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Apple Releases OS X 10.10.1, iOS 8.1.1, and Apple TV 7.0.2

If you’ve harbored any illusions about how completely Apple is trying to integrate its operating systems, these updates should dispel them. In one fell swoop, Apple today updated OS X Yosemite to 10.10.1, iOS to 8.1.1, and Apple TV to 7.0.2, with many of the same security fixes in each.

OS X Yosemite — The 311 MB OS X 10.10.1 Update is available via Software Update, and should be available soon from Apple’s Support Downloads Web site. OS X 10.10.1 does the following:

  • Improves Wi-Fi reliability

  • Improves reliability when connecting to a Microsoft Exchange server

  • Resolves an issue that could prevent Mail from sending messages through certain email service providers

  • Addresses an issue that could prevent connections to remote computers using Back to My Mac

  • Resolves an issue where sharing services, Notification Center widgets, and Actions may not be available

  • Addresses an issue that could cause Notification Center settings to be lost after restart

  • Addresses an issue that might prevent the Mac App Store from displaying certain updates

  • Addresses an issue that could prevent some Mac mini computers from waking from sleep

  • Resolves an issue that might prevent Time Machine from displaying older backups

  • Addresses an issue that might prevent entering text in Japanese

In addition, security fixes in 10.10.1 include better cache clearing after leaving private browsing mode, stripping of approximate location information uploaded to the Spotlight Suggestions server before a query was made, removal of unnecessary cookies sent to Apple’s servers when viewing About This Mac, and improved memory management in WebKit to prevent potential exploits.

After updating, you’ll be prompted for your iCloud password, asked to agree to the usual legalese that no one has ever read, and see a screen that claims it’s setting up your Mac.

iOS 8 — Release notes for iOS 8.1.1 are sparse: “This release includes bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.” Performance improvements for those older models — and hopefully the similar iPad mini and fifth-generation iPod touch — will be welcome. We’ve also heard that Share sheets no longer lose the user-specified order of extensions.

You can install the iOS 8.1.1 update either via connecting to your computer and using iTunes or wirelessly via Settings > General > Software Update. The update is reported to be anywhere from 64 MB to 364 MB, depending on iOS device model. In general, for small updates like this, it’s fine to update directly on the device; for major updates like the jump from iOS 7 to iOS 8, it’s better to install via iTunes. Either way, make sure you have a backup first, either to iTunes or iCloud.

iOS 8.1.1 also includes a number of security improvements:

  • A change in caching behavior to preserve private browsing mode privacy

  • A fix for an issue that could let a local user execute unsigned code

  • Prevention of arbitrary code execution by malicious applications

  • A fix for a workaround that would allow an attacker to exceed the maximum number of failed passcode attempts

  • A fix for an issue that could allow anyone to access your photos while the device is locked

  • Stripping of approximate location information uploaded to the Spotlight Suggestions server before a query was made

  • Improved memory management in WebKit to prevent potential exploits

After updating, just as with OS X 10.10.1, you may be prompted for your iCloud password, along with a few other housekeeping questions.

Apple TV — The Apple TV was also updated to version 7.0.2 with a few security fixes that prevent an attacker from running malicious code on the streaming media device. We aren’t aware of any other changes at the moment, but if you find any, let us know in the comments.

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