M3 Max won't update past 15.4.1

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Created 1d

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So I have an M3 Max MBP which I was planning on taking out to use while my son had his 4-hours-long archery class, but I've been using the Studio (running Tahoe) for development, and the version of Xcode running on there is too new for the version running on the MBP.

So I try to update the MBP, but Settings thinks it's up to date:

Screenshot 2026-01-17 at 10.47.32.png

This is an M3 Max...

Screenshot 2026-01-17 at 10.48.26.png

so that seems ... unlikely. I've tried rebooting the thing, I've tried clicking any number of times on the 'check for updates' button, but no joy. Anyone got any pointers ?

Answered by SpacedCowboy in 872844022

Thanks - there's no profiles, I checked anyway but this is my own machine, and I wouldn't install anything that wanted to enable "management" like that.

Disk Utility couldn't find anything wrong with the disk, so I'm in the middle of triggering a Time Machine backup before going for the nuclear option of reinstalling the OS.

As it turns out, I could use the older Xcode (the one the App Store would let me download for 15.4.1) on the MBP to work with the project I'd been working on the Studio with, so no real problem this time around - still not really sure why the MBP OS is being stubborn though.

Thanks again :)

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Answer 1

darkpaw OP

1d

Do you have any profiles installed that would prevent installing a newer version? Have a look in the Settings app > General > Device Management.

If not, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disc. Then try Software Update again.

If that still doesn't help, try reinstalling macOS from the Options menu:

Backup your Mac (just in case).
Shut it down.
Boot it up by holding down the power button. Don't release the button until you see the boot menu.
Click on the Options item, and choose to reinstall macOS. This will reinstall macOS over the top of the existing install. It won't affect your user data, but I suggest you backup your Mac just in case.
Once reinstalled, try Software Update again.

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Answer 2

SpacedCowboy OP

1d

Accepted Answer

Thanks - there's no profiles, I checked anyway but this is my own machine, and I wouldn't install anything that wanted to enable "management" like that.

Disk Utility couldn't find anything wrong with the disk, so I'm in the middle of triggering a Time Machine backup before going for the nuclear option of reinstalling the OS.

As it turns out, I could use the older Xcode (the one the App Store would let me download for 15.4.1) on the MBP to work with the project I'd been working on the Studio with, so no real problem this time around - still not really sure why the MBP OS is being stubborn though.

Thanks again :)

0