Update Non-App Store Legacy Software on macOS 13

Updating legacy software acquired outside the Mac App Store on macOS 13 Ventura requires manual intervention, as these applications are not managed by Apple’s centralized update system. This guide covers how to update non-App Store software using built-in application updaters, direct manual installations from developer websites, command-line package managers, and how to navigate macOS 13’s Gatekeeper security permissions to ensure legacy applications run correctly.

1. Check for Built-In In-App Updates

Most standalone macOS applications feature an integrated update mechanism, often powered by frameworks like Sparkle.

  1. Launch the legacy application.
  2. Click the application's name in the menu bar at the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Select Check for Updates… (or Preferences / Settings > Updates).
  4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the newest release.

2. Download Updates Directly from the Developer

If the in-app updater fails or the application does not have an automatic update feature, you must update it manually.

  1. Visit the official website of the software developer.
  2. Locate the "Downloads" or "Support" section and download the latest version compatible with macOS 13 Ventura.
  3. Open the downloaded file (typically a .dmg or .zip).
  4. Drag the updated application into your Applications folder.
  5. When prompted by macOS, select Replace to overwrite the older version while preserving your existing application data and license keys.

3. Handle macOS 13 Gatekeeper and Security Blocks

macOS 13 enforces strict Gatekeeper and notarization policies that can block older, legacy apps from opening after an update.

If you encounter an error stating the app "cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified":

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
  3. Scroll down to the Security section.
  4. Locate the message stating the application was blocked from opening, then click Open Anyway.
  5. Confirm by entering your administrator password if required.

4. Update via Homebrew Cask

If you originally installed the application or manage your Mac using the Homebrew package manager, you can update third-party GUI applications via Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal from /Applications/Utilities/.

  2. Run the following command to update your package lists and installed casks:

    brew update && brew upgrade --cask

  3. To update a specific app only, run:

    brew upgrade --cask <application-name>

5. Ensure Rosetta 2 Compatibility

Legacy applications built exclusively for Intel-based Macs require the Rosetta 2 translation environment on Apple Silicon (M1/M2) hardware running macOS 13.

If an updated legacy app fails to launch on Apple Silicon:

  1. Open Terminal.

  2. Manually verify or install Rosetta 2 by entering:

    softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license

  3. If necessary, locate the application in Finder, right-click it, select Get Info, and check the box labeled Open using Rosetta.