You can search for it on Spotlight or click the Apple logo → App Store. Whether you unknowingly started a download or simply didn’t need the app anymore, you can cancel an app download or update. How to stop app downloads or updates from Mac App Store If you ever find yourself in the middle of downloading or updating an app from the Mac App Store and regret it, don’t worry-Apple makes canceling downloads and updates pretty simple. Apps make life so convenient and efficient, but sometimes they can be a pain.