MacBook Air M4 users are currently grappling with an unexpected issue, believed to stem from an oversight by Apple. Many users are encountering a frustrating error message that reads: “macOS could not be downloaded. Make sure you’re connected to the internet and try again, or contact Apple support for assistance.”
This problem extends beyond just the M4 MacBook Air, as users of the M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio have reported facing the same challenges when attempting to download and install updates. According to reports, the root of the problem lies with Apple’s failure to provide the essential decryption key required for the M4 MacBook Air to successfully install the latest updates. Without this key, users are unable to proceed with the download.
Compounding the issue is the fact that there are currently no workarounds available. If your MacBook Air is still operating on the software version it was shipped with, you are prevented from updating to the macOS Sequoia 15.4 Release Candidate. However, users who were already running the beta version of macOS 15.4 beta 4 are not experiencing this issue and can upgrade to the Release Candidate without hindrance.
Additionally, it appears that older models of the MacBook Air are also unaffected by these complications. For those wondering, a Release Candidate (RC) is a nearly finalized version of software, typically featuring fewer glitches than a beta version. This version includes almost all the new features that will be part of the official update.
Unfortunately, for now, excited users will have to wait for Apple to resolve this bug before they can install the latest updates.