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Update Safari browser without upgrading macOS

Are you looking to update the Safari browser without updating macOS? Learn different methods to update the browser independently without updating the entire Mac.

The Safari browser is the system app and the updates to the app are released along with the system updates. However, we can manually select to update only the Safari app without upgrading the macOS.

We need to manually select to install Safari updates instead of installing all the updates in the Software Updates window.

In this guide, we have shared the steps to update the Apple Safari browser without upgrading the macOS.

Upgrading Safari app without macOS update

Here are the steps to update the Safari to the latest version:

  1. Open System Preferences/Settings under the Apple apple logo menu.
    Apple MacOS System Preferences menuIt will open the System Preferences window.
  2. Select the Software Update program from the list.
    Apple System Preferences Software Update menuIt will open the Software Update window and start checking for updates.
  3. Click on the More info… link.
    Software Update More Info link
  4. Select the checkbox for the Safari browser.
    Safari Update checkbox enable under Software Update windowMake sure to disable other OS upgrade checkboxes.
  5. Hit the Install Now command button.

The Safari download will begin and automatically finish the update installation.

Software Update Installing on MacOS

Mac will now install the latest update for your Safari browser without upgrading OS, and you can enjoy all its new goodies.

info icon
Note: Deferring the Operating System upgrades is not recommended as it involves security and bug fixes. Especially the sub-version of the currently running OS.

Video Guide to Update Safari without macOS

Watch this video tutorial on how to update Safari without upgrading the macOS.

How to Update Safari without Upgrading macOS?

Bottom Line

As you might have noticed, it is still solely in the hands of Apple as and when (and more importantly if) they plan on releasing a standalone browser update rather than a part of the system update. Something available in the App Store app for ease of download.

Since so many complexities are involved in updating this browser, many users prefer to take an alternate route and install an alternative browser for your Mac such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza is a Google Certified IT Professional, Digital Content Creator, and Go-To Digital Marketer with Engineering Degree. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and innovating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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