Apple has released an update for Mac OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” which is available for download through the Software Update system preference and through the Apple Web site.

The Snow Leopard Graphics Update contains stability and performance fixes for graphics applications and games, according to Apple. Specific fixes address frame rate problems identified in Portal and Team Fortress 2 on certain Macs – a problem specifically identified by game publisher Valve Software.

The software update also resolves a problem that could cause Aperture, Apple’s pro photo editing and cataloging application, and Blizzard Entertainment’s video game StarCraft II, to unexpectedly quit or become unresponsive.