Check Pending macOS Updates in Terminal on Mac OS 13

This guide explains how to check for pending macOS software updates using the command line in macOS 13 Ventura. By utilizing the built-in softwareupdate utility in the Terminal application, you can quickly query Apple’s update servers, list all available system patches, and see version details directly from your command-line interface without navigating through System Settings.

Step 1: Open the Terminal App

  1. Press Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight Search.
  2. Type Terminal and press Return. Alternatively, navigate to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2: Run the Update Check Command

In the Terminal window, enter the following command and press Return:

softwareupdate -l

You can also use the long-form equivalent:

softwareupdate --list

Step 3: Interpret the Results

The command will query Apple’s software update catalogs. The scan typically takes between 10 to 30 seconds.

  • If updates are available: Terminal will return a list showing the software names, versions, sizes, and whether a restart is required. Each item will have an update identifier (Label).

  • If your system is up to date: Terminal will output:

    Software Update Tool
Finding available software
No new software available.

If you decide to manage the updates directly from the Terminal, you can use these additional commands:

  • Download and install all available updates:

    sudo softwareupdate -i -a

  • Install a specific update:

    sudo softwareupdate -i "Label_Name"

    (Replace "Label_Name" with the exact name provided in the list output).

  • Download an update without installing:

    softwareupdate -d "Label_Name"