Problem finding Safari update

Question

Level 1

8 points

Problem finding Safari update

I am running MacOS 11.5.2 on a MacBook Pro with Safari 14.1.2 and I want to upgrade Safari to keep up with security patches without upgrading the OS because it is an older Mac (circa 2015) and I am concerned it doesn't have the horsepower to deliver good performance running the newer OS.

Based on various various support posts I read, I tried looking for a Safari update in the App Store and also in System Preference / Software update and I do not see it.

System Preference / Software update lists an OS update to Monterey but nothing else.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can find a stand-alone Safari update?

Thanks much for any advice anyone may have!

Posted on Nov 10, 2022 12:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

35,674 points

Nov 11, 2022 4:34 PM in response to mlemmert11

Hi mlemmert11

Re: Does anyone have any suggestions how I can find a stand-alone Safari update?

Thank you for posting your question to the Community.

Your question surely deserves a response, so just in case you do not receive any::

Seems if a Safari update is available for your Mac, you only get it by updating or upgrading the macOS.

If a stand-alone Safari update were available, it likely wouldn't be compatible with your MacOS.

You might want to check out your MacBook Pro model, to see what's possible:

Identify your MacBook Pro model - Apple Support

MacBook Pro models from 2015 and newer can run the latest version of macOS.

For older models, the latest compatible operating system for each model is noted in the above article.

All the best :-)

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Answer 2

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

Nov 12, 2022 10:28 AM in response to mlemmert11

The way Safari is updated is by upgrading your computer's software. An upgrade is when you install a newer OS version, such as upgrading from Catalina to Big Sur. An update is to install a newer version of the same operating system. The reason for this is because Safari is installed as part of the operating system. It cannot normally be individually installed. Incidentally, a newer version of Safari does not always work with every web site. Sometimes it is necessary to install another browser such as Firefox or one of the many browsers available from the Apple App Store to use with certain web sites. They are individually installed and upgraded.

So, the latest Safari version is installed when you upgrade the OS on your iMac.

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Answer 3

mlemmert11 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2022 10:43 AM in response to Ronasara

Thanks for your reply!

I see a lot of tech article out there saying the Safari can be updated without upgrading MacOS. For example, the one below. Is this article just wrong?

https://www.technicalsupporthub.com/how-to-update-safari-without-upgrading-macos

Thanks.

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Answer 4

mlemmert11 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2022 10:44 AM in response to brbo

Thanks for your reply!

I see a lot of tech article out there saying the Safari can be updated without upgrading MacOS. For example, the one below. Is this article just wrong?

https://www.technicalsupporthub.com/how-to-update-safari-without-upgrading-macos

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 5

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

Nov 12, 2022 12:20 PM in response to mlemmert11

The above referenced article is very clear about Safari updates being issued separately only on specific occasions, and then how to access one. The bottom line is to read your information carefully and understand what it says. If there is no Safari only update link available, then it cannot be done. Safari does have a number of issues from time to time for some computers. And upgrading Safari does not always eliminate those problems. The solution then is to use another browser such as Thunderbird which will work without any issues.

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Answer 6

mlemmert11 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 13, 2022 9:27 AM in response to Ronasara

I apologize if my question came across in an abrasive way, I should have clarified my question.

The article gives two procedures for downloading a Safari update. Neither worked for me. I wasn't sure if it was because there was no update available, if I was doing something wrong, or if the article (and several others) were wrong or out of date. Since I'm on Safari 14 and the current version is Safari 15, I thought it odd that there wouldn't be an update available, so I thought it worth asking.

It sounds like I'm not doing anything wrong and there just isn't a stand-alone update from Safari 14 to 15 right now. Thank you for clarifying that.