macOS and iOS Updates
Update your University-supported Apple device to keep it running efficiently and securely
Overview
To promote device security, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) regularly pushes operating system and applications updates on University Apple devices. University policy requires that devices are updated and patched regularly. Security patches and other operating system updates are released by Apple on a regular basis.
By enabling automatic updates on University-owned Apple computers, OIT is able to ensure that devices run efficiently and securely. Included in automatic updates are minor and major macOS updates.
This webpage will describe how these processes work to keep your device up to date and also provide insight into what behavior to expect from your device during the update process.
macOS: System Updates and Patching
University-managed macOS computers check for and install new updates automatically, without any action by the user, unless a restart is needed. If a restart is needed, the user will be asked by the device for permission to restart. Allowing the computer to restart when prompted is the recommended practice.
macOS: Updates Schedule and Notifications
To maintain patching compliance with University security requirements, on the first Friday of each month, a remote command is sent to all University-managed Apple computers to install any pending macOS system updates and restart, if required. It is not possible to defer an installation or restart initiated by this command. Users are able to install these updates on their own prior to this deadline. Important: A macOS computer will not restart unless a pending update requires a restart to complete.
iOS: Updates and Patching
In addition to updating Apple computers, the Office of Information Technology also enforces operating system updates on University-owned iOS devices. Devices are configured to check for iOS updates on a weekly basis and install any required updates.
Third-Party Application Patching
The Office of Information Technology also enforces updates on a wide library of third-party applications on both Apple computers and mobile devices. A third-party application is a software application made by someone other than the manufacturer of a computer or device.
Third-Party Application Updates Schedule
Third-party applications (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Word) for OIT-managed computers are patched according to the following schedule:
- An update is released for an application by the developer
- The update is tested internally by OIT
- At the end of each week (5:00 PM on Friday), the updates for that week are released to all computers and devices that require the update
- The update is made available in Self-Service for the user to install on their computer or device manually
- One week after release, the deadline for any required application updates is reached and all required updates will install automatically
Third-party applications for HCC-managed computers are patched according to the following schedule:
- An update is released for an application by the developer
- The update is tested internally by OIT
- At the end of each week (5:00 PM on Friday), the updates for that week are pushed to all computers and devices that require the update and install automatically
For any questions regarding any of the upgrade processes described in this article please contact Technology Help. If you’re interested in more information about updates from the vendor, please visit this support page from Apple.