How long will your Mac get security updates?
Apple doesn't publish a set number of years of security updates for a Mac. What it does publish is a list of every security release, a compatibility list for each macOS version, and a recommendation to use the latest macOS your Mac can run. This guide sets out what those pages say, as of 30 October 2026.
Quick answer
Apple gives no fixed support period for Macs. Its security releases page shows that on 26 October 2026 Apple patched three macOS versions: macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.8.2. macOS 27 runs only on Macs with Apple silicon, and Apple recommends using the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
Does Apple say how many years a Mac gets security updates?
No. We checked Apple's security releases page, its Update macOS on Mac page, its background updates page, the macOS compatibility pages and its page on vintage and obsolete products. None of them gives a number of years of software or security updates for a Mac, so we don't give one either.
What Apple does say:
- "Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security."
- "To maintain your computer's security, stability and compatibility, Apple recommends using the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac."
- Apple doesn't disclose, discuss or confirm security issues until an investigation has happened and patches or releases are generally available.
Which macOS versions are getting security updates now?
Apple's security releases page lists each update with its date. The macOS updates on the page since September 2026:
| Date | macOS updates listed |
|---|---|
| 26 October 2026 | macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 |
| 28 September 2026 | macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 (no published CVE entries), macOS Tahoe 26.7.1, macOS Sequoia 15.8.1 |
| 14 September 2026 | macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Tahoe 26.7, macOS Sequoia 15.8 |
The most recent macOS Sonoma entry on the page is macOS Sonoma 14.8.9, dated 6 August 2026.
The page says the latest version of macOS is 27.2. Releases with security content link to an advisory with their CVE details.
Which Macs can run macOS 27?
Apple's macOS 27 Golden Gate compatibility page says: "If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, you can upgrade to macOS 27." Its list of laptops:
- MacBook Pro: every model from the 13-inch with M1 (2020) to the 14 and 16-inch with M5 Pro or M5 Max.
- MacBook Air: every model from the M1 (2020) to the 13 and 15-inch with M5.
- MacBook Neo: the 13-inch with A18 Pro.
Apple's releases say the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 and the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display come with macOS 27.
The macOS Tahoe 26 list also includes two MacBook Pro models that aren't on the macOS 27 list: the 13-inch (2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports) and the 16-inch (2019). For a Mac that isn't on the list, Apple says "you might be able to install an earlier version of macOS instead".
How do you check for and install macOS updates?
Apple's steps, from Update macOS on Mac:
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right. You can also search for Software Update with Spotlight.
- If an update is available, click the button to update, upgrade or restart now.
- Enter your administrator password when asked. It's the password you use to log in to your Mac.
- Let the installation finish without putting the Mac to sleep or closing the lid.
Apple says Software Update only shows software that is compatible with your Mac model. If your Mac isn't compatible with an update, Software Update says your Mac is up to date. Apple also suggests backing up your Mac before installing new software.
How do you make sure background security updates install?
Apple says your Mac installs Background Security Improvements, security-configuration updates and system data files in the background, and that by default these are installed automatically. To check, in macOS Tahoe 26 or later:
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Click the More Info button next to Automatic Updates.
- Make sure "Install system data files and security updates" is turned on.
- Then go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, click Background Security Improvements, and make sure Automatically Install is turned on.
Apple says these updates won't restart your Mac, but some only take effect after you restart. The security-configuration updates include XProtect, which Apple says removes known malware and prevents known malware from running.
Is hardware repair support the same thing?
Apple's page about service after the warranty gives these periods for hardware service and parts. It gives no period for software updates.
- Apple service providers can supply service and parts for a minimum of five years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale, and for up to seven years, or longer where the law requires, subject to parts availability.
- A product is vintage when Apple stopped distributing it for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago, and obsolete after more than 7 years.
- Mac laptops may be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years from when the product was last distributed for sale, subject to parts availability.
Where Failshot fits
Updates keep macOS current. Your password is the first layer. Failshot is the second: second layer device security, for the moment someone sits down at your Mac and unlocks it. While it's on, Failshot photographs whoever unlocks your Mac, then, with Pro, records a 5-second video. With Pro, turn on alerts and Failshot emails you about an unlock you don't confirm as yours.
Failshot is for macOS 14 or later. Free to download. It's free to use. Pro adds video, email alerts and the encrypted vault, and you can try Pro free for 7 days. The trial is on failshot.app, for the Mac. iPhone, Android and Windows are coming soon.
More questions
Does Apple stop security updates after a set number of years?
Apple doesn't publish a fixed number of years for Macs. Its security releases page lists which macOS versions received each update, and on 26 October 2026 that was macOS 27.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.8.2.
Is macOS Sonoma still getting security updates?
The most recent macOS Sonoma entry on Apple's security releases page is macOS Sonoma 14.8.9, dated 6 August 2026. The September and October 2026 macOS updates listed are for macOS 27, Tahoe and Sequoia.
Can an Intel MacBook Pro run macOS 27?
Apple says that if you have a Mac with Apple silicon, you can upgrade to macOS 27. The macOS 27 entry on its security releases page lists "MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)". For a Mac that isn't compatible, Apple says you might be able to install an earlier macOS.
How do I know which macOS my Mac has?
Choose Apple menu > About This Mac. To see whether an update is waiting, open System Settings > General > Software Update, which Apple says only offers software compatible with your Mac.
Will the new MacBook Pro run macOS 27?
Yes. Apple's releases say the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 and the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display come with macOS 27.
Sources
- Apple security releases, Apple Support (UK)
- Apple security releases, Apple Support (US)
- Update macOS on Mac, Apple Support (UK)
- About background updates in macOS, Apple Support (UK)
- macOS 27 Golden Gate is compatible with these computers, Apple Support (UK)
- macOS Tahoe 26 is compatible with these computers, Apple Support (UK)
- Getting a service for your Apple product after its warranty has expired, Apple Support (UK)
- Apple introduces the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6, Apple Newsroom (UK), 27 October 2026
- Apple unveils groundbreaking MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display, Apple Newsroom (US), 28 October 2026