cleamio shows the "no available app updates" message, then you have the latest version already installed.
This method works especially well for apps like Spotify, Chrome, Zoom, Word, Excel, and other non-App Store programs.
2. Use Built-in Updater in the App Itself (Most Common)
Many third-party macOS applications include their own built-in update mechanism, usually accessible from the app’s menu or settings. This method relies on the developer’s update system and typically prompts users when a new version is available.
While it’s the most common approach, it requires updating apps one by one, which can be time-consuming. Still, it’s reliable for keeping popular apps like productivity or media tools current when you want to update apps on a Mac computer manually. For this guide, we will take the example of the "Chrome" browser application.
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Open the Chrome browser app on your Mac and go to "Settings" by clicking the 3-dots "Options" button from the top right.
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Now, scroll down and go to "About Chrome," and the app will automatically check for updates.
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If any updates are available, you will be prompted to install them by clicking "Update."
Note that these steps may vary from app to app according to its interface design.
3. Update Apps on Mac Terminal
Updating apps through Terminal gives advanced users direct control over application updates using command-line tools such as Homebrew or built-in macOS commands. This method is commonly used by developers and power users who manage many apps efficiently without graphical interfaces.
While extremely powerful and flexible, it requires familiarity with command syntax and caution to avoid errors. It’s best suited for users who prefer automation and precision when learning how to update apps on the Mac terminal.
Press “CMD + Space” and search for “Terminal” to open it.
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Run the command “/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"" to install Homebrew. You can skip this step if you have Homebrew already installed.
Now run the following commands one by one:
“brew install mas."
“mas upgrade”
Terminal-based updates are useful for developers or advanced users who installed apps via package managers.
Part 4. How to Enable Automatic App Updates on Mac
Enabling automatic app updates on Mac helps keep your applications secure, stable, and up to date without manual effort. macOS can automatically download and install updates for App Store apps in the background, reducing compatibility issues and security risks.
Understanding how automatic updates work and their limitations with third-party apps ensures your Mac stays optimized with minimal user intervention.
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Open "App Store" and click "App Store" from the menu bar, then click "Settings."
Ensure that the “Automatic Updates” option is enabled.
Automatic updates ensure your Mac App Store apps stay current without manual intervention.
People Also Ask about the Mac Update Program
Yes, macOS can automatically update apps, but this applies only to apps downloaded from the Mac App Store. Automatic updates must be enabled in System Settings. Third-party apps installed from websites usually require manual updates or a dedicated app updater to stay current.
Q1: Does Mac automatically update apps?
Yes, macOS can automatically update apps, but this applies only to apps downloaded from the Mac App Store. Automatic updates must be enabled in System Settings. Third-party apps installed from websites usually require manual updates or a dedicated app updater to stay current.
Q2: How do I update my apps to the latest version?
You can update App Store apps through the Mac App Store’s Updates section or enable automatic updates in System Settings. For third-party apps, use the app’s built-in updater or a tool like Cleamio to scan for and install updates efficiently.
Q3: How to update icons on Mac?
App icons on macOS update automatically when the corresponding app is updated to a newer version. If an icon doesn’t refresh immediately, restarting Finder or the Mac usually resolves the issue. Manual icon updates are rarely required under normal circumstances.
Q4: Where do I look for updates on my Mac?
You can check for updates in several places on macOS. Visit the Mac App Store’s Updates tab for apps, open System Settings > Software Update for macOS updates, and check individual app menus or preferences for third-party application updates.
Conclusion
Updating apps on macOS is no longer just about opening the App Store. With apps coming from multiple sources, users need flexible and reliable update methods. Built-in App Store updates work well for Apple apps, while third-party tools fill the gaps. However, learning how to update apps on Mac manually is not the best option for everyone.
For the fastest and most complete solution, Tenorshare Cleamio stands out by enabling batch updates, eliminating manual checks, and simplifying long-term app maintenance. If you want a cleaner, safer, and fully updated Mac in 2026, Cleamio is the smartest choice.
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By Jenefey Aaron
2026-01-09 / Mac Tips