Enable ListItem SystemUpdate via CSOM
SystemUpdate for List Item is not supported in CSOM today. If we update the metadata, it creates a new version and triggers workflows. We have to use Server Side Object Model via OnPremise SharePoint or Sandbox solutions for one of our scenarios requiring SystemUpdate.
Adding support, say for Site Collection Admin accounts only, will bring CSOM closer to being on part with Server Side Object Model.

We are happy to provide this update as part of the SPO CSOM updates released late August 2016. See more details from following blog post – dev.office.com/blogs/new-sharepoint-csom-version-released-for-Office-365-august-2016-updated.
Thanks for providing your valuable input on the needed APIs and product capabilities.
3 comments
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Vinay Bhatia commented
Also, will like MS to clarify if there are any minimal permissions required to call SystemUpdate.
I have only Contribute permissions on a Site, and am able to call SystemUpdate. -
Vinay Bhatia commented
Results are mixed.
We did some testing on our environment with CSOM System Update.
It does not create a new version, updated last modified values or trigger alerts on the list.
However, it is triggering workflows on the SharePoint List Item. Need MS to clarify if this is as expected or a bug. -
Vinay Bhatia commented
Thank You Microsoft for finally having this in CSOM