Install the Latest Python on macOS (M1/M2/M3) in Minutes

Prerequisites

MacBook running macOS (including Intel, M1, M2, M3, M4) with administrator access.

Check pre‑installed Python version

Open Terminal (⌘+Space, type “Terminal”) and run

python3 --version

. If a version such as

Python 3.x.x

appears, Python 3 is already present; otherwise you need to install it.

If a dialog asks to install the Command Line Tools, click “Install” and wait for the download.

Install Homebrew (macOS package manager)

Run the following command in Terminal:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Follow the on‑screen prompts, entering your password when requested.

Verify the installation with

brew --version

. If an older version is reported, update Homebrew:

brew update

Install the latest Python via Homebrew

In Terminal run:

brew install python

Wait for the process to finish, then confirm the installed version (e.g., Python 3.13) with:

python3.13 --version

Check that pip is available:

pip3 --version

Add Python to PATH (if necessary)

Edit your shell profile (

~/.zshrc

for Zsh or

~/.bash_profile

for Bash) and append:

export PATH="/usr/local/opt/python/libexec/bin:$PATH"

Save the file and reload the profile:

source ~/.zshrc

Verify the change with

python3 --version

.

Install optional Python libraries

Common libraries include NumPy, Pandas, Flask, and Matplotlib. Install any library with:

pip3 install library_name

Choose an IDE (optional)

Beginner‑friendly IDEs: GeeksforGeeks IDE, Visual Studio Code, PyCharm.

Common issues and troubleshooting

“command not found” – ensure Homebrew is installed and Python is on PATH.

Installation incomplete – reinstall with

brew reinstall python

.

Homebrew errors – run

brew doctor

and follow the suggestions.

FAQ

Run Python in Terminal with

python3

and exit with

exit()

.

Install a specific version (e.g., 3.13) from the official Python website.

Verify installations with

python3 --version

or

pip3 --version

.