Mac Patch Management Tool Recommendations (2025)

Mac patch management is the process of monitoring, deploying, and verifying updates for both the macOS operating system and the applications running on it. Done well, patch management reduces vulnerabilities, minimizes downtime, and ensures IT teams can keep fleets of Macs aligned with organizational policies.

If you own a Mac, you know that updates pop up regularly. For an individual user, hitting “Install Now” is usually enough. But in a workplace with dozens or hundreds of Macs, updates can be a lot more complicated.

Some updates fix security problems, others add new features, and some arrive unexpectedly. If every Mac installs them at different times, IT teams can lose track of who’s protected and who isn’t. Even worse, a single unpatched computer could put the whole company at risk.

In this article, we’ll look at:

• How Apple structures Mac updates and what that means for IT teams
• Best practices for managing patches in 2025
• A detailed review of five widely used tools: Jamf, NinjaOne, Munki, Automox, and Pulseway

The goal is straightforward: give you a clear picture of what Mac patch management looks like today and help you evaluate which tools might best fit your environment

Understanding How Apple Handles Mac Patching

Before looking at patch management tools, it’s important to understand one key fact: Apple controls the update process on macOS.

Unlike Windows, where IT teams have more direct control over patches, macOS updates are tightly managed by Apple. Every third-party patch management tool you’ll use — Jamf, NinjaOne, Automox, Pulseway, or even open-source options like Munki — works within Apple’s rules.

Types of Apple Updates

Apple ships three types of updates:

• Major updates (e.g., macOS Sonoma → macOS Sequoia)
• Minor updates (e.g., macOS 14.4 → 14.4.1)
• Rapid Security Responses (RSRs) — small, urgent security fixes

Learn more:Patch Level Meaning 

Admins can influence these updates through MDM (Mobile Device Management). The main levers are:

• Deferrals – delay a new update for 1–90 days so you can test before rollout.
• Enforcement – force a device to download and install a specific update by deadline.

Best Practices of Mac Patch Management

With that baseline, here’s what “good” looks like in 2025:

• Use rollout rings (pilot → broad → all) and set predictable deferrals (for example, 14–30 days for minor updates, longer for major upgrades). Apple’s deferral range is 1–90 days; align your rings to that.
• Enforce updates on devices that don’t move by the deadline.
• Patch third-party apps continuously; most security incidents come from out-of-date apps, not just OS.
• Turn on content caching at sites with many Macs to avoid saturating your WAN.

Below is a detailed look at five commonly chosen tools. The focus is on what they can actually do for macOS patching in 2025, where they fit, and practical trade-offs.

Best Mac Patch Management Software 2025

1) Jamf (Jamf Pro)

Jamf is the best-known tool in the Apple management space. It’s designed specifically for macOS and iOS, so it works closely with Apple’s update system.

• How it handles updates: Jamf uses Apple’s official MDM commands to enforce updates. You can set deferrals (delay an update for testing) and force installs when deadlines hit.
• Apps and third-party software: Jamf maintains a catalog of common apps (like Zoom, Chrome, and Slack) and keeps them updated automatically. This saves IT teams from manually packaging installers.
• Pros: Deep Apple integration, strong app catalog, trusted by large enterprises.
• Cons: Can feel complex, and its two methods for app patching (App Installers vs. Patch Policies) may confuse new admins.
• Best fit: Organizations that are mostly Mac and want maximum control with Apple-first features.

Related article: Jamf Asset Management Review: Features, Benefits and Limitations 

2) NinjaOne

NinjaOne started as a remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool, now supports Mac patch management as part of its cross-platform approach.

• How it handles updates: Through MDM policies, NinjaOne can push macOS updates on schedule. You set when and how updates should install.
• Apps and third-party software: NinjaOne has a third-party app patching catalog, though the size and depth for macOS isn’t always as clear as for Windows.
• Pros: Unified dashboard for Windows, Linux, and Mac; simple to set up policies.
• Cons: Catalog depth for Mac is less transparent, and real-world results can vary—testing is important.
• Best fit: Companies running a mix of operating systems that want one console to manage everything.

3) Munki

Munki is the outlier here. It’s open source, free to use, and widely adopted by Mac-heavy IT teams who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves.

• How it handles updates: Munki is excellent for managing apps. You build and host your own app packages, and Munki installs or updates them automatically.
• Apple OS updates: On Intel Macs, Munki could install Apple updates directly. On Apple silicon, it mainly prompts users to run updates themselves, so you’ll still need an MDM for full OS enforcement.
• Pros: No licensing costs, complete control, very flexible.
• Cons: Steeper learning curve, packaging work required, relies on a separate MDM for OS updates.
• Best fit: Organizations with Mac-savvy IT teams that want open-source flexibility and are comfortable pairing it with another tool for OS patches.

Learn more: What Is Asset Management IT Open Source?

4) Automox

Automox takes a cloud-first, agent-based approach and supports Windows, Linux, and Mac. It stands out for its automation and scripting power.

• How it handles updates: The Automox agent can install macOS updates, though on Apple silicon it may require a one-time user approval for system access.
• Apps and third-party software: Automox has one of the largest published catalogs—hundreds of titles—and you can also write custom “Worklets” (scripts) to patch almost anything.
• Pros: Broad catalog, strong automation, works well for remote devices outside the corporate network.
• Cons: Extra steps needed on Apple silicon; niche apps may still require custom scripts.
• Best fit: Companies with mixed fleets and remote workers that need automation and flexibility.

5) Pulseway

Pulseway is another RMM platform that includes Mac patch management and other operating systems.

• How it handles updates: You can create patch policies that push both macOS updates and app patches to your devices.
• Apps and third-party software: Pulseway’s catalog covers hundreds of applications and continues to grow.
• Pros: Easy policy setup, expanding app catalog, unified with other IT management features.
• Cons: Catalog for Mac is still maturing; reporting isn’t always as detailed as Jamf or Automox.
• Best fit: MSPs and IT teams already using Pulseway who want to include Macs in their existing patching setup.

Patch Management to ITAM

Effective patch management is a critical component of IT Asset Management (ITAM). By keeping software up-to-date and secure, you not only protect your devices from vulnerabilities but also ensure your IT assets are compliant with company policies and regulatory requirements. If you’re managing a fleet of Macs, integrating patch management tools with your ITAM strategy ensures better visibility, control, and a more streamlined process for managing assets throughout their lifecycle.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Mac patch management tool is crucial for maintaining security, reducing downtime, and ensuring smooth workflows across your organization. While Apple provides the foundation for updates, the right tool can give you the control, visibility, and automation needed to streamline the process and prevent vulnerabilities.