Updating python on macOS

Solution 1:

Another option is to use the Anaconda distribution of Python3. This along with Anaconda will provide you with Python 3.8. Python should be run in virtual environments and these are simple to manage in Anaconda. Anaconda comes with several data analysis tools if you are interested in that.

Solution 2:

You can easily install any new version of python you wish; and you cannot remove the system python.

macOS traditionally comes with python2. You can install a newer version of python2, and choose whether you use the system python or the newer version by how you call it, or by the first line of your script. Using /usr/bin/python will use the system python, necessary for compatability; and using /usr/bin/env python will use the newer installed python.

You can install python3, and then call it using python3.