The Forced Browser Upgrade
Apple heavily integrates the Safari web browser into the core of the macOS operating system. Because of this deep integration, Apple often pushes major updates to Safari entirely automatically in the background, even if you haven’t approved a full system OS update. While keeping your browser up-to-date is generally good for security, automatic Safari updates can be incredibly frustrating. A new version of Safari might break compatibility with a critical web extension you rely on for work, introduce a radically different user interface (like when Apple moved the address bar to the bottom of the screen), or cause unexpected rendering bugs on company intranet portals. If you want to review the changes before committing to a new browser version, you must disable the automatic update mechanism.
How to Disable Automatic Application Updates
To stop Safari from updating itself, you have to adjust the global Software Update settings in macOS to stop all background app updates.
1. Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. In the left-hand navigation sidebar, click on General.
4. In the main pane, click on Software Update.
5. Look for the line that says “Automatic Updates” and click the small Info (i) button next to it.
6. A sub-menu will appear with several toggle switches. Look for the toggle labelled Install application updates from the App Store.
7. Click the switch to turn it Off. You will likely be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password or use Touch ID to confirm this change.
8. (Optional but recommended) For maximum control, you should also turn off Install macOS updates, ensuring the system doesn’t slip a Safari update inside a minor OS patch.
9. Click Done.
Important Security Considerations
By turning this setting off, you are taking full manual responsibility for your Mac’s security. Safari will no longer receive emergency security patches automatically. You must remember to periodically open System Settings, navigate to Software Update, and manually review and install the available updates to keep your browser safe from newly discovered vulnerabilities.