UpdateKit
UpdateKit is a native macOS update manager that finds every app on your Mac via the LaunchServices API, checks for updates from Sparkle appcasts and GitHub Releases, and flags known security vulnerabilities using the NIST NVD CVE database — surfacing critical patches first. Installs are transactional: a privileged helper handles the destructive replace atomically, with rollback on failure and orphan recovery if anything crashes mid-update. Local-first SQLite database, no accounts, no telemetry. Free to download. Founders Edition Pro license ($19, lifetime) supports development and unlocks future Pro features as they ship — starting with Guardian Mode for managing updates on a family member's Mac (v1.1).
A native macOS update manager built to replace MacUpdater after its shutdown. Automated app discovery (no manual curation), NIST CVE/NVD security integration with CVSS-based prioritization, transactional installs with atomic helper-side rollback, and a privacy-respecting local SQLite database. Sources updates from Sparkle appcasts and GitHub Releases (curated community database with 20 popular apps at launch). Free to download. The optional Founders Edition Pro license is a one-time $19 purchase that supports continued development and includes lifetime access to all Pro features as they ship.
## key-features
- ✓Automated app discovery via the LaunchServices API — finds every app you have installed
- ✓Security-first CVE prioritization using the NIST NVD database — critical vulnerabilities surfaced first
- ✓Transactional installs with atomic rollback — never leaves you with a half-installed app
- ✓Helper-managed backups in a root-owned location — rollback works even for admin-owned apps
- ✓Sparkle appcast support — automatic for any app that ships with Sparkle
- ✓GitHub Releases support — community-curated database covering 20 popular open-source apps
- ✓Local-first SQLite database — no accounts, no cloud sync, no telemetry
- ✓Dashboard and analytics — patching status at a glance, unused-app detection, one-click uninstall
- ✓CLI companion — terminal-based scanning and status checks for scripting and CI
- ✓Accessibility-first — VoiceOver labels, color-blind-friendly severity badges, state-aware dock icon
- ✓Signed, notarized, and stapled with Apple Developer ID — no Gatekeeper warnings
- ▸UpdateKit-1.0.0.dmg — Native macOS desktop application (signed + notarized + stapled)
- ▸Free tier — full update manager + CVE alerts + dashboard + CLI, no license required
- ▸Founders Edition Pro license (optional, $19) — emailed after purchase, unlocks future Pro features as they ship
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The full update manager (discovery, CVE alerts, transactional installs, dashboard, CLI) is free. No license required for the base download.
## goes-well-with
From the same shelf
## not-ready-to-buy
Take the field notes instead
One practical write-up a week from the same workbench these kits come from — plus reader pricing when new kits ship.