What is softwareupdated?

softwareupdated keeps your Mac up to date.

What is softwareupdated?

It is the Software Update daemon (sometimes shown as mobile.softwareupdated). It checks for, downloads, and prepares macOS updates, security patches, and Rapid Security Responses.

What does it do?

• Checks for updates: contacts Apple's servers from time to time to see if anything new is available
• Downloads updates: fetches update files in the background
• Prepares updates: unpacks and stages files so they are ready to install
• Tells you about updates: triggers the "Software Update Available" alert
• Automatic updates: installs updates overnight if you have turned this on

Why does it use bandwidth in the background?

macOS downloads updates in the background so they are ready when you want them. This means softwareupdated may fetch several gigabytes for a big update without you starting the download yourself. You can control this in System Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates.

What about suhelperd?

suhelperd (Software Update helper daemon) helps softwareupdated with tasks that need root access, such as writing to system folders and changing the boot setup.

Does it use many resources?

While downloading and preparing, it can use a lot of bandwidth and some processor time. Once updates are installed, it goes back to light background checks.

Can you control automatic updates?

Yes, in System Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. You can choose whether to:

• Check for updates
• Download new updates when they appear
• Install macOS updates
• Install Security Responses and system files

Should you worry?

No. Keeping your Mac updated is one of the best things you can do for security. softwareupdated makes sure you get important patches as soon as they are ready.

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