Apps and helpers
What is Autoupdate?
Autoupdate is part of Sparkle, an open-source update framework that many Mac apps use. In most apps, the app itself downloads the update, and Sparkle's installer then puts it in place.
Short answer
Part of Sparkle, an open-source update framework that many Mac apps include. It installs an update after the app downloads it.
Safe to block
Safe to block for a while. The app keeps working, but it stops updating. Turn off automatic downloads in the app instead.
- Path
/Applications/<App>.app/Contents/Frameworks/Sparkle.framework/Versions/B/Autoupdate- Signing identifier
org.sparkle-project.Sparkle.Updater
What it is
Sparkle's documentation says that it checks for updates in the background once every 24 hours by default. The app reads a feed of versions, called an appcast.
Sparkle's installer tools, such as Autoupdate and Updater, install the update after the download.
Sparkle says that sandboxed apps without network access can use a separate Downloader XPC service.
Each app includes its own copy of Sparkle, so each one checks for its own updates.
Sparkle tells developers to serve updates over HTTPS and to sign them with Sparkle's EdDSA (ed25519) signature. Its tool can also make delta files for faster incremental updates.
Why it uses the network
- Update checks and downloads. The app checks its appcast and downloads new versions. This traffic usually shows under the app itself.
- A Downloader service. Sparkle says that sandboxed apps without network access use a Downloader XPC service. Then the download shows under Downloader.
How much is normal
Each app that uses Sparkle checks once a day by default. The checks are small.
Downloads happen when a new version comes out. Their size is the size of the app.
Autoupdate itself runs briefly, to install.
When it uses a lot, and why
- Many apps updating. If you have many apps with Sparkle, their updates can arrive on the same day.
- Large apps. Big apps download big updates. Apps that publish delta updates download less.
Is it safe to block?
Safe to block
Safe to block for a while. The app keeps working, but it stops updating. Turn off automatic downloads in the app instead.
What breaks if you block it
- The app can't install its updates, so security fixes wait.
- Each app's check for updates fails while it's blocked.
Blocking means a firewall rule that refuses its connections. Don’t quit or disable a macOS process to save data: macOS starts it again, and other features depend on it.
Reduce its use
Open the app's settings. Many apps that use Sparkle have options to check for and download updates automatically.
Turn off automatic downloads while you are on a hotspot. Update later on your usual network.
See how much it uses
Open Activity Monitor from Applications › Utilities. Click Network.
Type
Autoupdatein the search field. The Sent Bytes and Rcvd Bytes columns show what it moved since it started.In Terminal, watch only this process. Press d to show the change per second, and q to quit.
nettop -p 'Autoupdate' -P
With Kilobat
With Pro and the network filter, Kilobat pauses Sparkle's helpers on metered networks. The app keeps working.
kilobat updatersWhen the app downloads its update in its own process, Kilobat can only block the whole app.
Ask the same question in Terminal.
kilobat explain Autoupdate
The live view and the explanations are free. History in the app needs Kilobat Pro. Blocking needs Pro and the network filter: see the network filter, Protection and the hotspot data saver.
Questions
Is Autoupdate from Apple?
No. It comes from Sparkle, an open-source framework. Each app that uses Sparkle includes its own copy.
How do I check one app for updates now?
Sparkle's setup guide has developers add a Check for Updates menu item to the application menu. Use it on your usual network.
Does Kilobat use Sparkle?
Yes. Kilobat updates itself with Sparkle.
Sources
- Sparkle documentation: Basic setup
- Sparkle documentation: Sandboxing
- Kilobat docs: Pausing updaters on metered networks
Checked on 1 November 2026.