Apple has released OS X 10.9.3 for Mac users running Mavericks. The software update includes a variety of bug fixes, security enhancements, and feature improvements to OS X, making it recommended for all Mac users running OS X Mavericks. Additionally, iTunes 11.2.1 has been made available as a separate update.

Specifically, OS X 10.9.3 includes improved support for 4K displays attached to Mac Pro and MacBook Pro Retina Macs, improvements to the stability of VPN connections using IPSec, a Safari update, and the ability to locally sync some data with iOS devices via USB.



The latter feature addition is perhaps most notable for many Mac users, because it allows for the ability for contacts and calendars to sync directly from an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to a Mac using a USB connection, something that was initially removed from OS X Mavericks in favor of iCloud only syncing. Now, Mac users have the choice to sync that data locally, or continue to sync it through iCloud, depending on their personal preferences.

Download & Install OS X 10.9.3 Update

Always back up your Mac before installing system updates. As usual, the easiest way to do that is with Time Machine, just start a backup and let it complete before proceeding with the update.

Go to the  Apple menu and choose “Software Update” to launch the Mac App Store Wait for OS X 10.9.3 to appear in the Updates list (hit Command+R to refresh if it doesn’t appear) and choose ‘Update’

Installing 10.9.3 requires a download and reboot, the package size varies depending on the Mac being installed on, but should be roughly 400-500MB.

For users who don’t want to update through the App Store, OS X 10.9.3 Combo Updaters will be made available shortly from Apple.

OS X 10.9.3 Release Notes

Complete release notes accompanying OS X 10.9.3 in the Mac App Store are as follows, full security releated release notes are further below:

The OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 Update is recommended for all Mavericks users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

This update: Improves 4K display support on Mac Pro (Late 2013) and MacBook Pro with 15-inch Retina Display (Late 2013)

Adds the ability to sync contacts and calendars between a Mac and iOS device using a USB connection

Improves the reliability of VPN connections using IPsec

Resolves an issue that prevented Font Book from installing PostScript Type 1 fonts

Improves reliability of copying, editing and inspecting permissions of files on an SMB file server

Improves reliability of network home directories

Improves stability when installing configuration profiles

Improves login speed for users in Active Directory groups

Includes Safari 7.0.3 For detailed information about this update, please visit:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6228

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Separately, for users who are not running OS X Mavericks, Security Updates are available for OS X Lion and OS X Mountain Lion. This allows those users to install necessary security patches without having to upgrade their broader Mac OS. (Despite a contrary report, this may not be the case beyond iTunes 11.2. The latest version of Security Updates for older versions of OS X can be found here http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1222 – thanks to Beebs for pointing this out)

iTunes 11.2 Update Available Also

Mac users can also find iTunes 11.2 available via the Mac App Store software update mechanism. The iTunes 11.2 update includes bug fixes and performance updates, and also improvements podcast support and browsing.

Release Notes for iTunes 11.2 are as follows:

This update includes the following improvements: Improved Podcast Browsing

• Quickly find episodes you haven’t listened to in the new Unplayed tab

• Browse episodes that are available to download or stream in the Feed tab

• Save your favorite episodes to keep them on your computer

• Episodes can now be automatically deleted after you play them This update also resolves an issue where iTunes may become unresponsive when updating Genius and improves overall performance and stability. Podcasts for iOS 2.1 or later is recommended when syncing podcast episodes.

In order to sync an iOS device Contacts and Calendars to a Mac through USB, users will need to install the iTunes 11.2 update first.

Both OS X 10.9.3 and iTunes 11.2 are recommended for all Mac users.

Note: Some Mac users have discovered the /Users folder goes missing after updating to OS X 10.9.3, here’s a solution to that if it happens to you.

Update 5/16/2014: iTunes 11.2.1 is now available to resolve the aforementioned /Users folder bug where that directory turned hidden unexpectedly. Installing iTunes 11.2.1 is highly recommended to avoid any problems.