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Category: iPhone, iPad, & iOS

Adam Engst 44 comments

Apple’s End-of-Year OS Updates Add Promised Features, Security Updates

Apple has released iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS 14.2 Sonoma, watchOS 10.2, and tvOS 17.2 with notable improvements and several features promised early in the year. HomePod Software 17.2 received only unspecified bug fixes. Apple also published security updates for iOS 16.7.3, iPadOS 16.7.3, macOS 13.6.3 Ventura, and macOS 12.7.2 Monterey.

Adam Engst 40 comments

How I Use the iPhone to Listen to Music While Biking

Given New York State laws against biking with a pair of earbuds, Adam Engst explores other options and settles on a handlebar mount for his iPhone, discovering that it also provides a perfect opportunity for reading song lyrics.

Adam Engst 14 comments

WebKit Zero-Day Vulnerabilities Prompt iOS 17.1.2, iPadOS 17.1.2, macOS 14.1.2, and Safari 17.1.2

Apple has released updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Safari to block a pair of WebKit vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild. Don’t panic, but update soon.

Adam Engst No comments

Apple Extends Free Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14 Users for Another Year

Apple promised its Emergency SOS via satellite service would be free for two years when it launched for the iPhone 14 lineup in November 2022. The company has now given itself more time to figure out how to charge by extending free service through November 2025.

Adam Engst 13 comments

Apple Squashes Bugs with iOS 17.1.1, iPadOS 17.1.1, macOS 14.1.1, macOS 13.6.2, watchOS 10.1.1, and HomePod Software 17.1.1

If you have experienced issues with Apple Pay after wirelessly charging your iPhone 15 in your car, Photoshop tools, update problems with M-series MacBook Pros or the M3 iMac, Apple Watch battery drain, or Siri not paying attention on your HomePod, these updates promise to help.

Adam Engst 2 comments

Security Fixes Appear in iOS/iPadOS 16.7.2 and 15.8, Plus macOS 13.6.1 and 12.7.1

A set of security updates for the last two releases of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS address various vulnerabilities. 

Adam Engst 35 comments

Apple Releases iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, macOS 14.1 Sonoma, watchOS 10.1, tvOS 17.1, and HomePod Software 17.1

The X.1 updates to Apple’s latest crop of operating systems are out with bug fixes and a couple of features that didn’t ship in the initial releases, such as the watchOS double-tap gesture. And plenty of security fixes. As always.

Adam Engst 8 comments

Apple Expands Apple Pencil Lineup with USB-C Model

Apple has unveiled a third—but not the third-generation—Apple Pencil. The new USB-C Apple Pencil is cheaper than the previous models and features USB-C charging but lacks pressure sensitivity.

Adam Engst 16 comments

Nighttime Power Cycling Bug Afflicts iPhones and iPads

Some users have awoken to their iPhones and iPads asking for a passcode due to an unprompted restart the night before. Many people may not care what their device does at night, but beware that it could prevent alarms from triggering and block emergency calls.

Adam Engst 21 comments

iPhone Recommendations for Senior Citizens

Many people find themselves helping older friends or family members with reduced physical or cognitive capabilities. Adam Engst distills advice from a pair of TidBITS Talk discussions that asked about the best iPhone and simplifying the iPhone experience for older people.

Adam Engst No comments

iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 Offer Two Security Fixes

Apple has updated iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 with fixes for the vulnerabilities addressed in iOS 17.0.3 and iPadOS 17.0.3. You don’t need to rush to update unless you work in a large business or government agency.

Glenn Fleishman 23 comments

iOS 17’s Check In Feature Provides Peace of Mind and Could Even Save Lives

Glenn Fleishman explores iOS 17’s new Check In feature, which lets you specify someone as a temporary safety partner who can confirm you got where you intended to to go. It’s a welcome addition to Apple’s collection of features aimed at increasing personal safety.

Adam Engst 9 comments

iOS 17.0.3 Addresses iPhone 15 Overheating Issue and Security Vulnerabilities

Apple has made good on a promise to update iOS 17 to respond to a bug that could cause overheating, particularly in the iPhone 15. The update also blocks several security vulnerabilities, one of which has been exploited in the wild.

Adam Engst 17 comments

Do You Use It? iPhone Always-On Display Popular but Not Universal

The results of our poll of iPhone 14 Pro users are in, with two-thirds of respondents saying they keep the Always-On enabled. The remaining third cited distractions and reduced battery life as their reasons for turning it off.

Adam Engst 7 comments

iFixit Puts Apple’s FineWoven Case Under the Microscope

Curious about Apple’s FineWoven fabric? iFixit looks at the FineWoven iPhone case under a high-powered microscope before and after subjecting it to scratches, liquids, and more.