FreshenApp

One view of your Mac app updates from Homebrew, Sparkle and more.

macOS Released
Download FreshenApp

Version 1.1.2. macOS 26.0 or later. Apple Silicon and Intel.

If you have 1.0.4, download 1.1.2 once from this page because the old built-in updater can't verify its new signing key.

What it does

Stop checking multiple sources for app updates. FreshenApp gathers them into a single menu bar panel and installs many of them for you.

  • One-click Sparkle updates

    Apps that use Sparkle update from inside FreshenApp. It downloads and verifies the update, then installs it and relaunches the app.

  • Update all Homebrew

    Update all your Homebrew apps and tools at once. FreshenApp tracks each one until the new version is in place.

  • Microsoft Office

    Office updates through Microsoft AutoUpdate.

  • App Store and Creative Cloud

    With mas installed, App Store updates run in Terminal, where mas asks for your password. Without it, App Store apps hand off to the App Store. Adobe apps hand off to Creative Cloud.

  • Change summaries

    Two-line change summaries, written on your Mac where Apple Intelligence is available. Without it, you see the first lines of the release notes.

  • Unverified updates shown separately

    Updates FreshenApp can't confirm are marked Unverified. Apps it couldn't check are listed as such instead of shown as up to date.

  • Update notifications

    Get notified when new updates are found.

  • Scheduled scans

    Set daily or weekly automatic scans to stay on top of updates without thinking about it.

  • Skip versions

    Not ready to update? Skip specific versions and you'll be reminded when the next one arrives.

  • Ignore apps

    Hide apps you don't want to track. Manage your ignore list any time in settings.

Privacy

Your data never leaves your Mac. The only network activity is checking public update sources and downloading the updates you install.

Requirements

  • macOS 26.0 (Tahoe) or later
  • Apple Silicon or Intel Mac
  • Homebrew (optional, but recommended)
  • Needs an internet connection to check for updates. No personal information is sent.

How it works

  1. Install and launch

    Download the DMG and run the installer inside it. FreshenApp appears in your menu bar as a circular arrows icon.

  2. Check now

    Click Check now to find your installed apps and check each one against its update sources.

  3. Update

    Each app with an update shows one button for its next step. Update installs it in place. Other apps open the App Store or Creative Cloud, or download the new version.

Update sources

Sparkle feeds
Many apps use Sparkle for updates. FreshenApp reads their feeds and follows the beta or daily channel an app is set to. Updates install in place.
Homebrew
Casks and formulae Homebrew manages. Update all Homebrew upgrades them together in Terminal.
App Store
Versions come from the App Store listing. With mas installed, App Store updates run in Terminal, where mas asks for your password. Without it, App Store apps hand off to the App Store. Listings shared with iPhone and iPad can't always be confirmed for the Mac, so those are marked Unverified.
Microsoft
Office updates through Microsoft AutoUpdate.
Vendor feeds
Some apps publish their own update feeds, such as Docker and Chrome.
Creative Cloud
Adobe apps update through Creative Cloud. FreshenApp opens it for you.

Support development

FreshenApp is free to use. If you find it helpful, you can buy me a coffee. Payments are processed by Stripe.