Should you update to macOS Sequoia 15.8?
No: install macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 instead. macOS Sequoia 15.8 is a security update Apple released on 14 Sep 2026 for Mac. It fixes 180 security flaws.[1] None of them is known to be used in attacks.
It has since been replaced by macOS Sequoia 15.8.1, released 28 Sep 2026, which includes all of its fixes. If you’re on an older version, install that instead.
Should you update?
No: install macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 instead. macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 came out on 26 Oct 2026 and includes every fix in macOS Sequoia 15.8, so there’s no reason to stop at this one. Software Update offers the newest version your Mac can run.
Is macOS Sequoia 15.8 still safe?
Not any more. The 2 updates since, up to macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, fix 198 security flaws that macOS Sequoia 15.8 doesn’t, and each became public the day its fix shipped. Installing it is safe: get it only from System Settings → General → Software Update, never from a link in an email, text or pop-up.
What it fixes
Apple lists 180 security flaws across 87 parts of macOS. For each, Apple says what an attacker could have done before the fix.[1]
| Part | Flaws | What an attacker could do |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel | 33 | A local attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory |
| SMB | 10 | Mounting a maliciously crafted SMB network share may lead to system termination |
| CUPS | 8 | An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination |
| SceneKit | 8 | Processing a maliciously crafted 3D model may lead to memory corruption |
| ImageIO | 6 | Processing a maliciously crafted image may result in disclosure of process memory |
| Disk Images | 5 | Processing a maliciously crafted disk image may lead to unexpected app termination |
| CoreMedia | 4 | An app may be able to access user-sensitive data |
| WebDAV | 4 | Connecting to a malicious WebDAV server may lead to unexpected app termination |
| APFS | 3 | An application may be able to access restricted files |
| ATS | 3 | An app may be able to read files outside of its sandbox |
| Bluetooth | 3 | A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution |
| CoreServices | 3 | An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences |
| Spotlight | 3 | An app may be able to access protected user data |
| autofs | 2 | An attacker with control of a network directory server may be able to execute arbitrary code with root privileges |
| AVEVideoEncoder | 2 | An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination |
| 72 other parts | 84 |
How to update, and how long it takes
It takes 15 to 45 minutes in all: a few minutes to download, then it prepares, installs and restarts, and you can’t use the Mac while it installs.
- Back up first if you can.iCloud backup or your computer. Updates rarely go wrong, but a backup makes it painless if one does.
- Open Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update.Your Mac shows the newest version it can run. Tap or click Update Now, or Upgrade Now for a new major version.
- Leave it plugged in.It downloads, prepares and restarts. Expect 15 to 45 minutes.
- Turn on automatic updates.In the same place, under Automatic Updates, turn on both downloading and installing security responses and updates.
To check it worked: Apple menu → About This Mac shows the macOS name and version. It should say Sequoia 15.8.1 or later.
Older devices
The same day, Apple released macOS Golden Gate 27 (276 security flaws) and macOS Tahoe 26.7 (178 security flaws) for Macs that stay on an older version. Each fixes the same holes where they apply.
Sequoia 15.7.9 vs Sequoia 15.8
macOS Sequoia 15.7.9, released 6 Aug 2026, fixed 1 security flaw, one already used in attacks. macOS Sequoia 15.8 fixes 180 security flaws and includes the fixes before it, so going straight to Sequoia 15.8 gets you both.
- Before: macOS Sequoia 15.7.9, 6 Aug 2026, 1 security flaw
- After: macOS Sequoia 15.8.1, 28 Sep 2026, 1 security flaw
- macOS updates, every release and the latest version
- Updates, the latest version of everything HARD tracks
References
- ^ Apple. “About the security content of macOS Sequoia 15.8”, 14 Sep 2026.