Can IPSW be used to update macOS (and not restore) ?

[lemimouth]

A few months ago I did a clean install of Ventura by booting in DFU mode and restoring the IPSW firmware with Apple Configurator.

Can this method be used to only update Ventura (eg. from 13.1 to 13.2 RC), and not restoring the whole Mac ? I don't have a second Mac on hand and every information I find regarding IPSW is for restoring only

 

[chrfr]

A few months ago I did a clean install of Ventura by booting in DFU mode and restoring the IPSW firmware with Apple Configurator.

Can this method be used to only update Ventura (eg. from 13.1 to 13.2 RC), and not restoring the whole Mac ? I don't have a second Mac on hand and every information I find regarding IPSW is for restoring only

What you've read is correct. IPSW files cannot be used to update the OS unless you are doing a full restore.

 

[lemimouth]

That what I thought, thanks

 

[Enjoylife1788]

Is there any way to update a Mac without OTA? I mean with a complete file from App Store or IPSW also?

 

[galad]

Yes, download the full installer from the App Store or with softwareupdate cli command.

 

[chrfr]

Is there any way to update a Mac without OTA? I mean with a complete file from App Store or IPSW also?

The ipsw file is only useful to do a total erase and restore. It can’t be used for updating. You can download a full installer several ways, including the App Store to do an installation. The computer will still need to be connected to the internet during the installation process to activate, however, so a standalone installer can’t work fully offline, in case that’s something you want to do.