While Apple offers macOS updates through the Software Update menu in the System Preferences app, users can also download the same updates as a standalone installation package from Apple’s website. However, the company appears to have discontinued standalone delta and combo updates with macOS Big Sur.
As first noted by Mr. Macintosh and then divided by The Eclectic Light CompanyApple has not provided downloadable update packages for macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 and macOS Big Sur 11.1.
No delta or combo updates have been released on the Apple Support website for the latest versions of macOS Big Sur so far, suggesting that users will now be forced to use the Software Update menu to update macOS.
Unless there is a strong argument for the recovery of standalone installer versions of Big Sur updates, it is very likely that none will be offered for download – as has already happened with the 11.0.1 and 11.1 updates.
Standalone update packages are useful for users with multiple Macs, as you can use the same update file for all machines without having to download the full 12GB macOS installer. Both delta and combo packages are offered in smaller files, as they contain only the files needed for that update.
For example, you can still find standalone updates for macOS Catalina on Apple’s website, but there’s nothing there for macOS Big Sur. The company has not confirmed that the update packages are gone for good, so there is still hope for those who rely on delta and combo updates.
If you think you “need individual downloads for Big Sur delta / combo updaters,” let Apple know. In the strongest possible terms, through Feedback, Apple Support and any other means available.
Have you often downloaded standalone macOS updates from the Apple Support website? Let us know in the comments below.
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