Well iNever! The 13 best iPhone 6 rumours on the web

Rumours ... different concept designs for the iPhone 6

By TOM EDWARDS

APPLE have led the smartphone market ever since they launched the first iPhone back in 2007.

But with bitter rivals Samsung now grabbing an ever-larger share, the pressure is on for the California-based web giant to deliver something really revolutionary with their next offering.

And their legions of fans are only too happy to help them out, taking to the web to post ideas of what they think the new iPhone might look like.

So here we round up some of the best rumours circulating online about the long-awaited iPhone 6.

1. It will have no home button

Numerous sources reckon the iconic home button could be ditched.

The central toggle underneath the screen has featured on every iPhone to date, so getting rid of it would certainly be a bold move.

No home button ... concept design in silver

Martin Hajek and Steve Hemmerstoffer

It's thought that it would be replaced by a new touch system where the entire front face of the phone would perform the ‘home’ function.

A concept design was created by Martin Hajek and Steve Hemmerstoffer for website nowhereelse.fr.

2. The home button will be moved to the side

Moving the home button round to the side of the device is probably a more likely change than getting rid of it altogether, and it would give extra screen space for another row of app icons on-screen.

Home button on the side ... design by Peter Zigich

Peter Zigich

Images created by Peter Zigich on his website show what the new design might look like.

3. The iPhone 6 will totally overshadow the iPhone 5s

It is assumed that the iPhone 5s will directly follow the iPhone 5, with the iPhone 6 following a year later – but that may not be the case.

According to search engine stats, the general public are almost twice as interested in the iPhone 6 as they are in the 5s.

It could be that Apple just decide to ditch the 5s altogether and release the iPhone 6 straight away.

4. A budget iPhone 6 could also be released

Some people think Apple wants to get in at the lower end of the smartphone market.

Devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Ace and HTC’s Desire X are starting to take off as people who aren’t tech-mad want a cheap way to access apps and email.

Budget iPhone ... design by Nikolay Lamm with translucent cover

Releasing a budget iPhone 6 at the same time as the full-spec version could be a great way to tap into this market.

Designer Nickolay Lamm produced some images of what the budget device could look like for ...

5. It will no longer use Samsung chips

Up until now, Apple has relied heavily on the computer chips made by its biggest competitor.

But the relationship between the two manufacturers has soured in recent years, with the Californian giants taking the Koreans to court for copyright infringement in several countries.

Samsung hit back by upping their prices, but if this rumour is to be believed Apple won’t be shelling out for much longer.

It is thought their chips will now be made by Taiwanese company TSMC.

6. It could have two screens

One of the most exciting rumours about the iPhone 6 is that it could feature a curved screen on both sides.

Curved screen ... two-screen design shown next to current iPhone shape

As we reported last week, it is based on a patent Apple took out, and would see the screens covering the entire length of the device.

7. It could have a laser keyboard and projector

Another patent taken out by the company in January describes a laser keyboard that can be projected onto any flat surface.

Some designers also predict a built-in projector screen allowing users to have a giant display on the wall in front of them.

iPhone 6 display projector concept design video

Gizmo

FUTURISTIC-looking device may be able to cast images onto walls and flat surfaces

The keyboard could also finally put a stop to the awkward thumb-typing that users have had to get used to on previous models.

8. It could be released in a range of different sizes

Apple has a history of releasing follow up products in different sizes — think iPod nano or iPad mini.

But they have yet to do this with the iPhone.

Size matters ... iPhone 6 mini, standard and XL

Peter Zigich

Screen size is fast becoming a hotly debated issue, as some want maximum display space, whereas others want a conveniently small phone.

Apple might decide that now is the time to offer up a bit more choice.

9. It could have a holographic display

This may sound far-fetched, but it’s apparently not beyond the realms of possibility.

Holographic display concept for the iPhone 6

Gizmo

NEVER-before -seen feature could allow users to project holograms of the content in their devices

A Japanese man already claims to have created his own DIY iPhone hologram, and one concept designer has posted a video of what they think the official version might look like.

10. iOS could be completely overhauled

Apple’s operating system – the software that actually runs the device – hasn’t changed a great deal since the first release back in 2007.

It has had updates, changes and additions, but some people now believe it’s time for a complete redesign of the way the iPhone operates.

One of the reasons is that people have so many apps now that some of them get hidden away and forgotten about – the bosses at Apple HQ could be working out a way to organise them better.

11. Battery life will be improved

A common iPhone complaint is batteries that barely last a day.

The problem, of course, is that all the amazing things the iPhone can do require a hefty slice of precious power.

Computer says no ... low battery life can be very draining

So many people that use apps throughout the day often find themselves plugging their device back into the wall socket well before bedtime.

It’s been suggested that Apple could design a chunkier phone with a bigger battery in the hope that customers would trade off sleek phone size for an improved battery life.

12. It could have an iWatch as an accessory

Apple has filed a number of patents around the iWatch idea, and most of them suggest it would be released as an accessory, rather than a stand-alone product.

Watch out! ... concept design for an iWatch accessory by Nickolay Lamm

This would see most of its apps and functions controlled by the user’s iPhone or iPad, as they have far more space for memory than the much-smaller wrist device.

The company has also taken out a patent on a spiral display for iTunes which some believe will feature on the iWatch.

13. It will be super-thin and transparent

The idea of a transparent iPhone seems to have been floating around for some time now.

But could the technology have finally caught up with the public’s imagination?

I can see right through you ... iPhone 6 concept design

tom.edwards@the-sun.co.uk

Citi goes sour on Apple, claims iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 delay

Citibank analyst Glen Yeung is down on Apple's prospects, citing delays until September and inventory issues.(Credit: Apple)

The expected iPhone 5S will see an extended delay in delivery, while iPad Mini demand is softening, according to a research note from Citigroup Capital Markets. The note also claimed a Retina MacBook Air is coming.

"We have previously written that iPhone5S, despite an accelerated design phase, was modestly delayed from June to July," wrote Citi's Glen Yeung in a research note Sunday. "With input from Citi's Taiwan-based technology research team...we now believe that a further 1- to 2-month delay (from July to August or September) is possible, likely stemming from volume production issues."

Jefferies analyst Peter Misek also said last week that the rumored iPhone 5S and low-cost iPhone will likely be delayed.

The iPhone 5S had been expected to arrive in June.

And don't expect an iPhone 6 this year either, Citi's Yeung said. Here's what he said about the fourth quarter.

4Q13 (September) refreshes...we expect several product refreshes in 4Q13. Specifically, we expect iPhone 5S (better camera & processor, NFC, new colors), iPad Mini (Retina and non-Retina refresh), iPad 5 (slimmer, lighter, thinner bezel), MacBook Air Retina. We do NOT expect iPhone 6 (large screen) and remain unclear on low-end iPhone

A Retina MacBook Air would mean that most of Apple's MacBook line would be available with high-resolution Retina displays. So far, only 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch MacBook Pro models offer that display.

Related stories

• Apple's iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone, iPhone 6 may be delayed

Yeung also expressed concern about "softening" iPad Mini demand. And he expects both Retina and non-Retina versions of the iPad Mini 2.

"We remain concerned about iPad Mini demand in light of flattening production in 3Q13 (third quarter 2013)...potentially two models in 4Q13: Retina Mini 2 and non-Retina Mini 2."

Yeung was not sanguine about Apple shares. "We remain in the minority by NOT recommending Apple," he wrote.

Amazon gains against Apple's iTunes in music download

By Alistair Barr
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc has grabbed more than a fifth of the market for digital music downloads, helped by the launch of its own tablet computers and aggressive pricing, according to an industry study released on Tuesday.
AmazonMP3, the online retailer's digital music business , had 22 percent of the market for music downloads in the United States in last year's fourth quarter, research firm the NPD Group said in its Annual Music Study.
That compares with 15 percent in 2011, 13 percent in 2010, 10 percent in 2009 and 7 percent in 2008, NPD data showed.
Apple Inc's iTunes store, which turns 10 years old on April 28, was still dominant with 63 percent of the market in the fourth quarter of 2012. But that was down from 68 percent in 2011 and 69 percent in 2009, according to NPD.
"Amazon's entry into tablets probably helped," said Russ Crupnick, senior vice president, industry analysis, at NPD Group.
Amazon launched its own tablet, the Kindle Fire, in 2011, and last year the company rolled out larger versions of the device to compete more with Apple's iPad.
Amazon is using the Kindle Fire to try to sell more digital goods, such as music, video, apps and games, where iTunes leads.
Amazon, known for low prices, has also taken that approach in music downloads, running frequent price promotions to spur more sales. In 2011, the company offered Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" for 99 cents in MP3 format. Demand was so strong that Amazon's computer servers stalled, forcing the company to run the promotion again a few days later.
Amazon has also benefited from a large base of consumers who buy physical CDs from the retailer. As those shoppers switch to digital music, the company has managed to keep many of them as customers, Crupnick explained.
Amazon sells digital music without Digital Rights Management, or DRM, a technology that limits how people can consume such content. The company's DRM-free approach boosted demand because it let consumers listen to music on any devices, including Apple devices like iPods and iPhones, Crupnick said.
Even as Amazon gains in this area, the focus is shifting to digital music streaming, currently provided by smaller companies such as Pandora Media Inc and Spotify.
Google Inc, Amazon and Apple are among Silicon Valley powerhouses that have been sounding out top recording industry executives as they look for ways to make streaming profitable.

Apple Sued by Yet Another Patent Troll

In yet another example of how the patent system can be abused by non-practicing entities, Apple(NASDAQ:AAPL) is being sued by a patent troll company. Wyncomm claims that Apple is infringing on its patent for “Side-channel communications in simultaneous voice and data transmission” reportsMacNN. Although the patent was originally granted to AT&T (NYSE:T) in 1996, Wyncomm is the current holder of the patent. Wyncomm has filed its complaint in Delaware.

Is Apple now a once-in-a-decade buying opportunity? Click here to get your 24-page Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Apple’s Stock now!

Since the patent mentions “the use of a side-channel in a simultaneous voice and data communications system,” Wyncomm is claiming that all products using WiFi are in violation of its patent. However, the patent expires in November of this year, so it appears that Wyncomm is making a last minute effort to wring some money out of certain technology companies that actually make a product.

Per the filed papers provided by MacNN, Wyncomm states that “the Defendant has and continues to directly infringe one or more claims of the ’866 Patent by making, using, selling, importing, and/or providing and causing to be used products that transmit information utilizing WiFi, including information representative of analog data such as voice or sound and including control data, in which the information representative of analog data is converted to voice or sound, which by way of example include handsets such as the iPhone (e.g., iPhone 5) and tablets such as the iPad (e.g.,iPad 1).”

Not surprisingly, Wyncomm is not seeking any product injunctions against the defendants, only a monetary award for “damages.” Per the complaint via MacNN, Wyncomm demands “an award of damages to be paid by Defendant adequate to compensate Wyncomm for their past infringement of the ’866 Patent, and any continuing or future infringement through the date such judgment is entered, including interest, costs, expenses and an accounting of all infringing acts including, but not limited to, those acts not presented at trial.”

Wyncomm also appears to be taking the shotgun approach to its patent infringement litigation. Besides suing Apple, Wyncomm is also suing Acer, Asustek, Blu Products, Bonac Innovation, and Casio, reports MacNN

Bug Out With The iOS Controlled Bug

Looking for a toy that is both fun, creepy, and lets you use your cherished iOS devices all at the same time? Then this Cult of Mac Deals offer will be right up your alley.

This little robotic bug looks and moves just like a real insect, but is completely controlled by your iOS device. That’s right – you can control this creepy crawler with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod – and we’ve got it at a 27% discount for a limited time. Thanks to Cult of Mac Deals you can get this tiny tech toy for only $29!

Here are the top features of this little iBug:

• Plug & Play: Download the controller app from the App Store, plug in the included transmitter in the headphone jack, and you are ready to go!
• USB Rechargeable: Recharge your iBug with the included USB charging cable. No batteries required!
• Realistic Robotics: Inspired by movements and characteristics of an insect, these creepy crawler will have everyone fooled.
• Free Global Shipping: Free shipping to the United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

(Remember to check out the Deals page for all important reminders surrounding this offer.)

Simply sync it up to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod and you’ll be walking and racing the little critter – as well as startling friends, family, and pets – in no time. The iOS Controlled Bug is the perfect gift for insect lovers and iOS enthusiasts alike!

But this deal won’t last long. Pick up this incredible iOS insect for just $29 before it – and this offer – flies off for good!

Apple board member's remarks pique iWatch speculation

At an event for employees at Intuit, Bill Campbell, an Apple board member and close friend of Steve Jobs, speaks of watches, glasses, and "the application of technology to really intimate things."

Do an image search on "iWatch" and you'll discover plenty of fanciful renderings of the rumored device, from various blogs and Web sites.

(Credit: Screenshot by Edward Moyer/CNET)

Here's another scrap to add to your "Apple's Next Move" file.

Recent remarks from Bill Campbell, an Apple board member and close friend of Steve Jobs, suggest that rumors about an iWatch -- or perhaps even an Apple competitor to Google's high-tech Glass specs -- might be worth heeding.

At an event for Intuit employees this week, Campbell sat down with Intuit CEO Brad Smith for an hourlong chat, discussing, as Businessweek puts it, "things that make a product great, how managers should behave, and some of the recent highs and lows he's seen in the technology industry and beyond."

Related stories

• An anxious planet awaits Apple's iWatch or iWhatever
• Apple reportedly testing curved glass for 'iWatch'
• Apple granted patent for Google Glass-like device
• New patent hints at Google Glass wristwatch
• Smartwatches: The next big thing or this year's fad?
• Features we want in an Apple iWatch
• CNET explores tech that is an extension of you

Though Campbell reportedly said he couldn't offer any specifics on future Apple products, he said we could anticipate "a lot of things going on with the application of technology to really intimate things." And, calling Google Glass a "phenomenal breakthrough," he said, "When you start to think about glasses or watches, they become as intimate as the cell phone was."

Wearable computing, then, seems to be on the minds of those in the know in Cupertino. No surprise, really: such gadgets struck up the buzz at this year's CES confab, and the iWatch rumors have long been flying, with, recently, The New York Times reporting that Apple is experimenting with wristwatch-like iOS devices that feature curved glass, and Bloomberg reporting that the company has about 100 people working on a smartwatch project. (Google and Samsung, too, are potential players in the smartwatch realm.)

Apple has also filed patent applications for watch-relevant flexible displays and for a Glass-sounding "head-mounted display apparatus." (Some have even said Apple will release an iTV product this year that will feature a wearable "iRing" that acts as a kind of remote.)

Campbell's comments, then, add a bit more grist to the mill. And we may not have all that long to wait before we discover if the iWatch rumors are true. In the same report about the 100-person team, Bloomberg cites an unnamed source as saying that Apple wants the device out as soon as this year (and, as CNET's Dan Farber points out, the pressure is on Apple to produce something bold and ambitious again, and in time for the fourth-quarter shopping season).

The same unnamed source who told Bloomberg about an arrival date for the gadget, also said it could include features that let its users make calls, see the identity of incoming callers, check map coordinates, use a pedometer for counting steps, and monitor their heart rate and other health data via sensors. CNET's Scott Stein and Donald Bell have their own wishlists of iWatch features.

Does Apple need a hybrid MacBook?

An Apple hybrid MacBook is an enticing idea. Should the company try to pull it off?

Could an Apple hybrid laptop show the Windows 8 crowd how combo devices should be done?

(Credit: Apple via USPTO)

Windows 8 hybrids are out in force. Should Apple join the fray or just stay away?

An Apple patent, which came to light this week, proposes a convertible laptop featuring -- in certain configurations -- a touch-capable detachable display and a base station with a keyboard. Both can wirelessly transmit power and communicate wirelessly, according to the filing.

At least that's what the Windows 8 crowd like Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo are proposing.Theoretically, this newfangled MacBook could obviate the need to haul around both an iPad and a MacBook.

Here's the challenge as I see it (though I'm sure readers can cite other problems): in tablet mode, you want your device to be as small, light, and thin as possible -- like an iPad 4 or, even better, like iPad 2; in laptop mode, you want it to be fast enough to handle all the productivity you can throw at it.

Are those two paradigms reconcilable? At some point they may be, but I'm not sure we're there yet.

For example, the HP's Envy x2 tablet (at bottom) has great battery life, and the tablet itself (where the core electronics are) is light, but its Atom chip is relatively poky. Windows 8 Metro and light desktop productivity tasks are fine, but more-demanding games and serious multitasking are out.

Then there's Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet. It has laptop-class performance (via its Intel Ivy Bridge chip), but it's considerably thicker and heavier than an iPad and has inferior battery life.

Putting aside the question of whether Apple would actually do this, do you think Apple could pull off a device (as a complete Apple solution) that excels at straddling the laptop and tablet paradigms? Do you think it's necessary to have one device that serves as a tablet and a laptop?

(And note that Intel is coming out with more power-efficient Haswell processors as well as more powerful (and completely redesigned) Bay Trail Atom chips. Apple, too, will undoubtedly release a more powerful A7 chip.)

HP's Envy x2 is one of the better Windows 8 'detachables' but it's a bit underpowered because of its Atom processor.

Apple Best and Worst Notebook Brands 2013 Rating

For the fourth year in a row Apple takes top prize in our Best & Worst Brands. Why? Apple placed first in five of eight categories, including reviews, design, keyboards and touchpads, display and audio, and software. Apple also grabbed second place in our tech support category. The only area where Apple falls flat is value because the brand doesn’t play in the low-cost laptop space. Overall, though, Apple continues to epitomize the best of the best.

Digsby

IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application!

http://digsby.com

MORE: 7 Things Apple Must Do in 2013

Reviews (20/20)

A perfect 20 out of 20 is a key reason why Apple keeps its top honors again this year. Although we only reviewed three notebooks from Apple, all notched a score of four stars or higher, and all received an Editors’ Choice. The top laptop from 2012 was the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, which had a groundbreaking screen, superb performance, long battery life and a slim design.

Design (14/15)

Just call it the design that launched 1,000 notebooks. Ever since the MacBook Pro’s debut in 2006 and the Air’s subsequent launch in 2008, the industry has been flooded with laptops trying to copy those clean lines and futuristic minimalist designs that are patently Apple. Once again, Apple has shaved the fat, making both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Retina display remarkably thin and light while cramming the chassis full of high-end components. However, we’d love for Apple to add some color back into the mix, à la the iPod nano.

Keyboard and Touchpad (15/15)

Digsby

IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application!

http://digsby.com

Apple simply offers the best keyboard and trackpad experience around, even beating out our perennial favorite of Lenovo this year. The 13-inch MacBook Air’s keyboard has a similar feel to its predecessor, which is a good thing, as “it’s hard to improve on perfection.”Similarly, the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display was cited for its “springy feedback, plenty of travel and evenly backlit keys,” which is exactly what we look for in a great keyboard. Apple’s trackpads also received high praise for their large size and smooth operation. Words such as “effortless” and “flawless” were just some of the accolades we laid out for the MacBooks’ trackpads.

Tech Support (13/15)

We appreciated Apple’s Express Lane Web service, which proposes help articles, and the accurate phone staff who answered our queries in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, Genius Bars continue to be an invaluable source of in-person support. Those factors, however, were only enough for a second-place tie with Samsung. Apple missed the top spot in this category because of its lack of live chat and help via social networking channels.
MORE: Apple Tech Support Showdown Results

Display and Audio (9/10)

Digsby

IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application!

http://digsby.com

Apple managed to outdo itself this past year, putting Retina displays in two of its notebooks. The 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros both feature the highest resolution displays in a notebook, with 226 and 217 PPI, respectively. All of Apple’s laptops feature bright displays and great viewing angles, including the non-Retina MacBook Air. MacBooks tend to pump out better audio than most systems in their size and weight category. Apple scored a point higher this year compared to last because of its Retina displays.

Value and Selection (5/10)

Although Apple’s selection is still limited to two main lines, the company has added two new MacBook Pros with Retina display, expanding its total catalog to six systems. Apple’s cheapest clamshell starts at a premium $999 (the 11-inch Air) and the most affordable Retina display model starts at $1,499. Apple machines are available everywhere, though, from Apple stores and Best Buy to NewEgg.com. Spec upgrades are available through Apple.com when you configure to order, but are often more costly than similar upgrades from Lenovo and Toshiba. We think Apple could use a notebook under $800 at a time when the average laptop price is around $500 and even cheaper Chromebooks are taking off.

Innovation (8/10)

On the MacBook Air front, Apple did little to move the innovation needle during the past year. Shoppers pretty much got spec bumps. However, the MacBook Pro with Retina display proved the company could up the resolution ante on screens in a big way. And unlike Windows machines that have full HD resolutions, Apple didn’t make icons on the desktop so small that you need a magnifying glass to discern them. For what it’s worth, Apple is the only notebook maker that has Thunderbolt ports on all of its laptops, but there’s still a dearth of high-speed peripherals that can take advantage of these ports.

Software (5/5)

With Mountain Lion, Apple improved on the operating system front by adding such features as Notification Center, Mission Control and iMessage, which lets you communicate with any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Sharing via Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and Vimeo is built into select apps. Gatekeeper keeps you safe from malware and other security threats. The iLife multimedia suite also makes a return and gives amateur artists a pretty big canvas with which to perfect their next movie, photo or tune.

Why am I getting this message: "Firefox can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer."

Firefox icon suddely vanished from the dock and the app won't open.  The message box says, "Firefox" can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer. Your security preferences allow installation of only apps from the Mac App Store and identified developers."  I have the 'Mac app store and identified developers' box checked in Security/Privacy under Preferences. I updated Firefox 1/17/13.  Now what do I do?

iMac (27-inch Late 2009), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Is heer...

Firefox was working until this occurred? From where did you get Firefox? Btw, the latest Firefox was updated to Firefox 19 just a few days ago.

http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

I certainly would have thought Mozilla is participating in Mountain Lion Gatekeeper code signing.

Updating OS X and Mac App Store apps

Summary

Learn how to get software updates for OS X and apps from the Mac App Store. In Mountain Lion, use Mac App Store for OS X Updates.

Products Affected

Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.6, OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion

Click a section below depending on which OS X version you are updating.

Collapse All | Expand All

Updating your software in OS X Mountain Lion

In Mountain Lion, Mac App Store delivers OS X Updates instead of the Software Update app.

Notifications that updates are available

Notification alerts in Mountain Lion inform you that updates are available. 

• Click "Details" to open the Mac App Store and see details about the updates available.
• If present, click "Update" to install software updates.
• If present, click "Restart" to install software updates that require a restart.

Tip: You can dismiss the Notification Alert by clicking it and swiping to the right.

You may see a badge appear with the number of software updates available on the App Store icon in the Dock. 

Updating your software

In addition to clicking "Update" in a notification alert, you can follow these steps to get the latest software updates for OS X and Mac App Store apps.

Important: If you disable Spotlight on the startup volume, some updates may not appear.

1. Choose Apple () menu > Software Update… – If prompted, enter an admin name and password.

2. The App Store opens and displays any software updates available for OS X and Mac App Store apps. OS X updates will be at the top of the list. Note: Opening the App Store by clicking its Dock icon will only show Mac App Store app updates.

3. Click "Update All" to install all available software updates. If prompted, enter an admin name and password then Apple ID and password.
4. Click "Update" to install individual software updates. If prompted, enter an admin name and password then Apple ID and password.

Monitoring the progress of installing software updates

After a software update had been started, the following progress indicators will appear:

• The blue progress bar and download stats within the App Store app

• The blue progress bar under the Launchpad icon on the Dock. Tip: To see the Launchpad bezel containing download stats, hover your cursor pointer over the Launchpad Dock icon.

Software Update pane of System Preferences

Use the Software Update System Preference to customize software updates.

Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences… > Software Update.

Note: If needed, click the padlock icon in the lower left and enter an admin name and password to unlock.

• Automatically check for updates – Select this checkbox to have your Mac check for updates automatically.
• Download newly available updates in the background – Select this checkbook to have your Mac download updates automatically in the background so they are ready to be installed.
• Install system data files and security updates – Select this checkbox to have your Mac install system files and security updates automatically.
• Automatically download apps purchased on other Macs – Select this checkbox to have your Mac download apps (from the Mac App Store) that you purchased on other Macs.
  • Note: You will see the Apple ID you have used sign into the Mac App Store after you have signed in.
  • You must be logged in with an admin account to enable automatic downloads.
• Show Updates or Check Now – Click Show Updates to open the Mac App Store and see any available updates. Click Check Now to check for updates.
  
  Important: You should install OS X updates  as soon as possible.

Secure connection to Apple's update servers

Mountain Lion uses HTTPS to make a secure connection to Apple's Software Update servers. Some web proxy configurations may prevent this secure connection. See this article for more information or consult with your local network administrator.

Updating your software in OS X Lion, Mac OS X v10.6, or earlier

Getting updates immediately

1. From the Apple () menu, choose Software Update.
   
   
   Apple menu in Mac OS X v10.6.6
   
2. Software Update checks for available updates. In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates.
3. Enter an administrator account name and password.
4. After installation is complete, restart the computer if required.

You can repeat these steps to see if more updates are now available. Because some software updates are prerequisites for others, you may need to repeat these steps several times to complete the software update sequence. Note: Mac OS X v10.5 and later can automatically run Software Update checks in the background and let you know when an update is available for your computer.

Updating apps that were purchased from the Mac App Store

Software Update does not show updates available for apps that were purchased from the Mac App Store. To update your purchased apps, open App Store on your Mac, then click the "Updates" view at the top of the App Store window. This will show all available updates for apps currently installed on your Mac.

Note: OS X Lion updates come from Software Update as described above.

Scheduling an update

The Software Update pane (in System Preferences) lets you schedule automatic checks for updates. By default, it automatically checks for updates weekly. You can change the interval from weekly to daily or monthly, or you can turn off scheduled checks if you want.

Mac OS X v10.5 and later allows you set Software Update to download important updates automatically. You will be notified when the updates are ready to be installed.

Hiding certain updates

Sometimes you may see an update in the Software Update list that you don't need. You can hide it if you want to.

Using standalone installers from Apple Support Downloads

Sometimes a standalone installer may be more useful than the automatic Software Update feature. Examples include when you:

• Anticipate needing the file again later.
• Need to install on multiple computers and need a portable file.
• Have a faster Internet connection available to you at another computer.
• Have no Internet connection on a computer that needs the update.

You can get standalone copies of many Apple software updates from Apple Support Downloads.

Carefully read the stated system requirements before using a standalone installer. Be sure to install updates in the correct order when applicable, or only on compatible computers when applicable.

Reference releases; update vs. upgrade

Mac OS X v10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and OS X Lion themselves are not free updates, they are reference releases, also called upgrades. The OS X Lion reference release can be purchased in Mac OS X Snow Leopard via theMac App Store. See also Update, upgrade--what's the difference?

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.