How to use the command 'softwareupdate' (with examples)

The ‘softwareupdate’ command is used to manage software updates on macOS. It allows users to list available updates, download and install updates, and even install specific apps. This article provides examples for each of these use cases.

Use case 1: List all available updates

Code:

softwareupdate --list

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to check if there are any available updates for your macOS App Store apps. It allows you to see what apps need updating without downloading or installing any updates.

Explanation: The --list option is used to list all available updates. When you run the command without any arguments, it will provide a list of all the updates available for your macOS App Store apps.

Example output:

Software Update Tool

Finding available software
Software Update found the following new or updated software:
   * macOS Big Sur 11.5.1
   * Safari 14.1.2

Use case 2: Download and install all updates

Code:

softwareupdate --install --all

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to download and install all available updates for your macOS App Store apps. It ensures that your apps are up to date and includes any necessary bug fixes or security patches.

Explanation: The --install option followed by --all is used to download and install all available updates. Running this command will initiate the download and installation process for all updates found by the softwareupdate command.

Example output:

Software Update Tool

Software Update will install the following updates:
   * macOS Big Sur 11.5.1
   * Safari 14.1.2

Do you want to continue? (y/N)

Use case 3: Download and install all recommended updates

Code:

softwareupdate --install --req

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to download and install only the recommended updates for your macOS App Store apps. It allows you to skip non-essential updates and focus on the ones that are recommended for your system.

Explanation: The --install option followed by --req is used to download and install all recommended updates. When you run this command, the softwareupdate command will only download and install updates that are marked as recommended.

Example output:

Software Update Tool

Software Update will install the following recommended updates:
   * macOS Big Sur 11.5.1

Do you want to continue? (y/N)

Use case 4: Download and install a specific app

Code:

softwareupdate --install update_name

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to download and install a specific app update for your macOS. It allows you to selectively update only the apps that you need or want to update.

Explanation: The --install option followed by the specific update_name of the app is used to download and install a specific app update. Running this command will initiate the download and installation process for the specified app update.

Example output:

Software Update Tool

Software Update will install the following update:
   * Safari 14.1.2

Do you want to continue? (y/N)

Conclusion:

The ‘softwareupdate’ command is a powerful tool for managing software updates on macOS. It allows users to list available updates, download and install updates, and install specific apps. By using the various options and arguments provided by the command, users can easily keep their macOS App Store apps up to date.