CoreCode has announced that it will cease the development of MacUpdater starting January 1, 2026. This handy, key software for keeping Mac apps updated is now up for sale. It has been deemed essential for those who like their applications current.
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A Benchmark Tool for macOS Users
Introduced in 2017 by CoreCode, a company already known for its macOS utilities, MacUpdater quickly became a favorite among meticulous users. The software provided a simple yet crucial service: automatically checking for updates for applications installed both outside and within the Mac App Store, addressing a notable weakness of the Apple system.
A quick disk scan by the tool identified outdated versions and often facilitated direct updates, or if not, it redirected users to the developers’ websites. I have been using this software myself for years.
The free version allowed up to ten updates, after which users needed to upgrade to the paid version. The business model was based on a one-time license fee without a subscription, which likely limited its profitability over the long haul. Despite this, with an impressive database (over 1.7 million version entries for 150,000 apps) and recognized reliability, MacUpdater had become an indispensable tool.
CoreCode Throws in the Towel but Opens the Door for Acquisition
In a statement, CoreCode has thus announced the discontinuation of active development of MacUpdater as of January 1, 2026. According to the Malta-based company, the technical challenge associated with developing this software is now “completely resolved,” and the issue is no longer about software but rather about sales and marketing. The team admits they are not cut out for long-term sales or marketing.
Instead of letting the product slowly fade away, CoreCode is putting MacUpdater, its code, its user base, and also opening up licensing opportunities for companies interested in the underlying technology up for sale. The company estimates that the software could generate about €300,000 per year under a subscription model, which is modest but with potential for growth, especially among professional clients, a market segment largely overlooked until now.
An Underexploited Technology
MacUpdater, often likened to an “AppCleaner for updates,” exemplifies a useful, unobtrusive, and well-maintained macOS software. The technical foundation, particularly the database, has been refined over eight years. For entities involved in MDM or Apple fleet management, this represents a serious opportunity: few professional tools achieve such a level of precision in application tracking. It remains to be seen if a publisher or startup will take up the mantle. Hopefully, someone will!