Since our last issue of TidBITS, Apple has flooded us with newsworthy moves. First, the company replaced the iPad Air 2 with a new iPad for a surprisingly low price, tweaked the iPad mini line, added PRODUCT(RED) iPhone 7 models, and doubled the storage capacity of the iPhone SE. It also released updates to iOS 10, macOS 10.12, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10. The iOS 10.3 update is particularly notable because it introduces a new file system, the capability to track down lost AirPods, and other significant refinements. To top it all off, Apple purchased the iOS automation app Workflow, and Josh Centers ponders what that could mean for the future of Apple automation. Finally, Adam Engst explains why the Take Control Web site was briefly labeled as “Not Secure” by the Google Chrome Web browser. Notable software releases this week include iTunes 12.6, EagleFiler 1.7.5, GraphicConverter 10.4, HoudahGeo 5.1.8, PopChar X 7.7, and Default Folder X 5.1.4.
The iOS 10.3 update introduces huge new changes, such as the new APFS file system, AirPods support in Find My iPhone, cross-platform iTunes movie rentals, developer responses to App Store reviews, and more.
The most significant release of the day may have been iOS 10.3, but Apple showed some love to its other three operating systems as well, adding a new feature or two and providing some bug fixes and other under-the-hood improvements.
Apple has quietly released a cheaper 9.7-inch iPad to replace the aging iPad Air 2. The company also doubled the storage space for the iPad mini 4 and dropped the iPad mini 2.
Apple has released a new iPhone 7 color, doubled iPhone SE storage tiers, and rolled out new colors for iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.
Apple’s months-long saga involving automation has taken a twist with the company’s purchase of the popular iOS automation app Workflow.
For a few days recently, Google Chrome users were warned “Your connection is not private” when loading the Take Control Web site. Luckily, that statement was far more extreme than the reality, since Google was instead punishing a top-level certificate authority for bad behavior. Nonetheless, we had to switch to a new certificate authority quickly. Adam Engst tells the story.
Notable software releases this week include iTunes 12.6, EagleFiler 1.7.5, GraphicConverter 10.4, HoudahGeo 5.1.8, PopChar X 7.7, and Default Folder X 5.1.4.
In ExtraBITS this week, Apple has announced (but not released) Clips, a new social photo and video app, and the U.S. and UK have both banned large carry-on electronics from flights originating from several African and Middle Eastern countries.