MacOS Upgrade notifications and prompts

About macOS updates and Nudge

Nudge is a small app that encourages users to install macOS updates themselves.

Nudge directs users to manually install updates from System Preferences.

Why prompt users to install updates themselves?

Apple regularly releases new updates for macOS which includes security and feature updates for apps that come with macOS, important system bug fixes and regular security system updates.

Historically, remotely forcing software updates on user's computers can be problematic, especially on Touchbar macs, or M1 macs with a T2 security chip. Instead of forcing updates, Ithaca College relies on regularly notifying users about available software updates.

• Read about updating MacOS on https://support.apple.com

After updates are installed, you may need to restart your computer to complete installation. Once you click OK on the restart notification, the Mac will restart itself.

• If an error occurs while installing an update or upgrade, learn how to resolve installation issues.

Nudge app user interface

The Nudge user interface is branded with the Ithaca College logo and attempts to maximize clarity for users when annoucing the availablity of a software or security update. It informs the user about about what macOS version they are required to update to, their current macOS version, the number of days left until the soft deadline, and the number of times the user has deferred the update.

Nudge behavior overview

Delays and deferrals

1. Nudge has a built-in 1 to 30 minute random delay on login before perfoming an update check.
2. A restart clears the update check timer and any deferral counts will start over.

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Update check schedule

• Once per 8 hrs (once per day) until 14 day deadline countdown starts. Dismissable.
• Once per 4 hrs during 14 day countdown. Dismissable.
• Once per 4 hrs, starting 3 days before deadline. Dismissable.
• Once per 2 hours on final day. Dismissable.
• Once per 30 minutes when 1 hour away from the deadline. Not dismissable.
• Once per 15 minutes when the deadline is elapsed. Not dismissable.

FAQ

Will the notification give me a chance to defer updates again if I delay it once?

If a user receives a notification that updates are available, they can choose to install the updates now, or defer the install up to 14 days. After 14 days, the Nudge notification will not be dismissable and will grab focus of the screen away from other apps at regular intervals.

If I install updates prior to the deadline, will it restart automatically?

Nudge does not automatically force a Mac to install updates or restart. A Mac that a user updates from System Preferences will not restart until the user initiates it themselves from System Preferences -> Software Update or they click OK on a macOS system notification to restart. Nudge will still prompt the user to install updates until they restart and complete installation of updates.

How can I tell if there are updates that need to be installed?

Nudge will prompt you when there are available required updates. You may also open System Preferences and use the Software Update pane to check for updates at any time.

How do I make Nudge go away?

• Update your OS. Nudge regularly checks for available software updates and will dissapear once the updates are installed.
• Defer. Prior to the 14 day install deadline, installing updates can be deferred until a later time. It's recommended to update as soon as possible to avoid future interruptions.