The latest Safari updates come with not only feature enhancements but also critical bug fixes and security patches. Let’s figure out what you need to do to update Safari on a Mac.
How to Update Safari on a Mac
New Safari releases come bundled in with a Mac’s regular operating system updates. But rather than installing everything, you can choose to apply updates only related to Safari.
Still, it’s a good idea to install any non-Safari updates as well—when you have the time—to improve the stability of other native apps and the operating system in general.
Additionally, it’s not possible to upgrade Safari to the most recent version unless you use a relatively new version of macOS.
For example, you can’t experience the best new Safari features if you don’t have macOS Mojave, Catalina, or Big Sur installed on your Mac. But you can still apply the latest minor updates for older Safari versions regardless.
How to Update Safari in macOS Mojave and Later
If you use Safari on a Mac running macOS 10.14 Mojave or later, you must update Safari using the Software Update tool.
Here’s how to do that:
Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Select Software Update. Wait for a moment while your Mac scans for new software updates. Select More Info. Select any Safari-specific updates (if available) and select Install Now.
How to Update Safari in macOS High Sierra and Earlier
In macOS 10.13 High Sierra and older versions of the Mac operating system, you must use the Mac App Store to update Safari instead.
Here’s how to do that:
Open the Mac App Store app. Switch to the Updates tab. Wait until the Mac App Store scans for new software updates. Select More within the Software Update section. Select Update next to Safari.
Fully-Kitted Out Safari
Not all Safari updates end up making a big splash on the Mac. In fact, you may barely notice a difference with most of them. But the various under-the-hood improvements from each update do stack up over time. Don’t forget to take advantage of other Safari tips and tricks as well to build upon that.
