How Often Do You Update Your macOS?
Given the amount of comments on our recent article ‘Is Apple's macOS Losing Its Shine for Professionals?’, both on the site and across social media, it seems we are not alone in our tiring of macOS updates.
A common theme that kept reccuring in the comments was that professionals find the constant flow of updates, annoying and for many unnecessary. Common complaints were that the possibility of things breaking wasn’t a good enough reason to make the change.
How Often Do Apple Release A New Version Of Their Operating System?
Is it fair to suggest that Apple’s cadence of updates is too frequent? Let’s compare Windows versions with Mac versions over the same period of time.
Since 2012, here are the Windows versions;
Windows 11 (2021) Current client version of Windows. ...
Windows 10 S (2017) ...
Windows 10 (2015) - MS Version 6.4. ...
Windows 8/8.1 (2012-2013) - MS Version 6.2/6.3. ...
That’s 4, possibly 5 versions.
Since 2012, here are the Mac OS/macOS versions;
macOS 14: Sonoma - September 26, 2023
macOS 13: Ventura - 24 October 2022 (Latest version: 13.4)
macOS 12: Monterey - 25 October 2021 (Latest version: 12.6.6)
macOS 11: Big Sur - 12 November 2020 (Latest version: 11.7.7)
macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) - 7 October 2019
macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty) - 24 September 2018
macOS 10.13: High Sierra (Lobo) - 25 September 2017
macOS 10.12: Sierra (Fuji) - 20 September 2016
OS X 10.11: El Capitan (Gala) - 30 September 2015
OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah) - 16 October 2014
OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Cabernet) - 22 October 2013
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (Zinfandel) - 25 July 2012
In the same period, Apple has released 12 different versions.
Mac Users - Take Our Poll
We're looking to gather some data on how frequently you update your computer's operating system. The question often divides opinion: some choose to stay with a stable version for as long as possible, while others prefer to install new releases as they come.
While we could have included a poll for both Windows and Mac users, the nature of updates differs substantially between the two. Microsoft's update schedule is less predictable, but Mac users face a fairly consistent, or some would say relentless, cadence of new operating system releases.
Given this annual rhythm, we're interested in understanding how frequently you update your macOS. Are you quick to adopt the latest features and security patches, or do you prefer to stick with a version you know is reliable for your audio work?
Thanks for participating in this poll. Your responses will offer valuable insights into how macOS updates are managed within our professional audio community.
Feel free to comment below to offer additional thoughts on your updating practices or to discuss any related topics.