sparkle
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Description:
Software update framework for Cocoa developers
Type: Cask  |  Latest Version: 2.8.1@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Developer tools
Tags: macos cocoa updates developer-tools framework
Install: brew install --cask sparkle
About:
Sparkle is an open-source software update framework for macOS applications. It provides a secure and seamless way for developers to distribute updates directly to users. Its main value is enabling reliable, signed updates that integrate natively with the Cocoa ecosystem.
Key Features:
  • Delta updates to download only changed files
  • EdDSA signature verification for security
  • Native macOS UI with customizable appearance
  • Support for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
  • Automatic and user-controlled update installation
Use Cases:
  • Distributing updates for native macOS applications
  • Embedding update functionality into commercial or open-source software
Alternatives:
  • Sparkle 1.x – Legacy version with older security model; 2.x is a modern rewrite with improved security and performance
  • Electron AutoUpdater – Built-in for Electron apps; Sparkle is preferred for native Cocoa apps
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 16, 2025 7:48am 2.8.0 0 VERSION_BUMP a6832334
Sep 15, 2025 1:04pm 2.7.3 0 VERSION_BUMP af2b355e
Sep 9, 2025 2:01pm 2.7.3 0 VERSION_BUMP 1d220d63
Sep 8, 2025 7:31am 2.7.2 0 VERSION_BUMP f5c21dc9
Jul 1, 2024 1:03am 2.6.4 0 VERSION_BUMP 22b58f5d