Software Update Says Mac Is Up to Date When It Isn't

On a MacAir M2 MacOS 26.7, I had successfully upgraded OS26.6 to 26.7 from Software Update in System Settings. At that time Golden Gate also appeared as an upgrade. Since OS26.7.1 has become available, Software Update will not show that version or Golden Gate as options. It reports that MacOS is up to date. The Softwareupdate --list command in Terminal also will not list any updates as available. The Softwareupdate --list-full-installers command will list Golden Gate OS27, Tahoe OS26.7.1, and older OS versions. With the appropriate Terminal command I fetched OS26.7.1 and it successfully downloaded into my Applications folders. However, when I click on it to install, it runs until the window displays "48 minutes remaining". It gets stuck there for over 20 minutes until a pop-up window displays that an internet connection is needed to continue. The laptop is connected to the internet during this process. Has anyone had this issue? Would installing the OS from Recovery Mode work? Why won't available updates show up in Software Update?

Posted on Oct 8, 2026 6:14 PM

2 replies

neuroanatomist

Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 8, 2026 7:59 PM in response to billdouglask

It is likely that you are in Low data mode. Users have reported difficulty upgrading macOS over Wi-Fi in Low data mode, and that toggling that setting OFF enables them to perform a Software Update.

Turn off Low data mode

Open System Settings
Click on Wi-Fi
Click on the Details button on the right side of your connected network
Toggle the setting off.

More info from Apple: Wi-Fi settings on Mac - Apple Support

billdouglask Author

Level 1 (10 points)

Oct 9, 2026 5:33 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Thank you. That was the problem.