Apple macOS Updates - Client Information

Information

Jamf MDM is used for patch management of Apple macOS.  As new updates become available, users will receive prompts to install the software.  This article describes the prompts, and user actions that can be performed.  If no action is taken, the software will install and automatically restart the computer as necessary when installation deadlines are reached.

macOS:  Apple updates are not released on a regular cycle.  As updates are released, they will be tested by the IT department and made available to endpoints as approved.

Applications:  Updates for applications from the Mac App Store or Jamf Catalog will be applied automatically as they become available.

Software

Apple macOS

Mac App Store applications

Jamf Catalog applications

Deployment Schedule

Tier 1 (Test/Pilot Group)

New updates are deployed to an initial “test” group for monitoring and identification of potential issues before deployment to wider campus community.

  • IT Department user PCs, other non-critical sample PCs from around campus (voluntary)
  • End users are prompted to update once every 24-hours.
  • Users are allowed up to 7 deferrals.  Once all deferrals have been used, the installation will be forced.
  • Users will receive prompts notifying them of pending actions (install, restart)

Tier 2 (Individual PCs)

New updates have now been deployed for one week. If no issues are identified, deployment continues to wider campus community.

  • Employee PCs, Office PCs, general workstations
  • End users are prompted to update once every 24-hours.
  • Users are allowed up to 7 deferrals.  Once all deferrals have been used, the installation will be forced.
  • Users will receive prompts notifying them of pending actions (install, restart)

Tier 3 (Shared PCs)

  • Classrooms, computer labs, research labs, conference rooms
  • Updates will be scheduled for a specific time after hours (Typically, Friday @ 10:30PM).
  • The PCs will automatically install and restart

Prompts

macOS notification informs the user that a Required managed update is available.

Select Install to immediately begin installing the update, or select Try Tonight to defer the installation.

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To view update details, navigate to System Settings > Software Update Available  (or browse to System Settings > General > Software Update)

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You may be prompted to enter your password after selecting to install the update.  This is a prompt for the current user's password.  It is not a prompt for an Administrator password.

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Once the password has been provided, the installation will proceed.  Follow the prompts to complete.  Typically, the computer must restart to complete installations.

Contact Information

If you have questions, submit a ticket here or call us at 918-631-3500