How to update Safari on an old Mac?

Updating Safari, which is the default web browser on macOS, is essential for security reasons and performance improvements. Another compelling reason is that you have access to newer features that come with new Safari versions.

Most of the time, updating Safari on macOS will require updating the entire macOS operating system. This is not always necessary, as you can also download Safari Technology Preview versions and Safari Beta versions, which do not require an OS update.

Updating Safari on macOS Mojave (10.14) and Later

Through macOS UI

1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
2. Software Update: Click on Software Update to check for available updates. If a Safari update is available, it will be listed here, often bundled with a macOS update.
3. Update: Click Update Now or Upgrade Now to start the update process. If prompted, enter your administrator password.

Through Command Line:

macOS Terminal.app can be used to update software, including the Safari application. It's important to note that this generally updates all system software.

1. Open Terminal: You can find it in /Applications/Utilities/ or by searching for it using Spotlight.
2. Type softwareupdate -l to list all available updates.
3. To install all available software updates, including Safari if available, type sudo softwareupdate -ia and press enter. If prompted, enter your administrator password.

Updating Safari on macOS High Sierra (10.13) and Earlier

Through macOS UI:

1. Open the App Store: Click on the Apple menu () and choose App Store.
2. Updates Tab: Click on the Updates tab in the App Store to check for available updates. If a Safari update is available, it will appear here.
3. Update Safari: Click Update next to Safari or Update All to install all available software updates.

Note: On macOS High Sierra (10.13) and earlier, the softwareupdate command-line tool does not update Safari specifically, as Safari updates are managed through the App Store. Instead, consider using the App Store for these versions.

Safari Technology Preview and Safari Beta

Apple provides Safari Technology Preview versions which allow you to test features that will be included in upcoming Safari releases.

Similarly, Safari Beta will allow you to test newer upcoming Safari versions on your macOS machine. Important to remember: Safari beta will usually overwrite your current Safari application. Technology Preview installs as a separate app.

TestingBot allows you to test on multiple Safari versions in the cloud, both manually and automated.