I'm currently downloading the update for iMovie (2 GB) and Xcode (3.5 GB). Other similiar producs are maybe several 100 MBs, but for the full software, not just an update.
- What makes those updates so extremely large?
- Do they typically
replace existing files or do they actually consume additional 2 or 3 GB on my harddisk?
Best Answer
Almost all apps downloaded from the Apps Store are full (self-containing) updates or upgrades. They completely replace the updated app.
The only exception updating your system with the App Store.app are security updates (e.g Security Update 2015-002) or system updates (e.g. System Update 10.11.1 or Combo Update 10.10.5) which don't necessarily replace an app/framework/resource but often only parts of it.