Big Sur update

I have a system running Big Sur 11.7.9. There is supposed to be update released but I do not see it in Software Update. It only offers Tahoe.


It looks like Apple will only give you the latest OS for your Mac. I have an older Mac whose last version would be Monterey. I can't update Big Sur on that either. It only gives me Monetary.

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 7:23 AM

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Posted on Feb 3, 2026 8:38 AM

Look below the upgrade notice for Tahoe. macOS will usually show the minor update patches to your current OS just below the main upgrade notice. It is very easy to overlook as it may be in fine print with a tiny link to click on.


Here is an example:



Edit: If the update does not appear here, then you can try using the command line to look for updates:

softwareupdate  --list


There is also an option to install specific updates....review the software update manual pages:

man  softwareupdate
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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 3, 2026 8:38 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Look below the upgrade notice for Tahoe. macOS will usually show the minor update patches to your current OS just below the main upgrade notice. It is very easy to overlook as it may be in fine print with a tiny link to click on.


Here is an example:



Edit: If the update does not appear here, then you can try using the command line to look for updates:

softwareupdate  --list


There is also an option to install specific updates....review the software update manual pages:

man  softwareupdate

Feb 3, 2026 8:40 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom Wolsky wrote:

Charming. So I will not be able to use Messages or FaceTime on that system in Big Sur.

After January 2027, those services may no longer work yes.


Would it be difficult for Apple in any way to make the update available to any Big Suit system? It seems inordinately foolish. .

Don't think it's difficult, but for some reason Apple has chose to stop offering point updates to devices that can run a newer major version. At least on iPads and iPhones this has been the case with several of the recent updates.


I have no way to prove this, but it seems to me if there is no option for a Big Sur point update on your computer, the same is applying there.

Big Sur update

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