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macOS Mojave moves Software Update from Mac App Store back into System Preferences

2018 June 18
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With macOS Mojave, Apple has removed the Software Update feature from Mac App Store and brought it back into System Preferences, where it originally used to be up until OS X Lion.

A change for the better

Apple has actually moved all of the software update services from Mac App Store back to System Preferences, creating a brand new Software Update section that combines all of the related macOS system software updates in one central place.

Even though the method of delivery has changed, the redesigned Mac App Store on macOS Mojave still lets you download and save an entire macOS installer so that you can put it on external storage or create a bootable macOS installers on a USB thumb drive.

The software update preference pane in macOS Mojave

Does the cog wheel rotate like on iOS?

“Use the Software Update preferences to update your macOS version and install recent updates,” reads Apple’s description of the feature.

Your highlights:

  • The system update mechanism is now in System Preferences → Software Update
  • The last update check info is still in the App Store preference pane
  • The Software Update option has not returned to the Apple menu
  • It includes advanced options previously found in the Mac App Store preference pane

A closer look at Software Update in Mojave

The main Software Update preference pane looks familiar. To open it, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu or the Dock, then click Software Update.

The Update Now button lets you install all of the system software and updates that appear in the Software Update pane. Ticking the box next to “Automatically keep my Mac up to date” instructs the system to have your computer check for and install updates automatically.

To see additional options for installing system updates, click the Advanced button.

The Software Update option in the Apple menu

This is still missing from macOS Mojave, via Reddit user ChairmanLaParka

From there, you can adjust the following options:

  • Automatically check for updates—Have your Mac check for updates automatically.
  • Download newly available updates in the background—Have your Mac download updates without asking you.
  • Install app updates—Have your Mac install app updates automatically.
  • Install macOS updates—Have your Mac install macOS updates automatically.
  • Install system data files and security updates—Have your Mac install system files and security updates automatically.

Mac app updates will continue to be delivered through the Updates section found in the side bar of the redesigned Mac App Store, as they should.

The Advanced screen of the Software Update preference pane in macOS Mojave

Summing it all up

This change is probably a part of Apple’s drastically redesigned Mac App Store on macOS Mojave which has gained an iPhone-like Mac App Store overhaul with editorial content, a side bar, promotional videos, bold headings and more.

OVERVIEW: The redesigned Mac App Store in macOS Mojave

I can’t fathom why Apple actually moved software update service from System Preferences to Mac App Store in OS X Lion only to re-introduce the software update preference pane of old in Mojave, but it’s definitely it’s going back to System Preferences where it belongs.

Your thoughts?

With this change, future macOS software updates will no longer be delivered through the Updates tab on Mac App Store. In my personal opinion, that’s a change for the better considering that many people disliked the old Mac App Store due to its clunkiness and just general slowness.

How do you like this new feature in macOS Mojave?

And speaking of which, should Apple rename System Preferences to Settings?

Let us know by sharing your thoughts in the comments section down below!

Source link: http://www.idownloadblog.com/2018/06/18/macos-mojave-software-update-system-preferences-pane/

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