Like Pavlov's dogs and Skinner's subjects, I've been conditioned by Norton/Symantec's upgrade processes and their bells and whistles. When the bells and whistles are expected and none ever occur, it's very disconcerting.
I was on the previous version until a non-reboot update phase-one (Apply Now?) took place for 21.3.012. In the past, phase-two also included an 'Apply Now?', signifying a change to Support>About>Version. As I awaited phase two, the Version underwent the change without bells and whistles. In other words, I kept wondering why phase two hasn't taken place. When FileHippo offered the latest version for download, it forced me to look, and lo and behold, phase two took place.
SO, maybe my upgrade was indeed a one-phase process, where a subsequent reboot finalized it.
OR, maybe the varied upgrade processes are necessary to keep the predators at bay.
One would hope a product's interface with the customer(s) should be consistent.