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You can install Mac software from a developer’s website by opening the downloaded file and following the steps for its format: copy an app bundle to Applications if instructed, open a disk image and use its contents, or run a package installer. Before opening it, confirm you downloaded the genuine Mac version from a source you trust. macOS checks downloaded software, but a security check—or a successful launch—is not a guarantee that an app is safe.
Before you install: verify the download
Prefer the software developer’s genuine website and confirm that the download is intended for macOS. The Mac App Store is Apple’s safest place to get apps; a direct download has not necessarily undergone App Store review. macOS applies security checks to internet downloads too. Apple explains how these checks work.
Open Finder, select Downloads in the sidebar, and identify the file the developer supplied. It may be an app, a disk image, or an installer package. If the file or its source is unexpected, don’t open it.
Install according to the file type
If you downloaded a disk image (.dmg)
- In Finder, open Downloads and double-click the .dmg file. macOS mounts it as a volume.
- Open the mounted volume and follow the developer’s directions. If they say to install by copying the app, drag it to Applications.
- When you are finished, eject the mounted volume in Finder. Open the installed app from Applications, or as the developer directs.
A disk image is a container, not a promise that it contains an installer. Its contents and installation instructions can vary. Apple describes mounted disk images as volumes from which you can copy, move, or open files. See Apple’s internet and disc installation guide and its deployment guidance on app security.
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- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
If you downloaded a package (.pkg)
- In Downloads, double-click the package file, which typically looks like an open box.
- Follow the installer’s onscreen instructions. If double-clicking does not launch it, open the package directly and try again.
Do not drag a .pkg file into Applications as though it were an app. A package runs an installer that may place files in different locations. Apple’s installation guide covers package files.
If you downloaded a standalone app
- Follow the developer’s instructions. If they say to install by moving the app, drag it into the Applications folder in Finder.
- Open it from Applications or as the developer directs. macOS may ask you to approve opening downloaded software the first time.
Understand the security message before acting
Gatekeeper is macOS technology designed to help ensure that only trusted software runs on a Mac. For apps, plug-ins, and installer packages from outside the App Store, macOS checks the Developer ID signature to identify the developer and check that the software has not been altered. By default, macOS Catalina and later also require notarization. Apple says notarization means it checked the software for malicious content and detected none. These checks help identify known problems; they do not prove an app is harmless. Apple’s safety guidance and Mac app security documentation describe them.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
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- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
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A first-open confirmation
A prompt asking you to confirm that you want to open a new app from an identified developer is not the same as a warning that Apple cannot check it for malicious software. Read the message and make sure the app is the one you intended to open before confirming.
“Apple cannot check the app for malicious software”
Stop rather than dismissing this warning automatically. It means macOS cannot establish the relevant checks for the app. Apple says an app from an unknown developer has not been reviewed and that macOS cannot verify whether it has been modified or broken. First confirm that you deliberately downloaded the app from the developer’s genuine source and that the app’s identity and download match what you expected.
Rank #3
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
Apple warns that “Overriding security settings to open an app is the most common way that a Mac gets infected with malware.” Read Apple’s warning and instructions. If you cannot establish that the app is trustworthy and has not been tampered with, do not override the warning.
Consider a per-app override only if you are certain
If you have verified the source and are certain the app is trustworthy and unmodified, Apple’s instructions describe a temporary, per-app option:
Rank #4
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
- Try to open the app so macOS displays the warning.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings, then select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll to the Security section and select Open Anyway for the app.
- Confirm that you want to open it. macOS may ask for your login password.
The Open Anyway button is available for about an hour after the opening attempt, according to Apple’s Mac Help instructions. Labels and availability can vary by macOS version and security policy. Do not disable Gatekeeper globally or make bypassing warnings a routine installation step. On an organization-managed Mac, the option may be unavailable; contact your administrator instead. See Apple’s safe-opening guidance and its unknown-developer instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Remove an app you no longer need
If the app includes an uninstaller, use it. Otherwise, in Finder open Applications and drag the app to the Trash. Quit the app first if it is running. Emptying the Trash permanently removes it; files created with the app may no longer open. Some apps required by macOS cannot be removed. Apple’s installation and removal guide provides more detail.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FAST RUNS IN THE FAMILY — The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. With all-day battery life, double the starting storage,* and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display, it’s pro in every way.*
- BUCKLE UP — Along with a next-generation CPU, faster unified memory, and up to 2x faster SSD storage,* M5 Pro and M5 Max feature a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance and on-device training capabilities. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding on-device AI workloads like LLM inference and training. And Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.*
- MACOS RUNS APPS FAST — All your go-to apps run lightning fast in macOS, including built-in apps like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, built-in virus protection and free software updates help keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.
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