Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Can't Update to the macOS 15.4 RC? Here's Why

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,048
38,761


Some Mac users who have an M4 MacBook Air or M4 Max/M3 Ultra Mac Studio are unable to update to the latest macOS 15.4 beta that came out today, according to complaints on Reddit.

M4-MacBook-Air-13-and-15-inch-Feature.jpg

Multiple people have reported that attempting to download and install the macOS 15.4 release candidate results in an error message. "macOS could not be downloaded. Make sure you're connected to the internet and try again, or contact Apple support for assistance," reads the error.

It turns out that Apple failed to provide the appropriate decryption key for the M4 MacBook Air and Mac Studio models to install the update. Apple encrypts its software updates and a server-side decryption key is required for installation. The key for new Macs is not available from Apple's software server at this time.

If you have one of the new Macs that's running the software that it came with when it arrived, you won't be able to update to the macOS Sequoia 15.4 release candidate until Apple fixes the issue.

This problem will not affect new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models that were previously running macOS 15.4 beta 4, as these machines can install the release candidate.

Article Link: Can't Update to the macOS 15.4 RC? Here's Why
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/24/macos-sequoia-15-4-rc-installation-issue/
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: AAPLGeek and adrianlondon
MacRumors said:
Apple encrypts its software updates and a server-side decryption key is required for installation. The key for new Macs is not available from Apple's software server at this time.
Click to expand...
So Apple encrypts its own software, puts it on a server somewhere; then on another server elsewhere, puts a model-specific decryption key? What practical security does such a setup actually provide? Simply digitally signing an unencrypted update file would be sufficient. The client downloads it and checks the signature.
 
MacRumors said:
It turns out that Apple failed to provide the appropriate decryption key for the M4 MacBook Air and Mac Studio models to install the update. Apple encrypts its software updates and a server-side decryption key is required for installation. The key for new Macs is not available from Apple's software server at this time.
Click to expand...

And when I updated from Beta 3 to Beta 4 a week ago on my M3 iMac they also forgot the key for that Mac? I was not the only one, there were people with other Macs too. It was exactly the same problem. My M4 Pro mini did not have it at the same time.

The App Store still lists Beta 3 by the way if you search for macOS Sequoia Beta.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Janschi
Takeo Apple said:
LOL all those stupid comments about a Developer Beta RC - are you kidding me?
Click to expand...

An RC is the possible final version. Do you rather want to have its problems on official release day because no one noticed them before?

Also I don't see many comments here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: xyz01
Good to know about this. I would wait before installing. With the recent software issues, especially on iPads, not going to update my device immediately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mganu
Adora said:
An RC is the possible final version. Do you rather want to have its problems on official release day because no one noticed them before?

Also I don't see many comments here.
Click to expand...

True, but this is why Apple releases release canidates to developers / public testers. To check if everything is working correctly and, if not, fix the issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Martyimac
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back