In summary:
- Apple released surprise updates including macOS 11.7.11, watchOS 10.6.2, and watchOS 9.6.4 to maintain FaceTime and Messages functionality on older devices.
- Macworld reports these updates revise certificates for essential communication apps that were set to expire in January 2027.
- The updates demonstrate Apple’s continued commitment to supporting older operating systems with critical security and operability patches.
Apple on Monday released macOS 11.7.11, watchOS 10.6.2, and watchOS 9.6.4, versions of the operating systems for older Macs and Apple Watches. L
ike the older iOS updates last week, they revise the certificate in the operating system so that FaceTime and Messages continue to work. The new certificate is set to expire in January 2027. It’s not clear why Apple didn’t release updates to macOS 12 or 13, but they have presumably been updated previously with the certificate.
Apple also released macOS Catalina Security Update 2026-001 and watchOS 6.3.1, as well as a revised iOS 16.7.14 update to replace iOS 16.7.13 that had a network issue last week.
To install the update on the Mac, go to Software Update in System Preferences. The update for Apple Watch can be installed through the Apple Watch app on the iPhone.
Apple stopped providing support for macOS 11 Big Sur in 2023, though it will issue updates to continue operability for some features and for security fixes. Apple still provides support for watchOS 9 (released in 2022) and watchOS 10 (released in 2023). watchOS 6, which was released in 2019, no longer receives regular updates.
Author: Roman Loyola, Senior Editor, Macworld
Roman is a Macworld Senior Editor with over 30 years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem. He is also the host of the Macworld Podcast. His career started at MacUser, where he received Apple certification as a repair technician (when Apple did that kind of thing). He's also worked for MacAddict, MacLife, and TechTV.