An update is a modification or improvement that software developers provide to enhance or correct an existing software application. These updates may include bug fixes, security patches, performance enhancements, new features, and adjustments to meet changing regulations or technology standards. Software updates are important to protect computers and mobile devices from cybercriminals, who often exploit outdated protocols in order to hack into systems and steal sensitive information. Updates help close these vulnerabilities by patching them and updating older software to newer, harder-to-crack versions of the application.
Many programs offer automatic update functions that connect to the program developer’s Web site and find new software versions or hotfixes to install. For example, the Google Play Store app automatically checks for new updates. Some operating systems and apps also have a Check for Updates function that lets you manually check for available updates. Network administrators may use separate software to automate the process of downloading and applying updates to machines they manage.
Apple’s macOS and iOS update systems use an incremental, over-the-air (OTA) update method that downloads only the components necessary to update the specific device. This improves system efficiency and reduces data usage over cellular networks. When an OTA software update is available, a notification or badge appears on the Settings app (for iOS and iPadOS) or System Settings (for macOS). If users don’t want to receive these notifications, they can turn them off from the Software Update settings. Users can download a full update using Wi-Fi or over a cellular network, depending on the cellular carrier’s policies.