2025 Mac Air update stuck checking for updates

Apple’s current compatibility list includes MacBook Air with Apple silicon from 2020 onward, MacBook Pro with Apple silicon from 2020 onward, iMac with Apple silicon from 2021 onward, Mac mini with Apple silicon from 2020 onward, Mac Studio from 2022 onward, and Mac Pro with Apple silicon from 2023 onward. Apple also lists the MacBook Neo (2026) as compatible. (Apple)

Apple has made macOS 27 Golden Gate available starting September 14, 2026. (Apple)

If macOS 27 does not appear in Software Update:

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and check again.
3. Make sure your Mac has an active Internet connection. I
4. f you use a VPN, temporarily disconnect it while checking for the update.

If macOS 27 still does not appear, you can check which software updates are currently being offered to your Mac.

Open Terminal and run: softwareupdate --list

You can also check which full macOS installers are currently available for your Mac:

softwareupdate --list-full-installers

If macOS 27.0.1 appears in that list, you can download the full installer with:

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 27.0.1

Apple — macOS 27 Golden Gate

Apple Support — How to download and install macOS

Try a simple reboot to see if that makes any difference.

If it behaves the same, then try booting into Safe Mode to see if you can access the updates/upgrades. If Safe Mode works, then most likely some third party software was interfering with the normal operation of macOS.

If still unable to access the updates & upgrades, then report back for more options.

"2025 Mac Air update stuck checking for updates: I'm trying update my 2025 Mac Air from Tahoe 26.6.2 to 27 and all I get is a spinning wheel in "checking for updates". Is there any way to fix this"

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Still having issues?

"Checking for Updates" Stalled:

IMPORTANT:

Back Up before Updating: Updates can fix bugs and provide new features. But, before you do so, I recommend creating a Time Machine Backup of your Mac. That way, you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong, afterwards. Create a Time Machine Backup after the installation.

Then, perform the update...

• Use Ethernet:

Do you have access to Ethernet? If so, connect your Mac using Ethernet, directly into the wall outlet. For YOUR Mac (having no Ethernet port), you'll need this adapter. Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter - Apple

• Use a New Administrator User:

For troubleshooting purposes, create. new Administrator user, and see if you can install it with that user. Trasht he users, afterwards, and create a Time Machine Backup after the the successfully completes.